LEVi - DAAANGER (Album) + 10 Questions

North London-based MC and songwriter LEVi has unveiled his first ever mixtape DAAANGER, out now on NLV Records.

His largest body of work to date, DAAANGER is a captivating sonic snapshot encapsulating LEVi as an artist. A 15-track release, the record kicks off with 2021 single ‘Strongback’, a dancehall and hip-hop-combining vibe-fuelled jam that immediately sets the tone. The mixtape includes a further four tracks that have been released as singles, starting with the brand-new ‘Raincoat’, which has been premiered by GRM Daily. Then there is ‘Lockdown’, an empowering call-to-arms banger, with LEVi’s domineering vocals vying for attention amidst heavy, futuristic dancehall beats, and ‘Lookin’ At Us’, a triumphant combination of punchy drill beats and his slick vocals. The final single on the mixtape comes in the form of ‘Second To None’, which features a melodic hook where LEVi triumphantly carves his own space in the music scene, declaring “don’t compare me to nobody”.

Elsewhere, further highlights come in the form of the contemplative ‘My City’, uncompromising ‘Audio Crack’, and gospel-sampling ‘Yank’, before ‘Feet On The Marble’ ensures things are closed out on an endearingly self-reflective note.

“It's a bit of everything,” LEVi says of the mixtape. “It's the streets, it's the club scene, and it's just real life. Real rap, real vibes, party vibes, whilst being down to earth and observational. Whether it's a song about partying, breakups, or what I see in the streets and politics, it's always my truth. I like to give people the cause and effect, the problem and the solution. It’s something I don't see a lot in the rap scene, to be honest. I always see the problem, or the problem being glamourised, but I don't see the train of thought to a possible solution.”

LEVi sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

What originally sparked my connection to music would most likely be my upbringing. The Caribbean roots of my childhood church played a huge part in my artistry. The musical influence it had on me is evident to see looking back at my catalogue and in the Daaanger Mixtape for sure. So church, my mum, MTV Base and Channel U.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

Artists that influenced me that I'd like to work with would most likely be Jay-Z, Vybz Kartel, Drake, Ye and Popcaan.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

I just dropped my 15 track Mixtape 'Daaanger' on the 21st July! Full of bangers, so go check that out it's got a bit of everything especially if you like Rap and Dancehall. Stay tuned though, before Xmas I will return, so vibe with me.

4. How would you describe your sound?

My sound is a mixture of heavy hitting lyrical rap, and wavy melodies with a Jamaican Dancehall influence. That's what you can expect from LEVi as a brand.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

My proudest moment keeps changing. I've performed in front of 10k people etc but right now I'd say the release of my debut mixtape 'Daaanger' is my proudest moment. 15 tracks, no features, all bangers. It's a big statement, and a masterpiece in my opinion. I'm just getting started *toots horn*.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

For anyone trying to get into music I'd say keep adding strings to your bow. That's whether you’re a creative or on the back end. Don't let anyone say you can't do something you've proven to yourself and others you can. Stay hungry, stay humble, stay happy and don't let others influence you out of who you are as an individual, it's a trap.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

There's a few. I'd defo say Drama (JEMM) who influenced me early on in my rap career, C.Malone, Kritikz, Rizzy B and many others.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

I've had a bit of Chief Keef, Drake and Stevie Wonder (best disco OG known to man) in my recent rotation atm, ya’ get me.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I like space to think these days. If it's music, business or family related I just like to chill at the crib these days. I'm definitely a party boy at heart but I'm a bit more chill these days.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Water, comfy socks, and good energy.