In only a couple of years, Nerve has solidified himself as an Australian rap renaissance man. The Melbourne-born, Brisbane-based MC produces, mixes and masters his own music. But unlike some (there’s one who rhymes with “bus”), Nerve doesn’t make a big deal about it. The music speaks for itself, with his 2018 album Sober hopping straight into blood-vessel bursting barrages of Australian grime, and soul-stirring soliloquies over lo-fi boom-bap.
In this new single “Gone Stupid”, Nerve makes it clear that he doesn’t need an introduction. It’s simple: he’s fire. Behind the boards, he pairs an eerie saxophone that sounds like something straight out of a David Lynch movie, with an 808 that bellows like a troll under the bridge. But Nerve doesn’t pay the toll, he slays the beast, coming in quick with highly lyrical triplet flows and a stern, Australian cadence that belongs both at King Of The Dot, and cousin Donald’s barbecue. The video is just as fast-paced as the song, switching from Nerve revealing his signature sunglasses underneath ski goggles, to him coolin’ at a local bakery. And with lyrics like “ I’m tryna’ eat good baby give me that lasagne, but not that shit from Woolies shit I want it homemade like my Mumma’s,” the message of “Gone Stupid” is clear: This track is fresh.
“Gone Stupid” is the first taste of Nerve’s forthcoming EP Mumma’s Boy, which drops on all platforms September 20th. He’s also embarking on a national tour. You can click here for more info. In the meantime, check out the video for the new single above.
