Layfullstop is back with a self-produced gem, Family Affair. After making her mark as one of the UK’s rappers to watch, Lay’s brand new single Family Affair showcases her many talents. We are a witness to not only her soulful wordplay and strong, lyrical hooks but also her polished production after only recently honing the skill. The catalogue of music that Lay has released is a testament to her dedication to her craft. From her string of eclectic yet catchy singles to her 2021 mixtape ‘StiR’, we have enjoyed listening to her progression.
Birmingham born and Manchester based, Layfullstop pays homage to home in the visuals. Captured in the video, is her home studio set up. It portrays the organicism behind this new track. This visual stays true to her roots, especially in the scenes highlighting the well-known red brick mills.
I wasn’t planning on releasing this song, I was just vibing to it one day, posted a lil clip and continued to work on it behind the scenes because I just loved how simple it was.
There is a synergy with Lay’s music and visuals that offers a chill, yet danceable vibe. It is definitely something we have seen in her other singles such as Act Right, which was released last month. Combining elements of Hip Hop, Jazz and Soul, Lay has described her creative approach to music as more simplistic. As much as she loves ‘busy art’ she has said that this simple style aligns with her life at the moment. This cool, calm and collected aura is prominent in her new track. We just wish we could have been chilling in the studio with her.
We asked Layfullstop what was next for her and she said one word.. “Album!”. We can’t wait to hear what’s to come because we know that if it’s anything like Family Affair, it’s going to be non-stop bangers. Layfullstop has found her groove and we can’t wait to hear the outcome.
The story behind ‘Family Affair‘…
This song is not really about my family, but the idea that everyone has their own edge (whether we like it or not lol!). We all tend to fit together as a piece in an imperfect jigsaw puzzle. I understand that not everyone has family and at times I’ve taken it for granted as it’s easy to be wrapped up in your own world.
It started getting harder and harder to get beats that was reflecting where I was creatively so it ended up being my last resort, but the best thing I ever did.
Layfullstop’s journey with production …
I’ve had a love / hate relationship with production, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do but it always looked so complex. I had people be open to teaching me the ropes etc., but I was adamant that I’d work it out for myself when the time was right.
It started getting harder and harder to get beats that was reflecting where I was creatively so it ended up being my last resort, but the best thing I ever did.
To be honest, I’m still working myself around production, still finding myself but just having fun. Half the time I don’t even know what I’m doing, but I know a vibe when I hear one. I’ve been waiting to get to this point so I can finally self-produce my album (which is almost finished by the way, bup bup!)
I think when that’s out, that will be a more accurate reflection of my sound, I feel like it’s precise but everywhere at the same time and I like that.
If you were to listen to ‘Family Affair’ for the first time, where would you listen to it?
It has to be a living room whilst you’re slamming down some dominoes or taking somebody’s hotels in monopoly.
What’s playing at a family function?
I think it has to be Dazz Band – You Are My Starship, it has to be old skool. You either go down the Candy route, but this is practically the same.
A song of Layfullstop’s that she would put in a time capsule….
Ooo that’s a hard one … probably Nostalgia off my mixtape StiR, I think that would be fitting haha!
