Such UK megastars like Wiley, Kano, and Dizzee Rascal have barely made a dent in U.S.A. That is why it was a surprise to hear Samsung mobile tap Queen Leshurr‘s “Queen’s Speech 4” as the soundtrack to their “It’s Not a Phone, It’s a Galaxy: Wireless Charging” commercial in the States. The opening stanza of “I hold it down like a Snapchat/Go over your head like a snapback/Uploaded a pic, double tap that/And your flow’s so old, granddad” shows off Leshurr’s high bravado mix of witty wordplay and hashtag rapping–a unique combo for a female rapper.
A quick search for “song in Galaxy commercial” will turn up results like “what Nicki Minaj song is that?” Perhaps that is not a surprise; afterall Minaj was hailed as the next great female emcee after dropping her verse in Kanye‘s “Monster.” The fact that she has been derailed from fulfilling that potential with more pop ventures and American Idol judging has left a void which Queen Leshurr seems more than happy to fill.
The Queen’s Speech EP is Leshurr’s first major release to hit both sides of the pond. Although the EP only compiles her previously released 2015 freestyles “Queen’s Speech” I-V and one new track “1 Million Views,” it is the perfect dummy’s guide to her work. Over menacing grime beats, Leshurr’s tongue is sharp launching lines like “And your hair’s uneven, you look dusty/What’s that on your lip looks crusty/Is that a cold sore? Must be.”
While the six tracks on the EP only really show the battle rapper side of Queen Leshurr, she will have to show a bit more versatility to create a potent full-length. For the time being, Queen’s Speech takes Leshurr from the “one to watch” to the “one who has arrived” and its about time to hop on board before this train leaves the station.
Rating: 8.4/10