Cracky Blacks, commonly referred to as CB, hails from East London and is a prominent figure in the UK Drill music scene. Now 25, he embarked on his rap journey at a young age, and his big break came in 2017 when he dropped ‘Take That Risk,’ a track produced by MKThePlug & M1OnTheBeat. This song is now hailed as one of the most iconic pieces in the UK Drill genre. CB continued to make waves with other hits like ‘Talk On My Name’ and ‘Everyday,’ and he also left an indelible mark with a memorable ‘Mad About Bars’ freestyle.
In March 2019, CB faced legal troubles and was sentenced to 23 years in prison on firearm-related charges, with the possibility of serving half his sentence for good behavior. Despite this setback, he didn’t let it hinder his creative output. Later in the same year, he released his debut mixtape, “A Drillers Perspective,” a collection of 16 tracks that showcased his artistic prowess, marking a significant milestone in the UK Drill music scene.
This mixtape not only showcased CB‘s unique style and authentic storytelling but also provided listeners with an in-depth look into the world of London’s drill culture.
The tracks on “A Drillers Perspective” delved into various aspects of CB‘s life, from his experiences growing up in East London to the challenges he faced as a rising artist in the UK’s competitive music industry. The mixtape reflected his personal journey, capturing the realities of street life and the complexities of his surroundings. The mixtape not only solidified CB‘s status as a standout talent but also contributed to the broader recognition of UK Drill as a genre with a unique voice and narrative. It resonated with fans, not just in the UK but also globally, drawing attention to the genre’s ability to convey the raw emotions and stories of young artists in urban communities.
“A Drillers Perspective” received critical acclaim and played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of UK Drill music. It became a reference point for subsequent artists and a cornerstone in CB‘s discography. The mixtape’s success set the stage for his continued growth and evolution as an artist, leading to more collaborations, iconic freestyles, and the anticipation of his future releases. The iconic ‘Plugged In Freestyle‘ with Fumez The Engineer followed in 2020 and quickly became one of CB‘s biggest hits to date.
In July 2022, CB broke his silence by unveiling the eagerly awaited mixtape, “A Drillers Perspective 2“. This project featured collaborations with fellow major UK drill artists, including Kwengface, Suspect, and M24. Adding depth anddiversity to the project, with each artist bringing their unique perspective to the mixtape.
With “A Drillers Perspective“, CB demonstrated artistic growth and versatility while maintaining the raw authenticity that drew fans to his music. It served as a testament to his resilience and commitment to his craft, even in the face of personal challenges.
With the focus track, ‘Hollows,’ CB and J Hus deliver a raw, bold, and unapologetic piece. The collaboration showcases a unique flow, gritty lyrics, intense beats, and heavy basslines—a long-awaited partnership that serves as the driving force behind a record, demonstrating CB‘s unwavering determination and his refusal to slow down.
Stay tuned for what promises to be a stellar year ahead for CB, as he solidifies his place as a trailblazer in the UK music scene. In the upcoming year, we anticipate even greater heights and achievements.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stillwoodycb/
