There is something refreshing about a track that knows exactly what it is.
“Likkle Smiggle” pairs Birmingham heavyweight Mayhem NODB with producer A Class on a dark, gritty instrumental that immediately throws you back to grime’s raw foundations. From the first few seconds, the beat carries that old school spirit. The kind of riddim made for radio sets, reload moments and live crowd reactions.
A Class keeps the production stripped and intentional. It is nostalgic without feeling dated. The drums knock with purpose, the atmosphere stays tense, and there is space left for the MC to dominate.
Mayhem does exactly that.
He comes in sharp from the first bar, shelling the beat with confidence and clarity. There is no overthinking. No unnecessary polish. Just direct flows and energy that remind you why he has remained a respected name within the Birmingham rap and grime scene for years. The chemistry between artist and producer feels natural, built on history rather than convenience.
Mayhem describes the collaboration as something that clicked instantly, with the energy present from the start. A Class highlights Mayhem’s distinctive voice and the shared goal of making something authentic. Listening to the record, that authenticity is obvious.
“Likkle Smiggle” feels like a reminder of when grime was unapologetically UK, gritty and driven by character. Yet it still lands cleanly for today’s audience.
The timing is also strategic. The release arrives ahead of A Class curating a dedicated stage at SXSW London on June 5th at Colours Hoxton, spotlighting regional UK sounds and grime culture. The showcase will feature talent from Birmingham, Manchester, London and beyond, reinforcing the strength of independent scenes developing outside the capital’s traditional centre.
If “Likkle Smiggle” is anything to go by, that stage is going to be serious.
