Alicai Harley - IYDK (Official Video)
Picture Credit: Captured By Catch (@Capturedbycatch)
Jamaica born, London raised Alicai Harley releases new single IYDK, an electrifying track signalling the return of the UK Dancehall star, produced by Shaye. Accompanying the single is a cinematic music video directed by REBEKAHBCREATIVE.
On ‘IYDK’, Alicai Harley returns with a renewed confidence and assured spirit. The song’s instrumental is a vibrant extravaganza, with pulsing drums, warped synths and meandering bass creating a high energy groove. Vocally, Alicai is as engaging as ever, naturally oscillating between her British twang and native patois. The song’s final bridge contains an interpolation of ‘Linstead Market’, a Jamaican folk song about a mother who goes to market hoping to sell her ackee in order to provide for her children, echoing the song’s themes of self determination.
Speaking of the track, Alicai had this to say, “For me, as much as it’s a flavourful and dancey record, it’s got a lot of depth to it. It’s me being back and choosing to be in control of my destiny. A reintroduction to who I am and one of the pinpoints in the record is me showing transparency as an artist. It was a lot of fun working with Shaye and being able to combine each other’s worlds while still keeping the signature Alicai Harley flavour.”
Alicai Harley first came to prominence after releasing 2017 breakout single ‘Gold’, introducing the world to her unique sound, which confidently blends raw Dancehall energy with a pristine Pop sensibility. As the years progressed, Alicai became a hotly tipped artist after releasing a succession of well received singles, including ‘Naah Done’, ‘Proper Paper’ and ‘Tek It To Dem’. During this time Alicai’s talents had been recognised by other established artists, featuring on tracks by Toddla T, Stonebwoy and DJ Zinc and her track ‘Rushing’ being remixed by Kojo Funds. As her star continued to rise, Alicai was named as an artist on the BBC 1xtra Hot for 2019 list which tipped her as one of the most exciting new artists across the industry that year.
In 2021, Alicai released her debut EP, the critically acclaimed ‘The Red Room Intro (Yard Gyal Inna Britain)’, which through its 10 tracks displayed her talents for seamlessly transitioning between genres spanning Rap, Dancehall, Reggae and Pop. The project contained features from legendary Deejay Tony Matterhorn, Stefflon Don, Moelogo, Kojo Funds and longtime friend and mentor Nadia Rose. Mirroring her own story of overcoming adversity, the EP’s artwork took inspiration from children’s picture book ‘Amazing Grace’, by Mary Hoffman, the story of a young Black girl determined to play Peter Pan in her school play, despite her classmates disapproval.
The release of ‘IYDK’ marks an exciting new chapter in the young artist’s career, who returns refreshed and realigned in her purpose.