Junes UB & JayTrill – SNI-relevant 2 [EP]

In the ever-changing landscape of British hip-hop, Junes UB & JayTrill have joined forces to deliver a set that showcases their talent and chemistry in the studio. As a follow-up to their 2022 EP SNI-relevant, SNI-relevant 2 is a collection of eight hard-hitting tracks that explore London street life, a hustler’s ambition, and the relentless chase to make it in life on your own terms. Featuring trap-inspired rhythms and sincere tales, this work is crucial listening for rap enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic.

“Intro” lays the foundation for the entire album, pulling listeners into the universe of Junes UB and JayTrill with a brew of guitar-driven funk and southern trap music. Junes‘ chill yet decisive vocal style captures the audience’s attention, while his lyrics grant a glimpse into the trials and triumphs that occur throughout the album. As listeners traverse the tracklist, they encounter songs such as “S.A.C.” – a thuddy joint that touches on hustling hard, enjoying the finer things in life and how hard it can be to find loyalty; a short freestyle called “For Moses Jigga“; and an album highlight called “Love Money Mission“. Each song sheds light on the hurdles and payoffs that go hand-in-hand with living a life driven by crime and money.

In particular, “Love Money Mission” probes just how much Junes‘ paper chasin’ has affected his personal ties. The West Londoner’s gruff and heavily accented flow is on full display as he shares some of the trade-offs he’s made in pursuit of success. The chorus is catchy and memorable, guaranteeing that the cut’s message strikes a chord with the audience. JayTrill‘s beat, characterized by its hypnotic melody and pulsating bass, provides the perfect backdrop for Junes UB‘s storytelling, further elevating the track’s appeal.

From there, the album bleeds into “DND” a heavy-stepping number that continues the album’s “gettin’ it by any means” theme while also tapping into ideas of compartmentalizing your life in order to keep things sane in your life. Junes kicks off the track spitting about his unapologetic focus on his goals: “Ask me how I’ve been I’ll say I lived it, loved it/ Phone on DND, I ain’t calling back, gotta see me in public.” The artist then takes listeners on a journey through his life, detailing the risks he takes, the rewards he reaps, and the choices he faces between love and money: “Whole day with my chick, whole day with a brick, which one will it be?” JayTrill’s production on this track is equally impressive, with its menacing melody and hard-hitting drums, that hit you like a series of thunderous punches.

On “RANGO“, Junes and Jay invite one of their Sniway comrades by the name of S Fiz to tag in and speak his peace about living life in the fast lane. Opening with a powerful statement – “You know, you could do everything wrong every single day. But all you gotta do is get it right once” – Junes UB sets the tone for the track as both men compare the rap game to trappin’.

The album initiates its final bow with the commanding tracks “I Ain’t Lying” (which is one of the lead singles for the EP and has a video that is featured below) and “Get Rich Get Paid“. “I Ain’t Lying,” shares a gutsy and unflinching bit of bravado explaining how – by hook or by crook – our boy is going to turn any situation that he finds himself in into a win. The beat hits hard, matching the hunger in Junes’ lyrics and amplifying the message in the music. As “I Ain’t Lying” fades out, the stage is set for the album closer, “Get Rich Get Paid.” Landing in a somewhat more subdued and somber manner than the track that preceded it, this final shot delves deeper into the bitter and the sweet of Junes’ journey. JayTrill‘s production takes on a more introspective tone, with haunting melodies and melancholic undertones that reflect the sacrifices the UK trap star has made along the way.

When everything is said and done, SNI-relevant 2 transports its audience through the stark reality that Junes UB and his team face on a daily basis with a sense of purpose—and occasionally, when the situation warrants it, a sense of humor. Its compact but compelling narratives are a reminder that, even though the UK trap scene is often overlooked in favor of its American counterparts, there’s still plenty of talent bubbling under the surface. With this project, Junes UB & JayTrill have taken the opportunity to prove once again just how much British hip-hop has come into its own while still remaining indebted to its roots. For a project that’s just under 30 minutes long, it’s hard not to be impressed with what these artists have accomplished. This is a rock-solid debut album that deserves a listen, and if you’re looking for a good introduction to the UK rap scene then this is it.

Stream & buy Junes UB & JayTrill’s music on…
( Amazon | Apple_Music | Bandcamp | Deezer | Spotify | Tidal | YouTube_Music )

Connect with Junes UB on…
( Facebook | Instagram | Official_Site | Soundcloud | TikTok | Twitter | YouTube )

Connect with JayTrill on…
( Facebook | Instagram | Official_Site | Soundcloud | TikTok | Twitter | YouTube )