ArrDee and Aitch – Photo: Courtesy of Island Records
Rising UK-based rappers ArrDee and Aitch have just dropped their highly anticipated new track, “War.” The collaboration also marked the announcement of ArrDee’s forthcoming mixtape, Pier Pressure, slated for release on March 18 via Island Records.
Alongside the dramatic single, the duo filmed a military-themed music video, setting a cinematic standard for their first collaboration together. Though the two rappers enter the video on opposite sides, arriving atop armored SUVs, they unite in a rap circle each time the catchy chorus plays. “I come from the struggle/I love all the trouble/I’ve been here before,” they sing. Both ArrDee and Aitch offer impressive solo performances later on in the track as well, giving each MC a chance to show off their skills.
Prior to ArrDee’s joint music announcement with Aitch, the nineteen-year-old rapper has amassed a large fanbase throughout the last year. In early 2021, he released his first single, “Cheeky Bars,” and has since gone on to have three Top 10 charting songs in the UK.
Yesterday, the rapper teased an early snippet of the “War” music video on social media before its release, leaving fans excited and speculating about what was coming. “[It’s] The collab we all deserve,” one fan replied. ArrDee’s Pier Pressure builds on the popularity of his steady roster of singles, showcasing what he can do in his first EP, as well as where the rapper’s trajectory will go from here.
As for Aitch, the young MC has gone viral online for his various freestyles, notably “Straight Rhymez” in May of 2018. The video even grabbed the attention of prominent British rapper Stormzy, along with 25 million views. Though Aitch has yet to release a new mixtape since 2020, he has continued to gain new fans through touring and collaboration videos on YouTube, including his appearance on the “Chicken Shop Date” series.
