Wamp 2 Dem Explained

Wamp 2 Dem
Type:mixtape
Artist:Giggs
Cover:Wamp 2 Dem cover.jpg
Recorded:2016–17
Length:46:32
Prev Title:Landlord
Prev Year:2016
Next Title:Big Bad...
Next Year:2019

Wamp 2 Dem is a commercial mixtape by English rapper Giggs. It was released on 6 October 2017 by No BS Music, while the mixtape was distributed by Island Records.[1] It succeeds Giggs' fourth album Landlord (2016), released a year and two months prior, and is Giggs' first release with a major label. The mixtape includes guest appearances from American rappers 2 Chainz, Young Thug and Lil Duke, alongside Dave, Footsie, D Double E, Popcaan and Donae'o. Production was handled by Cool & Dre, London on da Track, Zaytoven, The Fanatix, Bricks Da Mane and Chris Childs, among others.

The mixtape was supported by one single – "Linguo" featuring Donae'o, which became Giggs' highest-charting single.

Background

In August 2016, Giggs released his fourth album Landlord to positive reception, entering at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart. In early 2017, Giggs was featured on two tracks from Canadian rapper Drake's album More Life, "No Long Talk" and "KMT". The guest appearances led to significant widespread attention for Giggs and his music. The same month, Giggs announced the Wamp 2 Dem mixtape on The SN1 Snow on Beats 1 Radio.[2]

Giggs described the mixtape as "a response to Americans who criticise UK rap", stating: "People wasn't really respecting England. Wamp 2 Dem was more showing where we're coming, [explaining that] we're the same as you."[3]

The mixtape's artwork was unveiled in June 2017, while the release date was revealed on 4 September 2017 via Instagram.[4]

Promotion

Wamp 2 Dem was promoted by Giggs through Instagram, posting teaser trailers compiling online reactions to his verse from Drake's "KMT", song previews and meme voiceovers.[5] [6] Numerous billboards and posters were set up around London the week leading up to the release.[7] [8]

Singles

The first single, "Linguo" featuring Donae'o, was released on 29 November 2017.[9] The song peaked at number 28 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming Giggs' first solo single to enter the top 40 and thus his highest-charting solo single to date.

Release

Wamp 2 Dem was released on 6 October 2017 for iTunes purchase and streaming via Spotify and Apple Music, as well as purchase through Google Play and Amazon. The mixtape was also made available for free download through Giggs' official website.[10]

Personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal.[11]

The Essence

The Essence
Director:Myles Whittingham
Producer:Mouktar Mohamed
Music:Nathaniel Thompson
Released:(Part 1)
(Part 2)
(Part 3)
Runtime:98 minutes (total)
Country:United Kingdom
Language:English

The Essence is a 3-part film series inspired by the soundtracks of Gigg's albums. Part one was released on 12 April 2019 on Giggs' YouTube channel.[12] It was written by Michael 'Buck' Maris, Ashley Chin and April Walker.[13] Myles Whittingham directed the film and it was produced by Mouktar Mohamed. Ashley Chin also plays a lead role in the film and also stars Dorcas Shola-Fapson, Rashid Kasirye with Giggs making a cameo in the film.[14] It would be the second time Giggs has worked with Chin, the first being Victim.[15] [16] The film was sponsored by ASOS, True Religion, Nike, Inc., Adidas, Benjart, Fresh Ego Kid, Dollars and Pounds amongst others.

Part 2 was released on 20 December 2019 and was inspired by the soundtrack of the Giggs' album Big Bad.... The second part of the series touches on the topics of gun culture, suicide, and abortion, outlining serious issues that affect the community living their daily lives in the streets.[17]

Part 3 was released a year later on 20 December 2020 and is inspired by the soundtrack of the Giggs mixtape Now Or Never.[18]

Cast

Episodes

Episode Production Companies Released Length Views (as of September 2021)
1 Island Records, Elixir Pictures, Globe Productions12 May 2019 28:51 3.5 million
2 Elixir Pictures, Globe Productions 20 December 2019 37:08 1.4 million
3 Island Records 20 December 2020 38.27 0.8 million

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Wamp 2 Dem by Giggs on Apple Music. 6 October 2017. iTunes. 6 October 2017.
  2. Web site: Giggs Looks To Capitalize On His 'More Life' Buzz With New Single "Superheroes". Genius. 25 March 2017. 6 October 2017.
  3. Web site: Liam Gallagher gets to number one on his own. BBC News. 13 October 2017. 14 October 2017.
  4. Web site: Giggs announces "Wamp 2 Dem" mixtape release date. GRM Daily. 4 September 2017. 6 October 2017.
  5. Web site: THE GRIME REPORT on Twitter:"Giggs forthcoming album 'Wamp 2 Dem' out in October.... . Twitter. 5 September 2017. 6 October 2017.
  6. Web site: GIGGS (@officialgiggs) • Instagram photos and videos. Instagram. 5 October 2017. 6 October 2017.
  7. Web site: GIGGS (@officialgiggs) • Instagram photos and videos. Instagram. 5 October 2017. 6 October 2017.
  8. Web site: GIGGS (@officialgiggs) • Instagram photos and videos. Instagram. 5 October 2017. 6 October 2017.
  9. Web site: Linguo (feat. Donae'o) - Single by Giggs on Apple Music. iTunes. 29 November 2017. 4 February 2018.
  10. Web site: SN1GIGGS.COM. 6 October 2017. 6 October 2017.
  11. Web site: Wamp 2 Dem / Giggs on TIDAL. Tidal. 6 October 2017.
  12. Web site: WATCH – THE ESSENCE SHORT FILM – Entertainment, TV & Film . levile.co.uk . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20190607203945/https://levile.co.uk/2019/04/21/watch-the-essence-short-film/ . 7 June 2019.
  13. Web site: Giggs Has Released A 30-Minute Short Film Soundtracked By 'Wamp 2 Dem' Highlights. Complex.
  14. Web site: The Essence - (Short Film). www.youtube.com.
  15. Web site: Giggs releases short film 'The Essence' inspired by his mixtape 'Wamp 2 Dem' | RWD. rwdmag.com.
  16. Web site: Exclusive Interview: Poundz – "even I'm gassed about it and I made the song" | RWD. rwdmag.com.
  17. Web site: The Essence Part 2 (Short Film). www.youtube.com.
  18. Web site: The Essence Part 3 (Short Film) . Mogul Magazine . 23 September 2022 . 7 January 2021.