EP: Nolay – #GrimeGutsAndGlory

Influenced by Big L, Styles P, Big Pun, Nas, and Biggie, the British Hip-Hop Artist Storms America With Her Kid D-Produced EP

06.10.2016

Critical Praise for Nolay:

“The personal aspect of her narrative reveals a complex experience and uniquely female identity that stands apart from her counterparts” – HighSnobiety

“Equipped with raw, razor-sharp rhymes and a fierce, no-bars attitude over trap-tinged grime beats, Nolay is for sure a force to be reckoned with. Positing herself as the heir-apparent to Godfathers of Grime, Wiley and Dizzee Rascal, “Pressure” sees the artist taking the classic 8-bar format to a whole new level” – Paper Mag

“Nolay is widely renowned as one of the most beloved emcees within the British scene, capable of delivering vicious slaughtering wordplay at the drop of a hat to devastating effect.” – The Source

“In a musical landscape awash with records about ballin’ and bling, it’s vital that voices like Nolay’s are offering an alternative to the narrative, not just for entertainment, but, more crucially, education.” – i-D

The EP:

Largely influenced by iconic New York hip-hop artists including Big L, Big Pun, Nas, Styles P, andNotorious B.I.G., British hip-hop artist Nolay invades American shores with #GrimeGutsAndGlory, her first stateside release. The six-track EP was produced in-full by Kid D, whose whirring electronic production creates a world-conquering background for Nolay’s Cockney-rhyming slang. “Creatively, me and Kid D get on like a house on fire,” said Nolay to Paper Mag. Though there are not many female rappers in the UK hip-hop scene, Nolay is unfazed: “We are in a male-dominated scene, so when it comes to the ratio of male spitters in comparison to the ratio of female spitters there aren’t a lot. But they dominate in numbers and that’s it. You can’t dominate me, [unless we’re talking just numbers]. I’m going to shine anytime I touch a mic and it’s down to every female that wants to spit to make sure they do the same.”

Highsnobiety premiered the Anime-inspired video for Nolay’s “Gotta Love It,” which REVOLT called a “hardened Grime track with bars that bite as hard as any stateside MC could deliver.” In late May, Paper Mag premiered EP-highlight “Pressure,” which finds Nolay weaving impressive wordplay over a hybrid Grime/Trap beat, her accent creating unexpected assonance throughout. Having began her career during the first Grime boom in 2004 as a member of the group Unorthodox and soon making a name for herself with solo hits such as “Unorthodox Daughter,” Nolay is a pioneer of the Grime genre. She currently stars in the UK television series Top Boy (Drake is a fan), cementing her status as a quadruple threat: she writes, raps, sings AND acts. With #GrimeGutsAndGlory, Nolay defends her crown as London’s original bad girl while continuing to break down borders in the United States.

Stream #GrimeGutsAndGlory on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/58P0kf7NkYZ1LawaXbYaw5

Stream on Tidal: http://listen.tidal.com/album/61247154

Buy #GrimeGutsAndGlory on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/album/grime-guts-glory-ep/id1116962187?ls=1&app=itunes

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Nolay.

Nolay Background:

British artist Nolay proves longevity is attainable for an independent artist. Rapper/Songwriter NoLay burst onto the scene as part of the group Unorthodox in 2004 with big records like “No Help Or Handouts”, which allowed fans to become acquainted with her preference for raw lyrics, innovative rhyme schemes, and gritty swag that would undoubtedly leave an impression on the grime & UK rap scene forever. Nolay fused her edgy innovative style and sexy essence together to cement her niche and pay homage to artists who influenced her most such as Big L, Big Pun, Nas, Styles P and The Notorious B.I.G.