Even before the release of her debut project SHILOH: Lost For Words, Hackney-born rapper, producer and poet John Glacier has been a totemic force in London’s hallowed rap scene. Standout collaborations with the likes of Babyfather and LYAM instilled her promise, while her first project compounded it; a surreal, diaristic daydream through the inner-psyche of one of UK music’s most beguiling minds. Alongside becoming the face of Daniel Lee’s first global campaign for Burberry and walking for Marine Serre at Fashion Week, Glacier also began to gain notoriety globally, working with in-demand NY production team Surf Gang on a spontaneous collaborative project, JGSG, last year.
Announcing her signing to Young (The xx/FKA twigs/Sampha) earlier this year, Glacier released a brand new project, Like A Ribbon, that exhibited a marked sonic leap. Featuring contributions from the likes of Eartheater, Flume, Kwes Darko and more, the project was a step towards an elusive artist taking a well deserved turn into the spotlight. Today, John Glacier announces her second project of the year, Duppy Gun, with a brand new Kwes Darko-produced single, ‘Steady As I Am’.
Listen to the track HERE
Pre-save the project HERE
The opener on Duppy Gun, ‘Steady As I Am’ feels like an autobiographical amble from Glacier’s inner psyche. A subtle, yet authoritative affirmation of who she is, the track is the epitome of letting her output do the talking. Set to a hypnotic, looping melody, Glacier’s trademark deadpan flow takes on new rhythmic importance over a skipping, skittering percussive line. ‘Steady As I Am’ feels like an internal monologue that Glacier is inviting the listener in on, unlocking new levels of the kind of intimacy that her work has now become synonymous with; part affirmation, part declaration.
After a release as diverse as Like A Ribbon, John Glacier’s Duppy Gun follows in the same free-form, experimental spirit of its predecessor. Its skeleton is built upon rap, but uncovering all its layers is a richly eclectic experience. Shades of dancehall, electronic music, ambience and so much more echo throughout the project’s five tracks, providing a unique atmosphere that feels just about as personal and diaristic as we’ve heard from Glacier so far. Released on 20th June, Duppy Gun is just another chapter in that diary from John Glacier; one of the UK’s most beguiling musical talents, crafting new worlds to invite the listener into.
Praise for John Glacier:
“The producer-vocalist’s esoteric streams of consciousness mark her out as a major new voice” – The Guardian
“There’s a sense that Glacier won’t remain a hidden treasure for much longer.” – Crack
“The rapper with renegade blood whose bars contain multitudes – past, present and future” – Dazed
“John Glacier’s confessional dictaphone raps sound like intimate notes to self, intended for one listener only.” – Pitchfork
(Artwork by JIM JOE)
John Glacier
Duppy Gun
(Young)
Released 20th June 2024
- Steady As I Am
- Grands!
- Cows Come Home
- Whole Or None
- Poster
John Glacier: Instagram
