Loyle Carner Returns with 'Hate'

They say that art takes time, and good things come to those who wait – Loyle Carner’s new track ‘Hate’ is a testament to those claims.

Released 600 days after his last single, ‘Yesterday’, south London's finest has laid his soul to bear in his recent release. The track’s tone and accompanying visuals offer an unfiltered view: communicating fear, anger, frustration, and isolation in one stream of consciousness that explores the relationship with hate. Alongside this, the chorus explicitly explores the frustrations of being black and British, particularly in reference to the confinement of opportunities to those marginalised across society - "They said that it was all that you could be if you were black - play ball, maybe rap."

Fellow artist Kofi Stone summed it up quite nicely: "art is meant to disturb the comfortable, and comfort the disturbed." 'Hate' provokes the listener or viewer, illustrating how often we find hate is entrenched in fear and how it can consume oneself. It's a somewhat new sound for Loyle, a feeling that 'Yesterday' edged towards but not wholly. As far as I'm concerned, I love it. It's real and true to his heart and artistic mind. Typical of Loyle, it's not made to compete with the chart-toppers, but to inspire a more deep-rooted, conscious yet enjoyable listening experience - reflecting the beauty and clear passion he has for music.

The provocation of the track's discussion is very relevant, the past two years being a challenging time for society. But for LC, it has also offered new awakenings – namely fatherhood - which no doubt comes with its challenges. So, as he embarks on a new chapter in his life, so does his music. His next project will undoubtedly explore his Guyanese descent sonically, lyrically, and visually, as well as convey the complexity of race and inequality - something partly discussed in his previous album 'Not Waving But Drowning.'

If ‘Hate’ is anything to go off – it’s exciting times. A new album and live tour dates are potentially just around the corner, and if he remains his cryptic online self, fans will be on the edge of their seats as always.