Jeshi: The new 'SAINT OR SINNER' anthem demands your endless repeat modes

If you know how I roll - I’m always riding for my London bruvs - always. So it’s no shocker I’m showing ample love over to hip-hop artist Jeshi and Sainté courtesy of highlighting their super fire ‘SAINT OR SINNER’ anthem ahead of a much-needed Airbag Woke Me Up studio album.

Jeshi completely delivers with the ‘SAINT OR SINNER’ single

The tune is such fire I can’t help but type out these words with it on repeat mode. But how about adding a little visual teaser, too? Say less.

London’s concept album King, Jeshi has dropped his new single “SAINT OR SINNER” featuring alternative rap talent Sainté. The futuristic production from JD. Reid, bb & RJ, creates a hazy, beautiful atmosphere on “SAINT OR SINNER”. Sainté, is the perfect collaborator to add to this musical vortex. 

At the core of Jeshi’s sophomore effort is dynamism; the harnessing of movement and his quest to feel alive in every sense of the word. This sentiment has always felt core to Jeshi’s artistic mission. This has never been as palpable as on Jeshi’s electrifying second album AIRBAG WOKE ME UP set to release on January 24 2025.

It’s a collection of moment-capturing songs built to ignite reactions and start conversations. His scene-stealing jaunts to stages worldwide clearly influence his live-wire sound. Jeshi and his cohort smash through moods and tempos like kids let loose on dodgem cars. “I want to make things that have intent and feel like statements,” Jeshi declares. His versatile voice is the conductive thread that pulls everything together. “On [debut album] Universal Credit, my voice was used in one way, whereas on this it’s used in ten ways,” he explains.

Creatively, Airbag Woke Me Up embraces the full range of production at Jeshi’s disposable and finds something amorphous and ever-changing. “SAINT OR SINNER” is a perfect representation of the dichotomy that his endless searching unearths. Represented by the title but also in the mood shift that takes place halfway through the track as we are pulled into a tone change by eerie bass keyboards. 

Jeshi elaborates on the new single, “‘SAINT OR SINNER’ is really about contrast and the lows inside of the highs we’ve been blessed with. It was sick linking up with Sainté for this as we were fans of each other for a minute, so it’s good to have him on the album. That switch at the end still gets me every time…” 

“SAINT OR SINNER” comes after the chaos capturing “HURRICANE”. A beautiful track with haunting vocals from London singer-songwriter LEILAH and mind-melting visuals from The Uncanny (Corteiz, New Balance). “HURRICANE” is about grappling with the mayhem of life, trying to tame it and struggling. 

Jeshi has jumped straight into releasing again after his 5 city and 7 date Australia & New Zealand tour and a packed London Fashion Week which included attending front row at shows by Ahluwalia, Fashion East, Labrum, Natasha Zinko as well as events with The Face, Slawn X Saatchi, Knwls, Jordan Luca & Wonderland. 

Jeshi’s authentic realism and self-understanding has made him beloved with fans and critics alike. Introspective without dwelling and honest without being glum, Jeshi finds a unique balance to reflect his perspective.

Jeshi's much-needed Universal Credit debut drops in 72 hours

Memorial Day Weekend is close-close and what better way to get excited than gearing up for Jeshi’s new studio album? Even better, how about gearing up for his official debut release?

Jeshi’s new Universal Credit album drops Friday

Barring any delays, the world will finally get to hear a full-length effort from the international hip-hop artist. The project comes stacked with anthems and some notably dope singles like his hit ‘Protein’ record.

This Friday May 27th, East London’s Jeshi proudly releases Universal Credit, his long-awaited debut album, on Because Music. The LP was preceded by a string of hype-building singles: “Protein” feat. Obongjayar, “3210” (along with the Ross From Friends remix), “Generation," “Hit By A Train,” and “Sick.”

On Universal Credit, Jeshi captures the young UK condition with his crisply enunciated English accent, a youth prophet for a new decade. For an album inspired by financial hardship and largely composed during the pandemic, the project can be as gloomy as its inspirations, yet at other turns becomes quite humorous and hopeful. Described by the Guardian as “ rival[ing] the Streets’ Original Pirate Material or Dizzee Rascal’s Boy in Da Corner for frank, sometimes bleak but often funny framings of UK city life,” its contents are considerate and insightful in its depictions of complicated realities.

Jeshi’s explanation for what you’re going to hear

No idea of what’s brewing for Jeshi? Just check out what he feels his new project is going to mean.

“People are often in a situation where they’re a couple of decisions away from tricky situations that are no fault of their own,” he says. “Life is difficult for everyone. It’s the pick of the draw.” 

And what else?

By focusing on the immediate world around him, including his own memories of being broke and unlucky, or simply trying to make sense of an unforgiving world, Jeshi has been able to make a wider statement. “I didn’t want it to be me saying ‘Look at the state of the country,’ he argues. “There’s no political messaging on there. I just wanted to take the phrase ‘Universal Credit’ and make it empowering. Putting some pride into words that often have been weaponized against people.” 

The ‘Protein’ music video

Over the past few weeks and months, Jeshi has put out ample tunes and visuals. One of his latest - 'Protein’ - really hits different and comes through as a must-hear and must-see.