Dutch From The 5th

“I have to represent. There’s no other choice for me,” Dutchavelli tells Apple Music. “People that make it out of where I’m from, they quickly dissociate themselves because they think it’s better for their brand or whatever. Growing up in these streets, I’ve seen how much talent is out here—and not just in music. So I’m trying to bring the value up of where I’m from. I want it to rise with me.” Hailing from the stretch of East London once dubbed the “Murder Mile,” Dutchavelli powerfully redraws the image and fearsome reputation of his Hackney home turf across mixtape Dutch From the 5th. Having climbed to prominence in 2020 with a wave of unflinching drill anthems, the gravel-toned MC serves an assured debut of chilling street tales. Opener “Kaka” builds around a skittering flow fraught with tension, “Zero Zero” recounts his journey from jail cell to main stage, and “Never Really Mine” opens an unexpected window into Dutchavelli’s softer side. “Drill artists, we get put into a box so quick,” he says. “It’s important for me to show that I have more to offer. I’ve always loved music, but it was like I never really felt any love back. Now I feel it, 100%.”