Lisa Mercedez Talks New Single ‘Hype & Bruk’
London-based Dancehall artist Lisa Mercedez is on the steady path to success. After gaining more recognition through her collaborations with Vybz Kartel, Mercedez has been expanding her catalog with a slew of singles—the most recent being Hype & Bruk.
Produced by DJ Assasin, the official audio was released on June 4, while the music video debuted on June 18 on YouTube. DancehallMag had a quick chat with her about her newest offering and her career.
Since the release of Hype & Bruk, what has the reception been like?
It’s been good. Hype & Bruk reached over 11,000 views in one day.
What would you say makes you stand out in the industry?
The fact that I’m based in London already makes me stand out as a female Dancehall artist. To be honest, there’s not really a lot of Dancehall female artists over here, I only know of three Dancehall female artists. One lives in London and one from Birmingham and the other young lady I’ve only just discovered her when I went to the Shaniel Muir UK tour in Coventry.
I’m actually the first Dancehall female artist to go on tour with Nicki Minaj, and the first female artist to jump on a grime beat and drill beat and got it playlist on Kiss FM. Even though I grew up in the UK, I still have my authentic sound.
What are your opinions on the climate in Dancehall right now, especially with the new wave of artists?
It’s a good look!
Are you pleased with your growth as an artist?
I wouldn’t say I’m 100 per cent pleased. But, so far so good. There’s still room for improvement, but the fact that I’ve done features with artists like the legend Vybz Kartel, and Giggs, I’m actually proud of myself.
Will you be collaborating with any artists soon, and if so, which ones?
Yes, hmmm I rather not say for now…. I like to surprise my fans.
With the reopening of the entertainment industry, what are your plans? Any live shows?
Yes, I’ve got Jah Vinci Virgin UK tour, the Ding Dong show in Birmingham, Reggae Jam tour in London and Germany and BOMBOCLAAT festival in Belgium. Put it this way, I’ll be very busy this summer.
Mercedez previously released the Drama Free EP which featured veterans such as Ninjaman, Vybz Kartel and Culan. Her other collaborators have included Sneakbo, Stefflon Don, Ms Banks and Preditah.
The music video for Hype & Bruk is pretty straightforward, as it lets interested suitors know that she will never entertain a man who isn’t willing to spend on her.
She flashes several luxury brands throughout, and cements her point with the chorus: “Hype an’ bruk/ A nuh we dat/ Bruk call a come in, wi nuh si dat/ Nuh bwoy cyaa trick wi/ Tell dem wi nuh eediat.”
Press play on the new visuals above.