Earlier this year, NiNE8 Collective founding member Lava La Rue released her head-turning Letra EP. That collection brought her a lot of attention the world over, and in a wise move, La Rue is leveraging that attention to bring through the rest of the NiNE8 Collective. Consisting of members Biig Piig, Lorenzosv, Mac Wetha, Nayana IZ, Bone Slim, Libaan, Nige and La Rue herself, NiNE8 Collective look to soon catch up to the latter in terms of success, garnering their own fan base at an impressive rate.
The latest offering out of the bag is "Ignant", an exceptionally laid-back piece of UK hip-hop that makes light work of showcasing each of its members. Directed by the NiNE8 affiliate Taylor Cassar, with graphics by Lawrie Miller, the video tracks crew members Libaan (the director), Nayana IZ (the make-up artist), Lava La Rue (the stylist) and Bone Slim (the behind-the-scenes photographer) in a mock photoshoot, while NiNE8 rappers Biig Piig, Lorenzosv and Nige lay down their verses over Mac Wetha's mercurial production.
Speaking with Complex via email, Lava La Rue explained: "The message behind the 'Ignant' single is simple: 'It's about to be an IGNANT year.' Our group mixtape is coming; you're about to hear a new side to the collective. The same way when you see Marvel superheroes get together from their solo movies to form The Avengers is the same way. You've had a taste of solo projects from the likes of Biig Piig, Bone Slim, Lava La Rue, Libaan, Nige and more, and now you're about to see what happens when these rising artists from the underground music scene in London form a collaboration to show a new perspective in UK alternative hip-hop. 'Ignant' is the commencing single to start the takeover season."
