Review: London’s Acclaimed Newcomer Scribz Riley Unveils Cohesive ‘Wish Me Luck’ EP

Formerly known for his exquisite production and song writing, the Grammy award winning producer otherwise known as Scribz Riley, emergred from the shadows earlier this year with his debut single “East Side”. Having previously worked with musical heavy weights including Khalid, H.E.R., J Hus and Cardi B, the 26-year-old hailing from East London has taken the music industry by storm over the last few months. Known for blending both RnB and Rap together in order to create a unique sonic stamp that’s enriched with his butter-like vocals, and dynamic approach, Scribz Riley has today released his debut EP titled, ‘Wish Me Luck’. Consisting of 10 quality tracks and features from 6LACK, Kaash Paige, KWN, JADA and Headie One, the rising artist takes us on a cohesive and blissful journey through his artistic mind.

Opening up the EP with the atmospheric and slick vibrations of pre-released track “On My Sleeve”, alongside US newcomer Kaash Paige, this track clocks in at just over 3 minutes long and sets the tone for what is yet to come. Exploring a relationship with a previous love interest who’s now only interested in Riley due to his success; the London native talks on how the tables have turned. Glazing the self-produced backdrop with ease, Kaash Paige compliments both the beat and Scribz seamlessly.

Swiftly transitioning into “Impress Me” alongside UK hit maker Headie One, you can tell Scribz has studied music thoroughly with this one. If you flashback to the end of the “East Side” visuals, you will remember the teaser at the end that left supporters waiting in anticipation for the drop! Although Scribz is not as prominent throughout this track, “Impress Me” only certifies his ability not only as a producer but as an accommodating artist. Housing a laid-back yet skittering Drill instrumental, Headie pierces the beat with his no-nonsense and assertive approach; “I got these golden ones in the VIP, all tryna’ impress me / And, they don’t want me for me / If they can’t have me then they’ll have my bredrin / And they don’t love me for me / They probably just love my necklace”, he raps. Seeping through later in the track, Scribz breaks down the beat with his instantly recognisable tone and harmonies, adding that extra punch to the already energy-driven joint!

Treating us to an all-new track named “Outta Your Way” – this one comes from a point of frustration! Delivering a straight-talking and no-nonsense approach, we then transition into “Introduce Myself” alongside rising artists KWN and JADA. Posing as a stand-out single from the project, this track varies in sound and textures. Enriched with an alluring and sensual essence, both KWN and JADA open the track with their flavorsome vocal tones before Scribz offers his unblemished wordsmith. Journeying into arguably one of his best drops yet, the summer-infused and feel-good vibrations of “Mandy” set you up for a little 2-step here and there! Following his recent live rendition, this pre-released banger is flawless! Speaking on the release, Scribz previously commented; “I wrote the track in LA & finished it in London. It was a quick freestyle and took me 40 minutes to write, which is really quick for me. The song is about getting to that place in a relationship, where as much as you still love that person, you can feel it’s coming to an end.  Sonically, I didn’t want the song to feel sad, I wanted it to reflect that moment of acceptance. As much as it is a sad time, you know it’s the right thing do, so might as well turn up and move on.”

From the anthemic hook of “Used To This” to one of the star features of the EP, aka 6LACK, who graces us with his presence on “Dim My Light” – don’t lie, this is the one we all came for! Sampling Snoh Aalegra’s hit “Whoa”, this track is the embodiment of RnB to its fullest. With the seeping vocals of Snoh weaving in and out on loop from start to finish, 6LACK opens the track with his signature laid-back and effortless approach. Delivering a straightforward verse, he encourages listeners to do what they please with no remorse or self-doubt. Shortly following in his footsteps, Scribz comes through with further words of encouragement whilst boasting his success and achievements, before the rich and soulful sounds of a saxophone closes out the track – to say this track is a stand-out offering from the project would be an understatement!

Closing out the EP with an emotive, thought provoking and piano-led cut titled, “I Lied (Part 1)”, Scribz takes us on a more vulnerable and honest journey. Enabling his vocals to take centre stage, the ascending star is able to keep you captivated throughout before stumbling into his debut hit “East Side”. Fit for your late-night drives through the city, “Secretly” is enriched with a pulsing beat and relatable wordsmith that I’m sure many of us can relate to!

Listen to ‘Wish Me Luck’ below and on Apple Music here.