Hashtag Magazine

View Original

OCEAN WISDOM RELEASES NEW SINGLE “STEP” FT. METHOD MAN

UK pioneer Ocean Wisdom joins forces with Wu-Tang Clan member and GRAMMY-winner Method Man across his latest offering “Step” – released via his own label Beyond Measure Records, distributed by Believe.

Sharp and dexterous from the offset, Ocean Wisdom continues to flex his rare lyrical focus across “Step”, commanding the potent backdrop as sinister piano licks and heavy-set 808s transport us into pure grime nostalgia. The North Londoner acutely intertwines quick-witted bars and blazing authenticity while battling adversities on the roads – a self-assured pursuit for progression that’s quickly backed by Method Man’s effortless cadence shining with authority and menace. A clear marker of his reputation in the scene right now, the rare co-sign from one of the most influential rappers in history underlines the impact Ocean Wisdom is collecting in his dominant return to the ether this year.

Born in Camden, Ocean was exposed to many muses and influences across music, fashion and community; most notably his father who would guide him through classic 90s sounds. The Jamaican heritage artist quickly developed a serious technical passion for music creation and song-writing, spending his adolescence studying rap legends from Eminem to Dizzee Rascal while gaining introspection from inner-city life and the consistent pressures faced on the roads. 

Initially signing to High Focus Records, Ocean issued his first two explosive projects through the label: 2016’s Chaos ’93 and 2018’s Wizville, home to his smash hits “Revvin’” (watch) featuring Dizzee Rascal and “Ting Dun” (watch) recruiting Method Man – certifying Ocean as a breakthrough name on both sides of the Atlantic.

The rising star would later create his own label Beyond Measure Records, carving out new spaces that defy expectations for emerging rap talent in the UK. Releasing his mixtape Big Talk Vol. 1, Ocean continued to make his mark on the culture with rare, significant crossovers with some of the most serious rappers in the landscape in Freddie Gibbs, Ghetts and LD, alongside one of the most culturally resonant DJs in the world, Fatboy Slim. 

Continuing to develop Ocean’s diverse musical makeup, his acclaimed album Stay Sane was unleashed in 2021, featuring further homegrown talent including Kojey Radical, Novelist, Maverick Sabre, Frankie Stew and Harvey Gunn – and an incendiary UK headline tour across iconic stages including O2 Forum Kentish Town.

Now with clear visions to re-establish himself as one of the UK’s most prominent rap talents, Ocean has delivered three incendiary releases in “I Exist” (watch), “Near Life Experience” (watch) and “No Squids” (watch) ft. NW London veteran K Koke this year – amassing serious attention across the landscape from CLASH, WONDERLAND, NOTION and CULTED to name a few. 

Having announced his forthcoming album Fight Club, featuring some of the best emcees in the game including Giggs, Ghetts, D Double E, Suspect, Backroad Gee, P Money and more, Ocean Wisdom is adding his name to London’s thriving music and arts culture once again.

SPOTIFY INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE