Pitchfork

For those who think the folks at Big Dada Records are all about big beats, take a listen to this new signing: South London's own Speech Debelle. The purely organic instrumental sound-- production by Plutonic-- is emblematic of this left-field MC who tells stories about her life with just the right amount of attitude and smarts. Her first single, "Searching", was a little more moody and intense, but "The Key" shows that this girl's got range--and an ability to drop a memorable hook. This isn't just some acoustic hop-hop experiment, it has unique-- and uniquely British-- feel. In addition to the sweet edge of Ms. Debelle's voice, the clarinet in this little piece of goodness also adds a little something something.

MP3:> Speech Debelle: "The Key"
[from "The Key" single; due 03/16/09; also from an upcoming full-length; due May 2009; both from Big Dada]