THE BACKSTORY:
It was no surprise to see Che Lingo being so outspoken during the recent Black Lives Matter protests. After all, long before the horrific killing of George Floyd, the hotly-tipped rapper was already addressing the consequences of police injustice and brutality. His breakthrough track ‘My Block’, released in February, was a powerful tribute to his friend Julian Cole – a man who was left brain-damaged by police after an incident in a nightclub in 2013. The officers involved faced no criminal charges; and, seven years on, Cole’s family still continue to fight for justice.
Che Lingo’s strong social conscience was forged on the streets of Wandsworth, south-west London, where he witnessed a great deal of crime during his childhood. Music, thankfully, provided a welcome source of escape – and Che, by his early teens, was already writing music and showcasing his talent in local youth clubs.
Fast forward to the present day and Che, now 28, has developed into one of Britain’s most exciting, visceral music talents. Propelled by his bold, dynamic flow and lyricism, his music is thrillingly versatile, veering from heavy trap tunes to introspective R&B to soulful ballads. Fluid and melodic, it’s a sound which straddles the US and the UK with a distinctly London punch.
Recently signed to 7Wallace (the label founded by top British actor Idris Elba), he’s currently putting the final touches to his debut LP, The Worst Generation, due for release later this year. With terrific tunes, burning ambition and – most important – that fierce social conscience, Che Lingo will surely take some stopping.
KEY TRACK: ‘My Block’. Powerful and poignant, Che Lingo’s breakthrough single has taken on an even greater resonance in the aftermath of George Floyd’s tragic death.
FOR FANS OF: Kojey Radical, Dave, GoldLink, Octavian.
