Rum with it – Newtownstewart rapper’s new EP

Say cheers to original and smooth music… as the experience of drinking rum is the underlying and hidden message that runs through a Newtownstewart rapper’s brand new six-track EP.

Let me explain…

‘Something To Drink Too’, which was released on Monday, is the labour of love by CJXY – otherwise known locally as Courtney Preville.

The work, which took one year to complete, consists of six original tracks which each tell their own tale, but each track also features a different, yet special and unspoken moment, which one encounters when enjoying a sup of rum – a concept which was inspired by Courtney’s favourite drink, and also the rapper’s cousin who is a cocktail maker.

“The songs should be listened to in order first,” advised Courtney, who has lived in Newtownstewart for the past six years. “Originally, when I created the EP, I wanted it to be a collection of songs that people could drink to in any setting: A house party; cocktail bar; night club; or even after work.

“It was a feel-good project, which then evolved: I found myself thinking more about the artistry of the project – and the artistry of rum.”

‘Aesthetic’

The first track on Something To Drink Too is, aptly, called ‘The Intro’.

“It is all about the word play, lyricism and punch lines, and it gets into a grime flow,” Courtney detailed. “It gives the listener the rawest taste of what my music is like, and what my style is, and its aesthetic.

“Just as the song is introduced to the listener, I introduce the concept of rum and subliminally ask the question – how is the rum introduced to the drinker? How does it look in the bottle? How is it poured, and how does it look in the glass?”

The next track, ‘Something To Drink Too’ features rappers ADYLLES and Gooside, who are both from Derry.

“I want to show listeners the true feel of the EP, and I hope when they hear the song, they feel exhilarated and happy – like they do when they drink rum,” CJXY said. “I also wonder – how does the rum feel in your mouth; in your throat; and in your stomach. I hope it passes the slurp test! The song starts smoothly, but finishes strong.”

‘Ambience’

The next track, ‘Show Me Your Love’, featuring Rory Eyre), samples one of Courtney’s favourite songs of the same title, and it was written in honour of his wife, Kellie-Ann.

“It’s a more playful and vulnerable work,” the rapper described. “It stays true to who I am. It also creates a certain ambience. It makes the listener think about the setting in which they are enjoying the rum.”

After opening up emotionally, song number three, ‘Boxing’ captures the strength of CJXY’s lyrics.

“It is a bit more punchy: Even though I can be vulnerable, I’m nothing to mess with,” Courtney, whose favourite genres are rap and R&B, said. “It also makes the listener wonder how the rum tastes – is it strong?

“How does the alcohol-by-volume compare to the taste?”

The penultimate track, ‘Microwhavey’ features synthetic instruments; it is lucid and reflective. It gives the listener a chance to reflect on the rum’s after taste – does the flavour stay with you?

“This song will stand the test of time,” Courtney, who is a father-of-two, said. “It has a good beat, but a softer flow.”

And finally, ‘Achilles’ finishes the EP. The song describes how everyone has an Achilles’ Heel – it also doesn’t mean that they aren’t powerful.

‘Strength’

“It ponders how people feel – about themselves, and about the rum. Does it taste better when paired with a shot? Or should it stand alone?

“Rum uplifts a mixer,” Courtney explained. “And the hook is akin to an affirmation: I don’t need to show the haters my weakness – just know that I have strengths.”

Courtney, who said that he is truly thankful for all his fans who ‘kept him going through lockdown’, said that he ‘can’t wait’ to hear everyone’s thoughts on his new EP.

“So far, it has been received very well,” he smiled.

“Releasing ‘Something To Drink Too’ really is a proud moment for me as I’ve been making music for a very long time.

“I hope it will be a body of work people will enjoy for a very long time. Let’s drink to that!”

• Keep up-to-date with
all things CJXY by following
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To Drink Too’ can be listened
to on all platforms.