London’s next big thing, Reuben Aziz, is making waves with his debut project ‘how did we end up here’, and it’s clear he’s bringing something fresh to the scene. At just 20, Reuben has carved out his own lane, producing, singing, and rapping; all from the comfort of his bedroom.
It’s that DIY approach that makes his sound so raw, personal, and authentic. This 10-track mixtape feels like an intimate peek into his life, offering listeners reflections on relationships, family, faith, and navigating the uncertainties of young adulthood.
The vibe of ‘how did we end up here’ is drenched in introspection, with Reuben’s smooth vocals and compelling lyricism cutting through a mix of Rap, Hip-Hop, and R&B. The whole project gives off major Frank Ocean ‘Nostalgia, Ultra’ energy, with Reuben clearly striving to make music that stands the test of time. In his words,
“The mixtape captures the past six or seven years of my life, presenting some old and more recent songs. I’ve poured my heart and soul into it, making it incredibly personal.”
Having initially gained traction through Rap freestyles on TikTok, Reuben’s been sharpening his craft ever since. His viral moment on Balamii Radio solidified his talent, and now the mixtape kicks off with the powerful track ‘Elevate’, showing just how far he’s come. The only feature on the project is Sexy Drill pioneer Wolfacejoeyy on the catchy ‘day + night’, a standout single that comes with a visually stunning Sci-Fi-inspired video. Reuben’s R&B vibes are on full display with tracks like ‘IDOLS’ and ‘before’, where his smooth vocals glide effortlessly, while the Neptunes and Timbaland-inspired production on ‘Only One’ highlights his falsetto in all its glory.
Tracks like ‘MAGIC’ and ‘tomorrow’ are all about commitment in love, with Reuben reassuring his partner that despite the challenges, he’s in it for the long haul. He wraps up the mixtape with ‘i’ll be there’, a sensual interlude that includes a heartfelt message from his grandfather, adding a personal touch that connects his family roots to the project.
Since going viral with ‘find u’ back in April 2023, Reuben has been on the radar of big names like Stormzy, Clint419, and SuperDuperKyle. Recently, Jim Legxacy and Songer have co-signed ‘how did we end up here’, proving that Reuben is on the brink of something huge. With his blend of introspective lyrics, boundary-pushing production, and an undeniable vocal presence, it’s no wonder he’s quickly becoming one of London’s most exciting rising stars.
This mixtape is a deep dive into Reuben’s world, and it’s clear that he’s only just getting started. If ‘how did we end up here’ is any indication, Reuben Aziz is set to be a major player in the music world.
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