Over the last few months, hip-hop has seen a surge in international bangers from across the pond, which most recently includes Manchester’s own Aitch.
Boasting co-signs from Jack Harlow, Tay Keith, Skepta and more, the 22-year-old UK rapper’s star is ascending in the States by way of his major label debut, Close To Home (Aug. 19). Along with accumulating over 5.5 Million monthly Spotify listeners, he’s proven himself to be an impressively adaptable artist — conjuring a unique level of vulnerability and depth in his music.
Aitch’s latest effort sees him champion his pen more than most, as the 10K Projects signee’s emphasis on intimate, reflective song-writing is strengthened by his sense of self. Feeling as if you’ve known him your entire life, Aitch’s personability and homegrown nature shines through on Close To Home — always bringing a “sense of Manchester” wherever he goes.
“As much as I say that I’m trying to get out of the ends, and I want to go elsewhere, I always end up back in the same place. Even across the other side of the world, I feel like I bring a sense of Manchester; whether I’m in London or Australia, I’m still Close To Home.”
Aitch via press release
Bringing forth an all-star lineup of UK talent, Close To Home spans 16 tracks and features Bakar, AJ Tracey, Ed Sheeran and American R&B legend Ashanti among others. Leading up to his fourth full-length project, Aitch generously rolled out three singles — including his collabs with both Bakar and Ashanti. Each of these tracks received cinematic visuals, further emphasizing his work ethic ahead of Close To Home’s release.
His heartfelt tribute to his little sister “My G” is the latest single to receive a visual treatment. Alongside Ed Sheeran, who spins a sweetly-sung hook, Aitch’s vivid, narrative-driven verses mirror the Manchester emcee’s skillset as a top lyricist in his space.
Now familiarizing himself — and his sound — with the world around him, it seems as though he’ll always feel Close To Home as he ventures farther from it.
Check out ‘Close To Home’ by Aitch below!
