James BKS, Q-Tip, Idris Elba, Little Simz proclaim themselves a “New Breed”

The successful French-Cameroonian producer enlists heavy hitters for hip hop anthem in praise of African roots

James BKS obviously has an impressive address book. The young French-born, US-based hip hop producer (who has worked with US and French rap royalty, including Snoop Dogg, Talib Kweli, Booba and Soprano) is the son of Cameroon saxophone legend Manu Dibango.

For his first major single, he has signed up to Idris Elba’s 7Wallace label and is their first official release. He has succeeded in getting on board Q-Tip (of hip hop legends Tribe Called Quest) and the fabulous rising star Little Simz.

James BKS seems to be trying to launch a new, positive, Afrocentric hip hop movement in the vein of the Native Tongues. The inclusion of Q-Tip makes perfect sense. Elba and Simz are also known for their celebration of African roots (the former has just received honorary citizenship of Sierra Leone).

The track uses sunny African music as a basis for celebratory Black Pride rap verses by each of the stars. It’s always a pleasure to hear Q-Tip although he doesn’t really stretch himself much; his presence seems more like a seal of approval than someone putting in the work. Elba might be the sexiest man alive, but he isn’t really much of a rapper and probably is here more to lend his name in support of the proceedings.

Which leaves it up to Simz to carry the track, and we know she can do that with her little finger. We’re lucky she gets the longest verse because she kills it, as she always does when anyone brings her on to save their song.

A simple, ebullient, Afrofuturism-themed animated video with echoes of the Zulu Nation’s space adventurism perfectly complements the song.

“The New Breed” has little surprise or originality, and frankly won’t go down in rap history, but its positive energy and respect for the music’s sources is infectiously joyful. We can all use more of that.