Over the course of a year, Brixton-based Turkish artist emir taha has cemented himself as a rising force in the global music scene, casually picking up a No.1 in his home country last month, alongside co-signs from D.C rapper Wale and Benny Blanco. Following the release of his debut EP ‘Hoppa pt.1’ in 2020, which garnered an immense fanbase and over 30M streams, 24-year-old Emir has introduced himself as a visionary artist and producer.
Nearing the release of his second instalment ‘Hoppa pt.2’ on 26th March, Emir today shares his kaleidoscopic new single ‘Bad Reception’, co-produced with LA-based producer Lophiile (H.E.R, Col3trane). Listen HERE.
Combining SoundCloud-influenced trap culture with Turkish instrumentation, ‘Bad Reception’ moves between woozy R&B sonics and unconventional hip hop flows. About the new track Emir says, “Bad Reception is about the connection with God, slowly getting weaker as beliefs become outdated and fade away.”
He continues, “It’s when you run out of reasons to hold onto what you thought was with you from the start. Losing your most crucial life support by realising things, disconnecting from that wavelength and also feeling regretful because you deeply miss the thought of being heard and answered. Some days you get too caught up in the moment and forget about what is important. Other days you feel sad and resentful, so you go back to a higher power for help. However, this time you can’t convince yourself that you’re being heard because you feel too aware and your thoughts are in a war”
While Emir’s debut ‘Hoppa pt.1’ was a gracious introduction to the duality of his east and west identity, the forthcoming EP ‘Hoppa pt.2’ shows off a darker side. The second instalment is about processing who he is when he is away from home and reconnecting with his culture.
Taha’s penchant for an alternative brand of R&B pits hip-hop elements against Turkish melodies, with a similar otherworldly, brooding vibe as artists such as The Weeknd. Born in the coastal city of Antalya, Emir rarely settled down into one place. He found a constant in the classical guitar, which he picked up at a young age, inspired as much by Anatolian psych-rock legend Barış Manço as by Eric Clapton.
Emir’s mission is simple – do for Turkish music what Rosalía has done for flamenco: bring the tradition to a worldwide audience. He wants to celebrate his heritage, with no compromises.
