British actor Idris Elba, known for playing John Luther and Stringer Bell may be known as one of the UK’s leading actors (and heavily tipped to be stepping into Daniel Craig’s 007 shoes), but he’s also no stranger to music. Under the moniker of Driis, Idris has been singing, rapping and producing since 2006, and has also made a name for himself as a House DJ, often found playing at various residencies in Ibiza’s.
So when it came to getting a remix of Shutdown, rather than ask one of his BBK mates, Skepta decided to breathe new life into the track by instead enlisting the booming bass of the man who once played Nelson Mandela. The pair teamed up after Idris tweeted @Skepta: “Put me on the remix! Cause I SHUT DOWN prime [time] TV on the regular!”
“Basically a lot of people have asked to jump on Shutdown remix, I’m not gonna front. But cos of quality control we wanted to make it really big, it’s all about spreading the British sound and culture,” Skepta told CapitalXtra’s Manny Norte back in April, when he announced the collaboration. “Shutdown remix. Idris Elba and another big rapper.” Two months later and we finally have the finished results. What’s the verdict? Should Elba stick to the acting or can he cut it as an MC? “See that Wire? Shut it down… Ain’t nobody else Stringer Bell/ Boy from the east end doing well…” Driis rhymes over Skepta and Ragz Originale’s instrumental.
Press play and decide for yourself…
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