$ebbuku's 'Affray' EP Demonstrates Unique Hip-Hop Vision

Norwich-based rapper's record lays bare his lived experiences

At just 19 years old, Sebastian Bates, better known as $ebbuku, has long been grinding away in the East of England hip-hop scene, starting his journey four years ago by producing beats.

You can feel Bates' heart and soul coursing through the blood of his music. Pumped with passion, his dynamic, bass-driven hip-hop is leveraged as an outlet to share his stories and experiences.

New four-track EP ‘Affray’ is a testament to Bates' unique sound and meticulous approach to music production. Influenced by hip-hop legends like Ice-T and LL Cool J, he fused his love of heavy dub with Boom-Bap, striving to create a sound that felt like it came straight from a record pressing. The result feels both nostalgic and innovative, with a flow that is expressive and near-hypnotic, driven by relentless energy and raw emotion.

Bates explains that he began to write the record about two years ago during an especially testing time. Sleeping on his best friend/drummer's sofa, writing 'Affray' became his means of expression with the situations that were going on in his personal life.

All tracks were recorded in Bates' home studio, with the visuals for lead single 'Set Your Soul Free' filmed in his childhood home.

With ‘Affray’, $ebbuku has crafted a project that reflects his personal journey while crafting a full-force musical experience that gives a taste of his artistry.