J Hus and Drake collaborate for “Who Told You”
Prepare the unicorn for inflation, charge your vape, chill this year's version of alcopop, and get ready: the ultimate summer anthem has just dropped.
In an entertainment industry that craves catchy paradigms (yes, even I'm guilty), identifying the quintessential summer hit has become an annual ritual. However, as 2023 unfolded, there was a palpable sense of unease. Experts tossed around contenders like Calvin Harris's "Miracle," Fifty Fifty's "Cupid," and PinkPantheress's "Boy's a Liar," all exceptional choices but released during the winter months, inherently missing that true essence of a summer song.
Just last week, Dave and Central Cee's lively track "Sprinter" was unleashed, claiming the title of the most-streamed song in a single day for 2023 on Spotify in the UK. Its guitar melodies drifted through the air like a gentle, warm breeze, marking itself as a strong contender. Yet, can a song that includes the line "this gyal want me in her uterus" truly capture the necessary carefree atmosphere? But now, all deliberation seems moot: nothing is poised to encapsulate the essence of a summery day, complete with a touch of nostalgia, like "Who Told You," the latest release from East London's rapper, J Hus. And if that wasn't enough, Drake, the esteemed ambassador of summer jams, makes a guest appearance.
"Who told you bad man don't dance?" J Hus playfully questions right from the start, immediately exposing the absurdity of those pseudo-tough guys you spot at the club, awkwardly holding a Corona while refusing to groove. The song proceeds to celebrate the sheer joy of dancing, especially in close proximity to an attractive individual, a quintessential summer delight.
J Hus has undeniably earned his place as one of the most exceptional artists of his era, a distinction well-deserved. He possesses an extraordinary ability to seamlessly shift between self-deprecating humility and boastful confidence, effortlessly navigating a diverse range of musical backdrops with an air of casual mastery. His true brilliance lies not just in his lyrical prowess but in the manner he interacts with these musical landscapes – a dance of sorts, where J Hus takes the lead, synchronized with the rhythm yet never overshadowed by it.
Consider the way he delivers lines like, "She wore that tight dress just to enhance," subtly gliding just behind the beat (similar to his previous line, "I'm a rolling stone like Mick Jagger" in "Fortune Teller"). J Hus doesn't simply follow a predictable path; he forges his own unique trajectory, imbuing his art with a distinctive essence.
Drake makes his entrance adorned in unmistakable tourist attire, sporting a semi-Jamaican accent and sprinkling British slang like "Your backside is so fit," reminiscent of someone who just snagged an oversized, comical straw hat from a seaside cabana. Yet, Drake's mastery of this persona has evolved over time, becoming an authentic facet of his artistic repertoire. His meandering, melodic delivery, akin to the nuances of jazz vocals more than any other genre, offers a delightful auditory experience. The way he croons "Trouble will find me," then revisits the line with delicate pauses interposed between each word, magnifying the inevitability of trouble locating him – akin to J Hus, their shared attention to intricate and unbridled songcraft is evident. Their collaboration unveils a profound emotional connection as well: Drake orchestrated a poignant homecoming moment for J Hus in front of a massive crowd of 20,000 at an O2 Arena concert in 2019, shortly after J Hus's release from prison.
The Afrobeats rhythm crafted by producer P2J displays a nimble and agile quality, encouraging subtle swaying of the hips rather than overt twerks or boisterous arm-raising, which can be common in some UK summer tracks. A comparable offering from last year was likely Burna Boy's "Last Last," possessing a similarly intricate rhythmic structure. With the notable success of Libianca's "People" this year – a somber composition that distinctly resonated as a winter song – it's truly satisfying to witness a broader British audience finally embracing the vibrant essence of African pop. Drake's magnetic presence and charisma undoubtedly guarantee another hit in this evolving trend, yet J Hus's innate understanding of what ignites the summer vibe would have propelled the track up the charts regardless.