Crossover’s don’t come much more potent than this. James Blake, known for his collaboration work with a panoply of talent across endless styles and genres, has the pick of the industry to work with at this point. Lil Yachty, perhaps more divisive amongst the academic tine of the zeitgeist, has proven himself to be a fiercely creative artist in his own right; last year’s unexpected, ambitious and highly effective Let’s Start Here. made that clear.

Blake and Boat’s new record, Bad Cameo, is the convergence of two polymathic presences who see music far beyond a sonic median. It’s a work of experience, of endeavour and of experiment; a glorious alchemy of trip-laden triumph. Perhaps more one note tonally than we might have expected, its timbre is meditative and meandering, the sparse vocal inflections that pop up here-and-there are a breath of fresh air beneath the consuming, murky soundscapes.

Though it’s not a perfect album, it’s soulful, surrealist and leaves plenty of room for growth in the budding partnership, should this prove an inaugural joint work. Two artists pushing boundaries, defiant in succumbing to the industry’s rigmarole; Bad Cameo is a bold step for Yachty and Blake alike.

Listen to the new album…