Elzhi: The Detroit lyricist is packing major heat for a new 'Heavy Vibrato' album

Need some Midwest bars? Look no further than what hip-hop veteran Elzhi is serving up these days alongside hitmaker Oh No and their ‘Fireballs’ anthem. But it’s bigger than an audio gem, the duo are gearing up for a full-fledged Heavy Vibrato album.

Elzhi and Oh No’s ‘Heavy Vibrato’ album is coming

While the focus remains on the newly released ‘Fireballs’ single, there’s no doubting how much anticipation is building for a massive new album drop slated to arrive at the start of December.

Known for weaving together complex rhymes with style, Elzhi has been rapping circles around the competition for more than two decades.  After years as a member of iconic group Slum Village, Elzhi's impressive solo career has included projects produced by acclaimed artists like Black Milk, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Khrysis, and Will Sessions.  Now, the Detroit emcee is linking with California beat maestro Oh No for the new collaborative album Heavy Vibrato.  A multitalented underground hip-hop luminary, Oh No has built a formidable resume behind the boards, crafting tracks for Mos Def, Freddie Gibbs, MF DOOM, Action Bronson, Talib Kweli, Ab-Soul, Prodigy, Danny Brown, and many more.

"Oh No is a scientist when it comes to manipulating sound," says Elzhi, calling the partnership "a perfect balance between effortless and technical."  "Elzhi is straight up amazing," add Oh No.  "From crafting wordplay, to concepts and flows, to storytelling, he's on another level."  On the lead single "Fireballs", Elzhi's elaborate poetics ignite Oh No's melodic, jazz-inspired production.  Set for digital release on December 1st, Heavy Vibrato is now available for pre-order on CD and limited-edition colored vinyl.

Stepz: The new 'Oh No' has me really wanting 'Top Boy' to return ASAP

Blame it on the accent but there’s something about London rappers really sparking those urges for some serious ‘Top Boy’ viewing. So of course hearing TikTok star Stepz delivering his new ‘Oh No’ to the masses is igniting all types of ‘wagwan’ and ‘mans’ type of dialogue.

Stepz’s new ‘Oh No’ anthem has arrived

At just over two minutes in length, Stepz puts the Adidas fashion drip to solid use in the new music video. Peep the clarity and turn up.

tepz has become one of the most important new voices breaking into public consciousness. His crystal-clear impulse for addictive soundwaves and conversational lyricism, focusing on ambition, fun and entrepreneurship rather than violence, is on full display throughout his latest offering. Set across sleek production elevated by new-wave royalty Slim Typical (D Double E, RV, M24), the 20-year-old manoeuvres through sharp percussion and playful melodies. Taking clear inspiration from the UK grime scene’s stalwarts like D Double E, Stepz is defining himself as the spearhead of a new generation of youth culture flourishing across his city and beyond.

Wearing full Adidas Originals across the polished music video directed by Don Prod (Kwengface, Headie One, Digga D) and The Youngest Plug, Stepz’ natural flair is brought to life in a vibrant burst of colour, tailing busy studio sessions and dance-infused shenanigans that depict the pace and vibe of Stepz’ life – and the young talent shows no sign of slowing down.

Following just a handful of official releases, Stepz’ relentless, bouncy entrepreneurial spirit and lyrical energy recalls the cream of pioneering Grime talent in Dizzee Rascal and JME, establishing his persona and music that has become uniquely intertwined now resonating ever further into pop culture - from the recent cameo of international superstar Michael Dapaah in one of his videos to being brought out by Dizzee Rascal at The O2 for the 20th Anniversary of his seminal album Boy In Da Corner.