So, it happened. The collaboration between Slowthai and Denzel Curry is here. The fittingly titled ‘Psycho’ is everything you would expect and more from a collaboration between two larger than life, hard hitting rappers. The duo originally performed ‘Psycho’ during Curry’s early hours set at this years Glastonbury, teasing the track which has taken 3 months to be released. Boy, was it worth the wait.
The long-awaited collaboration was premiered on DJ Target’s 1Xtra show and features the two MCs going back to back over high pitched strings and rattling bass. The eerie, uncomfortable and psychotic high pitched strings act as a hook for the song, instantly throwing the listener into the deep end. If you don’t like that sound, then unfortunately this isn’t the song for you.
When the lyrics do come in, Curry’s signature no bs tone and attack very much puts the listener in their place. The song is a full on onslaught even before Slowthai has had a chance to even rap. Lyrically, the chorus and second verse of ‘Psycho’ mould the song into an absolute rap anthem, built for the crowd to be screaming back at Curry and Slowthai word for word. Slowthai comes in at the perfect point. By the time this came round, I found myself settling into the song, relaxed and acquainted with the unique, uneasy feel. But then Slowthai takes it to the next level, setting the listener back to square one.
Personally, I feel this song has to be listened to on a high volume, this allows you to fully immerse yourself into Kwes Darko’s dark and hard production. Or alternatively, go catch it live, thats where this song will truly come into its own.