British rapper Aitch released his new album CLOSE TO HOME on August 19th. He collaborated with Ed Sheeran on the single “My G”. The song is a tribute to his younger sister.
Aitch’s new record CLOSE TO HOME represents his home life in Manchester. It tells the story of a young kickboxer from north Manchester who made Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list. His label describes the work as a “declaration of love to the city that shaped the 22-year-old” and as “a source of hidden depths”.
Aitch himself says that CLOSE TO HOME reminds him of home anytime, anywhere. “As much as I try to get out of the end and go somewhere else, I always come back to the same place. Even across the world I feel like I bring a sense of Manchester with me; whether I’m in London or Australia, I’m still close to home,” he explains.
“My G”: A tribute to his little sister
The single “My G,” which the rapper co-produced with Ed Sheeran, honors his 12-year-old sister Gracie, who has Down syndrome. In the third verse of the song, he raps:
“Do you walk past ’em in public, maybe they’re looking/Keep smiling baby girl and watch the day brighten up/I want you to know I’m still with you, I’d kill for you if someone were Lucky tries/I can’t even sip my drink, I shed tears in my mug.”
In the intro of the music video for “My G,” Aitch also included a small dedication to his sister. It says: “This song is dedicated to Gracie Armstrong. You have the biggest heart in the world! Don’t change for anyone. I love you kid x-aitch”.
With “Straight Rhymez” to great success
Aitch first garnered attention on YouTube in 2018 with his song “Straight Rhymez.” He received more than 20 million views and praise from rapper Stormzy, among others. His first single “Taste (Make It Shake)” debuted a year later at number eight in the UK Singles Chart. In 2020 he reached with “Rain” feat. AJ Tracey third place.
The rapper previously released the official music video for the single “1989.” He also produced samples for Ashanti’s R&B classic “Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)” and their collaborative single “Baby”. In addition to Ed Sheeran and Ashanti, the rapper has already collaborated with Stormzy and AJ Tracey.
Watch the music video for “My G” feat. Ed Sheeran:
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