London-based Trinidadian newcomer BERWYN has already impressed us thoroughly with his couple of debut singles “Glory” and “Trap Phone”, and today he reveals a third called “017 Freestyle” along with the news that he’s putting out his debut mixtape DEMOTAPE/VEGA this Friday, September 25.
In his previous singles, BERWYN has observed the struggle and strife of life around him on the Romford streets, but has managed to remain calm and soulful in doing so. “017 Freestyle” finally hears him crack and get unabashedly passionate as he raps about the difficulties that he, his friends and his family have had to go through – being indoctrinated into dealing drugs, losing friends to death and jail, the impossible desire of going to university. The backing is reasonably spare, with just a simple piano line and beat to underscore his free-flowing bars, leaving BERWYN space to emote. He gets especially passionate the final moments of “017 Freestyle”, the soul in his voice being entirely replaced by unaffected anguish as he spirals down to a hopeless finale.
You can get an even more unvarnished view of BERWYN in the video for “017 Freestyle” below, as he delivers his bars direct to camera.
BERWYN’s debut mixtape DEMOTAPE/VEGA will be released this Friday, September 25. Keep up to date with him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
