SL shares new single ‘Block Tales’ ft. Catch & Giggs External
“One of the most intriguing prospects in UK rap … SL’s talent is unmistakable” – The Guardian
“Now an even sharper writer with an even more refined flow” – TRENCH
“Conversational, unhurried and sonically expansive” – Clash
“Unique … gripping” – Pigeons & Planes
“An already-unmissable new talent” – NME
Following the announcement of his forthcoming full-length mixtape Block Tales to be released on September 5th and his debut UK & EU headline tour, SL unveils the final chapter of the project which the masked rapper describes as an act of “street cinema”. Joining forces with UK rap veteran Giggs and rising star Catch – expanding the mixtape’s formidable cast of rap heavyweights – it marks the moment when the narrative tension reaches a boiling point.
It will be followed by the Block Tales short film release event on September 11th, where SL will screen its accompanying short film with a project Q+A to follow, with a fan exclusive screening to run on September 12th. It follows the story of Trey – and though he is fictional, the world he moves through is not. His environment is one in which survival often means becoming the very thing you fear. The world is raw, tactile, lived-in. Inspired by films like La Haine, Athena, Top Boy and the visceral energy of Uncut Gems, it brings urgency to the screen through handheld realism meeting heightened visual poetry.
With the new single, a menacing instrumental conjures a world of suspicion, retaliations and split-second decisions. The verses of SL, Giggs and Catch are like monologues, making the music video in which they all star one of SL’s most cinematically striking to date. It shows us the chain reaction of inescapable choices and retaliations which perpetuate the loss which lies at the core of Block Tales. The track premiered last night on BBC Radio 1Xtra with DJ Target at 7:30pm, with the music video following on YouTube at 8pm.
The lives of his characters are a lens through which SL untangles the knots of social pressure and survivalism, boys too eager to become men, the snares of gang culture and the possibility of aspiring for more than the circumstances you were born into. South London is a living, breathing character in itself: SL’s lyrics and production choices have been chosen to feel as if you’re there, a fly on the wall.
When forerunning singles ‘Robbery’, ‘Paranoia’ and ‘Shooter’ (ft. Aystar and Booter Bee) immersed listeners in the darkness of a dangerous path, and ‘Summertime’ which featured Sainté and Knucks showed us that there are also glimmers of light – ‘Block Tales’ is testament to the decisions which shape the trajectory of our lives.
SL rides the knife’s edge between global celebrity and absolute anonymity. He is one of UK rap’s leading storytellers, penning generational classics before he had even sat his GCSEs as a teenager with accolades from JME and Stormzy to Drake and Virgil Abloh – and yet his story has remained closely guarded. His signature balaclava has concealed his identity while his tracks have amassed streams in nine-figures. The likes of ‘Tropical’ and ‘Gentleman’ – proof of his lyrical dexterity and unforgettable melodic cadence – have soundtracked the house parties and night bus rides of his peers. The phenomenon of SL has progressed in step with his own coming-of-age story, from teenager to young adult – and, finally, an artist in full command of his gifts. Block Tales gives us unprecedented access into his world.
The last couple of years have seen SL grow as an artist, but also as a teenager becoming a young man. The 2017 release of his life-transforming debut single ‘Gentleman’ arrived when he was only 15-years-old. His career began in secret so he could complete his GCSEs. He has released three EPs so far – Everything Good Is Bad and Selhurst SE25culminating in 2020’s Different Dude – whilst also setting up a foundation in response to the Black Lives Matter movement, empowering young people from ethnicities across the UK.
Having been raised on golden-age kingmakers like Wu-Tang Clan, DMX, and Jay Z, it’s SL’s multi-faceted approach – where the production, visuals and compelling storytelling all go hand-in-hand – that has seen his formative work carve out a singular lane in contemporary music.
SL fans can sign up to his mailing list to be the first to hear about upcoming gigs, news, merch and more.
SL – Block Tales Tour Dates
October 3 – Paris, FR – Le Hasard Ludique
October 4 – Amsterdam, NL – Bitterzoet
October 5 – Cologne, DE – Yuca
October 7 – Berlin, DE – Privatclub
October 8 – Hamburg, DE – Turmzimmer
October 10 – Warsaw, PL – Hydrozagadka
October 16 – Glasgow, UK – SWG3
October 17 – Manchester, UK – Club Academy
October 18 – Birmingham, UK – O2 Institute2
October 19 – Bristol, UK – Strange Brew
October 20 – London, UK – KOKO
