Gems From The Top Boy Soundtrack That Are Worth Listening To!

After a ruthless and somber end to Season 2, let's take a look towards at the music that helped shape the season. Alongside successful artists such as Burna Boy, Jorja Smith, Ghetts, Stormzy and Central Cee, we shine the limelight to artists whom of which's anthems we love off too.

Potter Payper, Wesley Joseph, Kojey Radical, Top Boy Cast, BZ, Harry Mosco, RIMON, Amaarae.

Starting off, Kojey Radical and Lex Amor's 'War Outside' portrays an engulfing and jazzy bass that is accompanied by a soulful brass instrument. It's lyrics paint a pensive, expressive and deep story through smooth, spoken word and enchanting vocals - which reflects the seasons's tone. Via Spotify, Kojey states “It’s a song about seeing chaos arising and knowing what I’ve suddenly always stood for as an artist, and feeling lost for words." Included in his new and masterly album, Reasons to Smile, Radical permits us to take in thoughts that resonate with Top Boy's; That people are trying to survive in a society-ill world and find hope in the meantime.

Next, Croydon's BZ sets the tone with '2G's'. Wanting to understand the catchy and addictive anthem, I had asked him some questions to get to know the mechanics behind his song.

How does your song resemble the 'attitude' in this season of Top Boy?

"I feel like the message of the song is very much two brothers trying to get it but any means necessary, so it definitely resembles the season because throughout we see friendships whether it be sully and Dushane or Kit and Jamie - they all have the common goal of making it to the top which is what I wanted to get across with the song."

What was the production like for the song? Did you have to go behind the scenes of the series for inspiration, or was the inspiration there from Summerhouse? Moreover, what created '2G's'?

"Nah I didn’t even go on set you know. 2 G’s was created at writing camp I wasn’t necessarily meant to be at funny enough. The producer, Litek played a beat which I kind of instantly connected with because of all of the loud sirens and chaos it just reminded me a lot of the sounds that formulate the day-to-day life in south London where I’m from. So, I guess it was created more off my South London experience, but I think that it fits very well with the Top boy narrative too."

The tone of the rapping, the flow of it; What does this represent to listeners? Is there any influence of particular genres?

"I would say my flow and tone is heavily influenced by my background. Being Ghanaian but growing up in south London has kind of led to me merging to the two sounds of afro and hip hop which I’m sure the listeners can hear through the cadence and flow showing afro influences and the production being a hip hop beat."

As your tune has been featured in the acclaimed series, what does this bring for you? "It has already brought a lot and I’m sure it will bring a lot more so I’m very grateful to Top Boy for giving my music such a platform. Since it’s dropped, I’ve been getting so much love not just within the UK but globally. It’s really helped me believe that we are taking this worldwide."

LEAVE ME ALONE by Amaarae (Ghananian-American singer-songwriter) beams influences from the dancehall and Afro-Swing/Afrobeats genre; Allowing us to indulge in sensual and refreshing riddims. The bass booms, the guitar strums lull and Amaarae's unique voice hypnotises us. A song about "learning how to protect one's peace irrespective of underlying circumstances", we listeners have no remorse about placing this masterpiece on loop.

RIMON'S 'Nighttime' exudes magic and RnB goodness as we see characters dwell on their emotions in the series. The Eritrean born and Amsterdam raised artist encapsulates feelings of loss and desire. It is a song to play on a drive home in the late night, a song to dwell romantic feelings over and/or to evoke expressiveness.

From the sensational RnB album, ULTRAMARINE, Wesley Joseph's 'The Bloom' allows us to enjoy a smooth, melodic and relaxing song. It is as if you are drowning in a saddened, psychedelic haze, fuelled by desire and soul. The artist's verses create an emotive and mournful episode too, whilst accompanying the scene between Shelly and Sully within the nail shop. Short but bittersweet, this somber ode to wanting a burning love strikes listeners.

As Dushane drives around the streets of London and the London Fields gang hustle, 'Peaceful Dub' by Harry Mosco is played; allowing an upbeat and funky accompaniment. London has a huge influence from the Afro-Caribbean community, making habitants aware of the island and spiritual feeling that reggae brings. This instrumental soothes the soul and allows you to groove no matter where you are (it could be on the bus passing communities or even enjoying food at a family barbecue)...The drums, electric guitar, harmonies, keyboard, bass guitar and other synth instruments complement each other and transmit unspoken yet vibrant energies.

Showing the characters on a peaceful position in their lives, GRM Daily Album of the Year Award winner Potter Payper's 'Gangsteritus' recounts the story about coming to the top, grinding and making sacrifices. It fits perfectly with all the character's scenarios of trying to make ends meet for themselves and others, young boys faking to be young men by trying to live a life that isn't for them, and the journey of struggle to victory. The piano and beat structures an ongoing story, one that Potter Payper tells and listeners relate to. The choir in the background gives the idea that there is a symbol of hope for the Top Boy characters and also maybe to the listeners, who have been through their own journeys of suffering.

Check out the rest of the Top Boy Official Playlist on Spotify!