[REVIEW] North London’s yas. introduce their reflective alt-rap palette on debut EP 'entropy'

With over two years on the alt-rap circuit, North London duo yas. have welcomed their debut EP, entropy, into the world.

★★★★

With over two years on the alt-rap circuit, North London duo yas. have welcomed their debut EP, entropy, into the world.

Made up of lyricist Yas and producer Cian (also known as Cloudman), entropy was born out of living room sessions in Finsbury Park. However, the EP’s influences came from further afield, with the likes of Loyle Carner, Mac Miller, and Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn each weaving their way into the EP’s creative makeup. 

Jazzy, warm, and characterised by harmonious lofi beats, their debut blends traditional elements of hip-hop with the wider easy listening category. While the opener, ‘i’, delivers an introspective look at the conflict between self belief and doubt, ‘breakdown’ confronts the societal shame around failure, instead celebrating breakthrough and resilience. In times that feel more trying than ever, the unfiltered vulnerability and admissions of struggle peppered throughout the EP’s lyric sheet feel particularly important – especially given the traditional masculinities associated with the broader hip-hop genre.

However, it’s ‘Fire’ that stands out as the star of entropy. With lyrics that translate the exhaustion of daily life (“I don’t wanna learn another lesson but I gotta do”), intermittent city sirens, and references to time’s relentless passing, it digs deep into the themes of self-revival in the face of adversity and chaos. An infectious and repeatable cut that ranks high in their discography to-date.

7 minutes long and narrated with gorgeous flows that underscore the trials and tribulations of young adulthood, entropy feels like the start of something bigger for the musical outfit. With features on BBC Radio 1 and BBC London already under their belt, it’s no surprise that they’re quickly carving out their place in the city’s alternative scene. 

Though the question of what comes next for yas. remains uncertain, one thing is clear: following their debut, the collective are undoubtedly ones to keep an eye on into the new year.