[REVIEW] LONG TIME
Late night shopping for snacks was a quarantine ritual. Legend has it, however, that in the wee hours of the morning, some convenience stores are blessed with live performances from the hottest MC’s in the city. Dorito hunters, meet Big Skeez (@big.skeez) and Gibrillah’s (@_gibrillah) Long Time; an ominous ode to the UK afro sound with killer visuals from Murli (@_murli) and The Sesh (@thesesh.inc).
Production is handled by local Bodega Collective staples Korky Buchek (@korky.buchek). Halfway between Burna Boy and J Hus, the laid back instrumental pairs jumpy percussion with brooding basslines. Taking a page out of Noah Shebib’s playbook, the top is rolled off just enough to let Skeez’s crooning cut through.
‘Like Notorious I’m coming out dangerous’
(Image Credit: Provided by Bodega Collective)
Gibrillah gifts Long Time with a verse of his own, fresh off the release of his latest single Divisions. Keeping his delivery raw, he fits in right next to Skeez’s autotuned verse. Unapologetic would be the right way to describe the track, which pairs brazen hedonism with the desire to stay out of love. Skeez and Gibrillah show off their lyrical chemistry and keep the listener entertained for the three-and-a-half minute runtime.
The visuals move from monochromatic cityscapes to CCTV footage with a heap of stylish transitions. Without being overbearing, Murli and The Sesh bring the right kind of pace and vibrancy to the darkness of the instrumental. The rotating graphics take the top prize in my opinion. Glitchy 3D figures elevate the mood of the video, showcasing top notch camera work and editing skills to boot.
‘No I’m not missin’ when I aim this’
(Image Credit: Long Time music video, directed by Murli)
The music video almost reminds me of how my high school mates used to sneak off during city excursions. Except they weren’t cool enough to lock off the Anzac Bridge during golden hour. Or throw their phone down a stairwell like Gibrillah does. Or sit on a cocaine white Lexus. Should I go on?
Stream Long Time here.
