J Hus Releases Awaited ‘Beautiful and Brutal Yard’
East Londoner J Hus has returned after three years with the release of his third studio album Beautiful and Brutal Yard. J Hus first gained attention with his hit single “Lean & Bop” in 2015, followed by his debut EP Playing Sports in 2016, and his collaboration with fellow British rapper Dave that went Platinum, “Samantha,” in 2017. His debut album Common Sense gained many award nominations and the admiration of fans, becoming a British rap classic. His unique mixture of dancehall, grime, rap, and Afroswing made him one of the fastest-growing young stars in the UK. However, this came to a halt in 2019 after a stint in prison and a claim to quit touring that he has since taken back. He made a surprise appearance with Drake during his UK tour later that year, announcing his freedom. He released his second album, Big Conspiracy, the next year, but remained quiet for the three after.
In May of 2023, he returned with the single “It’s Crazy” followed a few weeks later by the popular hit “Who Told You” featuring Drake. On July 14th, he released his third studio album, Beautiful and Brutal Yard.
Abbreviated on social media as “B.A.B.Y.,” the album starts with “Intro (GOAT)” whose outro features a friend hyping up J Hus. It is followed by “Massacre,” a song that takes inspiration from the Caribbean with its accent and lyrics. Its Caribbean inspiration continues later with “Killy” featuring Jamaican singer Popcaan. There are many other features on the album, including Jorja Smith, who provides melodic vocals on “Nice Body,” Nigerian worldwide star Burna Boy on “Masculine,” and veteran London rapper Boss Belly, who shares Gambian heritage with J Hus, on “Come Gully Bun (Gambian President).” One of the most anticipated songs is “Cream,” which features a switch-up before the second verse with CB.
Fans may notice something missing from the album: Jae5, the usual producer of the artist. However, the album still maintains the multicultural sounds that J Hus is known for. From UK grime to Caribbean dancehall to West Africa, the combination of genres, in addition to J Hus’ talent, makes Beautiful and Brutal Yard a summer smash.
J Hus is scheduled to go on tour in the UK and Ireland later this year.
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