Today, platinum selling and Oscar nominated music producer Toddla T and two time Grammy nominated rising Jamaican talent Runkus, release brand new collaborative album “OUT:SIDE”. It comes alongside new single titled “PRETTY SUIT” featuring reggae star Chronixx - out now via Delicious Vinyl Island.
“PRETTY SUIT” is the third offering lifted from the new “OUT:SIDE” album and follows on from previous singles BIG CHUNE and GOODLOVE featuring Ky-Mani Marley. The new single is a further display of Toddla and Runkus’ collaborative ability, this time joining forces with renowned reggae artist, Chronixx. The track is fueled with an enticing beat that Runkus and Chronixx ride effortlessly with a powerful hook and dynamic flows.“When it comes to reggae and dancehall, workin on a producky for these 2 was super special”, Toddla says of the track.
Having met 6 years ago in Jamaica, both Toddla T and Runkus have been creating music together ever since, bonding over their love of music and finding new ways to showcase their passion for reggae, dancehall and hip hop. “OUT:SIDE”, the final chapter to a trilogy body of work (MOVE:IN and IN:SIDE), is an ode and livication to the late, great France Nooks, Runkus’s close friend featured on the final track “TAXI:ZION'. The record combines Runkus’ experience, vision and genius with Toddla’s ever evolving production and sound - heavily influenced by his background in club culture, radio and Notting Hill Carnival - which come together to create this unique and uplifting body of work, ready for the return to the outdoors. With guest features from Chronixx, Ky-Mani Marley, Zenya and France Nooks, “OUT:SIDE” provides a soundtrack for all the motions of a real life dance - from riddims for the ravers, to songs for the lovers, all whilst telling a story close to Runkus’ heart, this album has it all. Collectively the pair have garnered support from the likes of The Fader, i-D, Clash Magazine, Notion, Complex, Trench and more.
Toddla says of the album: “When I first linked up with Runkus in 2015 as part of a freestyle I hosted for BBC Radio 1Xtra I knew he was a special human and artist. I was keen to collaborate further, we decided to make a mixtape which then snowballed into an album during the pandemic, when the idea of going 'outside' felt like a fantasy! Now we are back outside, it's the perfect time to drop the project. Toddla T and Runkus exploring the world & culture of reggae and dancehall. I'm super proud of this record.”
Runkus adds: “This is more than just a record for those who missed being outside due to the pandemic, it is for those who face a different pandemic, one of the fear of outside itself. Whether through insecurities or genuine fear for their lives, this cultural experience of a night out in the streets of Jamaica aims to liberate that fear and bring you a sense of solace, to Zion, within yourself. Livicated to the late, great France Nooks.”
