Fresh from unveiling their latest single “Dumpa” and landing as the Premier League starts to warm up with its second round of fixtures since the restart, London production duo iLL BLU, aka childhood friends James Grant and Darius Ellington Forde, have supplied us with their Match Day playlists.
For those not in the know, iLL BLU built their underground foundations through releases on cult labels like Numbers, Hyperdub and MadTech, before going onto a major label run with Island Records and recently signing a new deal with RCA Records. Since 2008, they’ve continued to push the envelope and were the masterminds behind “Chop My Money” featuring Krept & Konan, ZieZie and Loski and have been working with the likes of Geko, James Morrison, JP Cooper, Not3s, Kyla, IAMDDB and Young T & Bugsey. The producers have gone far beyond their UK Funky origins, branching out across the UK underground scene while maintaining a strong crossover appeal with each release. And like so many musicians on that scene, they have a strong relationship with football.
First up, James supplied us with the tracks that either get him popping – or console him – on match day: "I’m an Arsenal fan Ive been supporting them since i was a kid and Ian Wright was playing for the club. He was my favourite player at the time and I stuck with them through thick and thin ever since."
Pre Game
Gatti – Pop Smoke and Travis Scott
This tune has got this aggressive energy gets us fully amped game ready.
Right Here Right Now – Fat Boy Slim
This is a classic and anthem. The strings at the beginning of this gives us an uplifting feel, creates great a anticipation for any fixture on the cards make you look forward to kick-off.
Breathe – The Prodigy
Another hard-hitting anthem that gets the blood pumping.
Post Game
Ye – Burna Boy
This is a perfect feel good song to celebrate after you’ve won a big match. It gets everybody singing as well, as it's so simple.
Stargazing – Travis Scott
Like to listen to this song and zone out, especially if it’s been a frustrating game and your team hasn’t performed as you know they can. Helps you to forget about and numb the pain.
Can’t Hold Us Down – Kano featuring Popcaan
A song of encouragement. We won’t back down. Helps to lift your spirits especially after suffering from a tough loss. A song to pick yourself up.
Next up is Darius. "I support Liverpool and I’m a lifelong fan. I started supporting when John Barnes joined."
Pre Game
You’ll Never Walk Alone – Gerry and Pacemakers
This gets me amp as I'm a liverpool fan.
Get That Dirt off Your Shoulder – Jay-Z
This is that ignorant nobody cant get me down type of vibe.
Anti Up – M.O.P
This is the bullish type of track that can create that winning mood.
Post Game
Between Us – Dvsn Ft Snoh Alegra
This is that calming mood vibe after a tough game on the drive back.
Hold On Were Going Home – Drake
This is perfect after a win! That 80s groove is fit for a winning mood.
Racks in the Middle – Nipsey Hustle ft Roddy Rich
This is my jam and I play this after any type of win.
You can listen to iLL BLU's full playlist here, and their latest anthem ‘Dumpa’ featuring M24 & Unknown T is available to buy/stream everywhere now.
