Born in 2000, London-based Drill artist Loski first made a name for himself around 2016, as a member of Kennington crew Harlem Spartans before releasing 2018’s Call Me Loose.
★ Dan’s Celebrity Wildcard: Jason Sleaford ★
5.3
Loski
Call Me Loose
Artist Origin: 🇬🇧
Release Date: 13 April 2018
Label: Since 93
Genres: Drill / Rap
Dan
More grime than the Sleaford Mods tour bus sink - Loski’s debut is brimming with intensity and street-wise swagger. At 53mins, I waded into this wildcard apprehensively, but found enough variation in the sample-led grooves to keep things interesting. Lyrically, as a middle class white man, ‘twas a tough nut to crack, lots of drill based slang and wordplay, seldom heard in the queue at Waitrose. Notable tracks include Money and Beef, an undeniable ear worm, the Drake-infused Forrest Gump and the melodic keys of ‘Outro’. 6.0
Adam
This album is a tricky one for me to review. It almost grabbed me at various times throughout.....but then didn’t. Earlier in lockdown when my mood was decidedly darker I think this would appeal to me more. Whilst I know the sample and trample style will appeal to many it’s just not my cuppa in this instance. Money and Beef is an ear worm, and for me is the only track that stood out. At another time I think I could’ve got into this one. Tasting notes: swing and a miss, money, beef. 5.5
Rich
First tentative steps into the world of Drill, and despite a rampant penchant for beef, barbies and the films of Tom Hanks, CR's first wildcard was also its most challenging submission. Doubtless, Loski's chief objective with Call Me Loose was to reach the hearts and minds of ageing (not quite) middle class white guys like me, so he'll be crushed to learn that the album's fixation with beef and walls of grungy beats didn't particularly register with me. I must be a pagan. Anyway, I'm not going to chat bare (I don't want to get splashed FFS), but I'd be surprised if his and the genre's appeal ever extends much further than its niche. The gang themes are just too stark and don't relent. I'm sure there are more nuanced comparisons, but at least Grime (based on v. limited knowledge) explores different themes in different styles. Not much evidence of that here. 5.0
Mike
This is Heavy and repetitive. There is a swagger and arrogance to this album which doesn't appeal to me that much at all. Hard for a middle aged middle class white guy from Devon to understand the lifestyle ol' Loski is surrounded by, but he sounds unhappy about it, and how. The slang is pretty lost on me and the album just feels angry and confrontational. Bragging about hurting people and hanging rnd in gangs is alien and so is this sound. 4.8
Phil
Change the record please Loski, he certainly “drill”s the point home. No subtle or redeeming aspects to this lads personality. Go back and listen to Dizzee’s debut to see how far below the level set nearly 20 years ago this stuff falls. “Don’t tell me about royalty cos Queen Elizabeth don’t know me so how can she control me when I live street an she lives neat.” This effort is very well put together but it’s the arrogant Americanisation that shines through for me. 5.0
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More grime than the Sleaford Mods tour bus sink - Loski’s debut is brimming with intensity and street-wise swagger. At 53mins, I waded into this wildcard apprehensively, but found enough variation in the sample-led grooves to keep things interesting. Lyrically, as a middle class white man, ‘twas a tough nut to crack, lots of drill based slang and wordplay, seldom heard in the queue at Waitrose. Notable tracks include Money and Beef, an undeniable ear worm, the Drake-infused Forrest Gump and the melodic keys of ‘Outro’. 6.0
Adam
This album is a tricky one for me to review. It almost grabbed me at various times throughout.....but then didn’t. Earlier in lockdown when my mood was decidedly darker I think this would appeal to me more. Whilst I know the sample and trample style will appeal to many it’s just not my cuppa in this instance. Money and Beef is an ear worm, and for me is the only track that stood out. At another time I think I could’ve got into this one. Tasting notes: swing and a miss, money, beef. 5.5
Rich
First tentative steps into the world of Drill, and despite a rampant penchant for beef, barbies and the films of Tom Hanks, CR's first wildcard was also its most challenging submission. Doubtless, Loski's chief objective with Call Me Loose was to reach the hearts and minds of ageing (not quite) middle class white guys like me, so he'll be crushed to learn that the album's fixation with beef and walls of grungy beats didn't particularly register with me. I must be a pagan. Anyway, I'm not going to chat bare (I don't want to get splashed FFS), but I'd be surprised if his and the genre's appeal ever extends much further than its niche. The gang themes are just too stark and don't relent. I'm sure there are more nuanced comparisons, but at least Grime (based on v. limited knowledge) explores different themes in different styles. Not much evidence of that here. 5.0
Mike
This is Heavy and repetitive. There is a swagger and arrogance to this album which doesn't appeal to me that much at all. Hard for a middle aged middle class white guy from Devon to understand the lifestyle ol' Loski is surrounded by, but he sounds unhappy about it, and how. The slang is pretty lost on me and the album just feels angry and confrontational. Bragging about hurting people and hanging rnd in gangs is alien and so is this sound. 4.8
Phil
Change the record please Loski, he certainly “drill”s the point home. No subtle or redeeming aspects to this lads personality. Go back and listen to Dizzee’s debut to see how far below the level set nearly 20 years ago this stuff falls. “Don’t tell me about royalty cos Queen Elizabeth don’t know me so how can she control me when I live street an she lives neat.” This effort is very well put together but it’s the arrogant Americanisation that shines through for me. 5.0
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