Skepta co-sign AY drops visuals for infectious rap cut "MEAN IT"
An electric narration of the vigorous lifestyle and ambitions of inner-city youth culture, “Mean It” instantly defines AY’s lyrical integrity as standout. Bursting with dark piano licks and spacey vocals, the infectious trap textures become a perfect foundation for the young artist to deliver smart, intricate wordplay balancing a journey through love, growth and development. Backed by scenes between the roads and exploring a complex love interest, the intimate music video paints vivid silhouettes of AY’s affinities and the influences that can steer focus away from his vision for success - a true testament to his dedication as an artist establishing himself as an important new voice crashing into wider consciousness.
Before moving to Leicester, AY’s musical journey began in his home nation of Nigeria. Facing challenges that would leave his reality in disarray, the young talent found refuge in his local studio, where a passion for music would flourish through his own sonic environment. AY would later earn stripes with a stream of independent releases including his incendiary cut “HIGH” debuting across GRM DAILY, helping him build serious affiliations with one of the most important cultural markers in the UK, grime legend Skepta, through his label Big Smoke Records.
Developing his skill set with guidance from his team, AY made his acting debut across Skepta’s Tribal Mark, a nationwide hit which follows a Nigerian immigrant who navigates the complexities of adapting to a new culture in the capital city. With a 90 per cent minority ethnic cast and production team, AY has taken the mantle and added his name to London’s thriving music and arts culture - a pillar of the electrifying legacy he’s firmly building to achieve.
