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In 2018, an online platform dedicated to dance music featured an article about producer M1onTheBeat. This was during the peak of UK drill’s infamy, and despite already establishing himself as one of the leading figures in the rap subgenre, the profile presented a compelling depiction of a career on the fringes of the music industry. He had perfected his skills alongside frequent collaborator MKThePlug while both were living in a YMCA hostel. His makeshift studio consisted of just a laptop and a pair of worn-out speakers in a bedroom of a flat in Tottenham, with noticeable chunks of plaster missing from the walls. (According to the article, his neighbors reported him to the authorities, mistaking his music production for illegal drug activity. The authorities responded by forcing him to remove the soundproofing from his room, resulting in the damage.) Three drill tracks that he had co-produced were taken down from YouTube. Given the circumstances, it seemed unlikely that UK drill would ever transition from being a scapegoat to achieving mainstream success, and it was hard to envision M1onTheBeat leaving his room with damaged walls for a more professional studio anytime soon.
After five years, everything has transformed. M1onTheBeat’s initial mixtape begins with a voicemail: “I am occupied with making this a reality,” he declares. “History is not made by those who do nothing.” The “this” most likely refers to the unexpected success of UK drill music. It has evolved into a genre that produces chart-topping singles and albums, and it is not an exaggeration to say that the producer played a crucial role in its growth. He has created hits for Digga D and K-Trap, both of whom are featured on his mixtape. Loski’s 2018 album, Call Me Loose – another project with M1onTheBeat’s touch – was acknowledged by Drake as an inspiration for his album Scorpion. In fact, the Canadian superstar even collaborated with Headie One on a freestyle, with M1onTheBeat providing the production.
The first mixtape from M1onTheBeat reveals the unstoppable spread of UK drill beyond its origins in London. Rapper Booter Bee from Huddersfield showcases his Yorkshire accent, while M1llionz’s deep, eerie voice adds to the unique sound of the genre. M1onTheBeat’s signature style is evident throughout the mixtape, with sparse instrumentals that give off a late-night, bedroom vibe. The use of synths creates an ethereal atmosphere, reminiscent of mist or interwoven electronics. The use of Roland 808 beats and sub-bass, rooted in the British music tradition of jungle, adds a grime-inspired element to the music.
This type of thing has been imitated, leading to a surge of YouTube videos explaining how to create tracks in the style of “M1onTheBeat.” Last year, he expressed frustration on social media about other producers copying his beats note-for-note. The first track, Tsunami x 2, and the feature Royal Navy by Booter Bee, which turns an old-fashioned rave synth sound into a haunting slide, showcase why others are eager to join in. His sound has a deeply emotional eeriness to it, rather than being menacing it feels desolate. There is plenty of room for rappers to showcase their skills, but emotionally it often undermines their threats and boasts of violence, enveloping them in a mood of despair.
Even more impressive are the songs that deviate from the original plan set by the producer. They have a unique approach of incorporating typical pop elements and subtly altering them to create a distinct sound. The use of AutoTune on Top Form gives the vocals an underwater effect. The beautiful acoustic guitar in support of Cristale’s feature on Sing Dat fades in and out unpredictably, as if it’s playing over an unreliable connection. The R&B vocal samples on AM to PM are placed in the background, adding to the overall musical atmosphere rather than being the focal point.
The final song, Hear No Evil, See No Evil, stands out the most due to Kojey Radical and Knucks’s lyrics deviating from the usual drill topics. The catchy chorus by Miraa May and the unexpected electric piano add to its appeal. It could easily be a hit if not for the latter half being filled with congratulatory voicemails for M1onTheBeat’s success. While these may not be necessary, The Mixtape still deserves recognition for M1onTheBeat’s ability to incorporate pop music into his own style, rather than conforming to it.
the music of
Alexis spent this week listening to music.
Tirzah – Their Love
I have been listening to Tirzah’s album on my stereo for several weeks now, mainly because of songs like “Their Love.” This piano ballad is recorded in a way that makes it sound like it is coming from deep within a well.
Source: theguardian.com
