Video of the Moment #2901: Loyle Carner feat. Jordan Rakei
Header photo by Charlie Cummings
South London hip-hop artist Loyle Carner has returned after an 18-month hiatus with an intriguing new single titled ‘Ottolenghi’. Those of you who consider yourself foodies might recognise the title as the surname of famed Israeli-British chef Yotam Ottolenghi, who is, in a roundabout sort of way, the impetus for the song. The press release for ‘Ottolenghi’, out now on AMF Records, relates that Carner’s moment of inspiration came “when Loyle was quizzed by a family on a commuter train about the ‘Bible’ he was reading, which was in fact the aforementioned chef’s cookbook ‘Jerusalem’.”
The reference to Ottolenghi sits among a handful of other personally relevant references in Carner’s lyrics, including an expression from his grandfather and an allusion to Roots Manuva‘s ‘Dreamy Days’. Carner’s lyrical delivery feels more like spoken word poetry than what we typically think of as rap, and his reflective words are set over a cool, contemplative keyboard and bass groove. The song’s chorus is tinged with a smooth jazz vibe, courtesy of vocalist/producer Jordan Rakei.
Directed by Oscar Hudson of Pulse Films, the video for ‘Ottolenghi’ is decidedly low-tech, but its optical illusions are remarkably clever, creating a subtle kaleidoscopic effect throughout. Viewers with sharp eyes might catch sight of Yotam Ottolenghi himself in a brief cameo appearance. Watch the promo for ‘Ottolenghi’ below and see for yourself.
Along with the new promo video, Carner has announced a run of live dates in the UK and Ireland for next spring, including a double show at Manchester’s Band on the Wall on the first of May. Tickets for the following dates will be available for general sale on Friday, the 19th of October. In the meantime, you can find TGTF’s previous coverage of Loyle Carner right back here.
Saturday 27th April 2019 – Dublin Grand Social
Sunday 28th April 2019 – Edinburgh Caves
Tuesday 30th April 2019 – Leeds Brudenell Social Club
Wednesday 1st May 2019 – Manchester Band on the Wall (early and late shows)
Friday 3rd May 2019 – Brighton Concorde 2
Saturday 4th May 2019 – Bristol Trinity
Tuesday 7th May 2019 – London Roundhouse
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