Record-breaking British rapper Ramz has released new single ‘Family Tree’ via Polydor Records today.
This time last year, Ramone Rochester (aka Ramz) was studying Sports Development at university and looking for a quick way out via retail. Then he dropped his debut single, ‘Barking’ and it all changed…
With over 80 million global streams on the track and 35 million views on the video, the entire world was sitting up to listen to Ramz and ‘Barking’. The song about “A ting from Barking” reached #1 on Apple Music UK, #1 on Spotify UK (a world first for a debut single from an artist), #2 on the UK Official Singles chart, (surpassing releases from some of the world’s biggest artists including Eminem, Ed Sheeran & Rita Ora), and #5 on the Germany Official Singles chart, crowning Ramz as the highest charting UK urban artist since 2015, and the first UK artist since Rag’n’Bone Man to score a top 5 hit in Germany.
The Fraser T Smith produced follow up single to ‘Barking’, entitled ‘Family Tree’, was premiered by Sian Anderson (standing in for MistaJam) on Radio 1Xtra’s drivetime show. Tilting it hat to Ramz’s humble beginnings, ‘Family Tree’ is a feel-good anthem dedicated to his roots in Mitcham, South London. It sees Ramz pay homage to advice from his mother and lessons learnt from his lifelong friends: “That’s my family tree. If you know about them, then you know about me.”
The video for ‘Family Tree’ was directed by Kaylum Dennis (Stormzy, Krept & Konan, Dave, Raye, Not3s), shot in Mitcham and features guest appearances from Ramz’s friends and family.
Earmarked by The Fader as an artist who “deserves to blow up in 2018” and described by Pigeons & Planes as “poised to make a real impact in 2018”, Ramz is the upcoming British MC to watch this year. With an unprecedented rise to glory that is the testament to an ever-evolving and expanding UK music scene, Ramz’s lyrics provide a time capsule snapshot of the corners of the capital and are as relatable as his success-story is aspirational. While he may be a newcomer to the game, Ramz is holding all the Aces and his ambitions are sky high.
Following the release of ‘Family Tree’, this summer will see Ramz perform at a string of festivals, kicking off with Wireless on Saturday 7th July 2018. Watch the video below and add the single to your playlist here.
