After a three-year break, the global superstar and London rapper "It's Crazy" recently ignited the scene with his track, landing him in the Top 15 of the Official UK Singles Charts. Just a few weeks later, he released the powerful "Who Told You" Ft. Drake, which had 18 million plays in its first week globally and peaked at #2 on the Official UK Singles Charts. He recently published "Militerian" featuring Naira Marley and an exciting music video.
J Hus also surprised fans by announcing his tour a few weeks ago, which will see him perform at Dublin's 3Arena on October 28 and end with two shows in New York City. For those who might have missed his jumping on stage for Burna Boy's performance lately November 5th and 6th dates at London's The O2. Details are given below.
Beautiful and Brutal Yard has been the subject of intense anticipation. The title, which is a play on the patois-influenced slang phrase for "home," alludes to the duality of Hus and his heart. It comes after J Hus' sophomore release Big Conspiracy, one of the year's most acclaimed albums globally and the winner of the BRIT Award for Best British Male. He established himself as a rap champion and innovator with the release of his debut studio album Common Sense in 2017. Between the two albums, he secured numerous appearances from some of the biggest names in the music business, including Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, Skepta, and Dave.
Over the course of its 19 tracks, Beautiful and Brutal Yard further establishes him as one of the most accomplished musicians. The "Massacre" by P2J is big boss, beach music. Over soft acoustic guitar picking, "Palm Trees" offers a sensual late-night vibe. Hus is joined by Burna Boy on "Masculine," continuing their string of legendary collaborations that also includes "Play Play" from Big Conspiracy and "Cloak & Dagger" off Burna Boy's 2022 album Love, Damini. They move lovingly back and forth across the beat as they go word after verse on this song.
These spectacular partnerships are scattered across Beautiful and Brutal Yard. All evidence of the various worlds Hus, whose critically renowned, genre-blending music, traverses. CB Drill King pops up on the frantic, high-octane duet "Cream," which expands Hus' sound palette. Similar to how Naira Marley, a fellow celebrity singer, collaborates with Gambia to Nigeria on "Militarian." It's another illustration of how Hus transports listeners, this time landing solidly in the summer heat of Lagos. The title alludes to the spiritual attitude that has always permeated the music that he has created. He utters, "When they ask me where I come from, I tell them straight, I'm an African. They know we're an African badman / anywhere we go, we gotta stand strong." Hus continues by stating that he is "Nigerian/ Gambian/ Militarian/ Marlian" and that he shares this kinship with the legendary afro-bashment artist Naira. On the slowed-down hot "Nice Body," Jorja Smith makes an appearance. The song is about sticking together for the sake of the future and a specific objective. "I am aware of the Life is hard, but we're surviving, " Jorja sings, and the two unite in electrifying unison before the verse's conclusion. They then continue each other's sentences as Hus returns to the scene. Another space-beamed vocalist, Popcaan, contributes a high-pitched, laser-canon vocal to the terminally distorted, psychedelic stomper "Killy." As Poppy alludes to, it is one of the album's most surreal moments and was created for drinking "Remy." The haunting vocals on the single "BimBim" that seem to be emerging in unison from the tomb, behind the clouds, or the next life continue the otherworldly vibes.
For Hus, the music is the end all be all. Find the acronym "baby" in the album title Beautiful and Brutal Yard by paying close attention. Music is Hus's creation, regardless of how cruel, beautiful, or somewhere between the two it may be. This is more evident and visible than ever on his third studio album. The scene is ready. The man goes by numerous monikers, including Uju Militer, The Farda, Ezmalay, and The Ugliest (a moniker derived from his clothing line of the same name). There is only one J Hus, though.
Gorgeous and Cruel Yard:
Who Told You ft. Drake Militerian ft. Naira Marley Palm Tree Nice Body ft. Jorja Smith Masculine ft. Burna Boy Come Look Cream ft. CB Comeback ft. Villz Alien Girl Fresh Water/Safa Kara Killy's "My Baby Problem Fixer" with Popcaan
The Gambian President, Crazy Bim Bim Come Gully Bun, and Boss Belly are playing chess in the song.
J Hus Tour 2023 October
Dublin, Ireland on October 28th at 3Arena
Glasgow, United Kingdom, October 30 - OVO Hydro
Manchester, United Kingdom, November 1 AO Arena
Birmingham, United Kingdom, November 2nd, Utilita Arena
The O2 in London, UK, on November 5th
The O2 in London, UK, on November 6