When it comes to the conversation of U.K rap duo’s, J Hus and Burna Boy, Headie One and RV are often fan favourites. Amongst that debate is M Huncho and Potter Payper whose friendship and collaborative rap endeavours trace back to the late 2010’s. Their joint mixtape, 36 Hours (2024) captures the synergy between the two artists' distinct rap styles.
Created in just 36 hours, the pair deliver a bar heavy, introspective project which solidifies their title as giants in the UK rap scene.
On the one hand, Huncho has mastered the trap-wave sound with his melodic voice and immaculate production choices. On the other hand, Potter Payper embodies more of an old-school, traditional rapper with a fierce hunger to continue proving himself as one of the greats. His old-school style is inspired by the likes of 2Pac and his tales of East London street-life mirror Nas’s storytelling rap abilities. Created in just 36 hours, the pair deliver a bar heavy, introspective project which solidifies their title as giants in the UK rap scene. In a whirlwind trip to Tenerife, Huncho and Payper create an entertaining project which blends their differing artistic visions with an impeccable chemistry.
Two Wise Men kicks off the mixtape, serving as a fitting title for Huncho and Payper’s current career position. 3HREE6IX, Pharmaceutical Dreams and Everything’s Personal align with Huncho’s classic trap-wave sound. Produced by Huncho’s right hand collaborators, Quincy Tellem’ and Chucks, Huncho glides seamlessly over the beat, switching between rapping and singing. For Payper, the wordsmith takes on his companion’s artistic vision with cadence and articulate lyricism. Payper utilises his beloved storytelling abilities to tell the realities of street life, while celebrating their success, “I went from selling crack to selling words.” In Hall of Fame, the streak of melodic beats switches to hard-hitting snares, allowing Payper to come in ferociously. Huncho mirrors Payper’s style, diving deep into his rap bag to elevate the bar-heavy song.
Moving into Paine and Saine, the track reiterates Huncho as a pioneer in the trap-wave sound emphasised by his flawless melodies. The braggadocious lyrics serve as a common feature across Huncho’s discography, reminding himself and fans of how far he’s come. While there were glimpses of vulnerability, it sometimes feels that he depends on his immaculate production choices to keep things fresh, rather than his lyricism. It would be interesting to see him take on more of a contemplative narrative and explore it further.
The final three tracks, System Child, Frankie’s Back and Against the Rules favour Payper’s artistic vision. While System’s Child provides a raw, introspective track that details the hardships in their come ups and encounters with the law. Frankie's Back serves as the standout moment for the East London rapper. Through the stripped back piano keys over a sample, the production creates a nostalgic feel enhanced by Potter Payper’s empathetic and visual tales of the roads that defined his early years.
Overall, the project is a cohesive and exciting body of work. The dynamic between the two is effortless and authentic. The tape satisfies longtime fans and serves as a great introduction to new fans, curious about the talent which the UK music scene has to offer.
Jule Riemenschneider
Edited by Harriet Bodle
Official 36 Hours Album cover courtesy of M Huncho, image 1 and 2 courtesy of Potter Payper, video courtesy of GRM daily
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