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Since emerging as a pioneer in grime and later rap in the early 2000s alongside his crew Roadside Gz, RA has been one of South London’s most iconic voices.
The latest step in his evolution comes with the release of his new short film, Chino, which he co-directed with music video director Kevin Hudson. This isn’t RA’s directorial debut, though: five years ago, he connected with the director of Blue Story and fellow rapper Rapman for The Convo series, and between his ongoing “The Wrap Up” videos and his regular music videos, he’s always been hands-on with his visuals.
Naturally, RA provides the soundtrack, using his tried and true talents for storytelling to flesh out the narrative.
Chino tells the story of the eponymous Chino, a young kid navigating a largely self-sufficient childhood and the external pressures forcing him to make some difficult decisions. “There will be hate and there will be the people that are proud. What side of the fence will you stand on?” wrote RA in an Instagram post about the film.
Take a look for yourself at the top.
