5 Songs I Love / Seekah Lytess

Following the release of his latest single 'Killin Eve', Flex caught up with UK hip-hop artist Seekah Lytess to find out more about what influences his story-driven style of songwriting. If you enjoy Seekah's picks, be sure to check out 'Killin Eve' at the end of the article and keep an eye out for his upcoming EP due to be released later this year.

1. Tupac - dear mama 

This song is probably my favourite song of all time. It’s played such a massive role in my life, through good times & the bad. My Dad had only ever showed me one album in the short time I spent with him & it was the “Me against the world” album on cassette in my Ma’s beat up Skoda as we waited for her to finish work. ‘Dear Mama’ always resonated with me & although the context of the song is not completely the same to me & my Ma’s relationship, the way Tupac portrays his Mum to be sounds exactly like mine. The raw emotion & passion in his lyrics really embodies the way he feels about his Mum.

2. Dijon - Many times (live) 

From the first second of this song you can hear the undeniable passion in Dijons voice. It captivates you instantly. Not only is it just a beautifully well written song but the chemistry between the band & the energy between Dijon & Mk.gee is truly unmatched. It’s pure euphoria for me. There’s not much more to say on this version of the song, it has its imperfections but that’s exactly what makes it perfect.

3. Kendrick Lamar - The Art Of Peer Pressure 

First of all, picking a single song off the “good kid, m.A.A.d city” album is a challenge in itself as I think it’s one of the top rap albums of all time. But the way Kendrick paints a vivid picture in this song has you literally watching it scene by scene in your mind, lyrics like “basketball shorts with Gonzales park odor”, now it’s quite obvious I’ve never been to this park but I feel like I’m standing right in the thick of it on every listen. The delivery & timing is impeccable, with a chorus that is so simple but super effective at the same time.

4. Prince - Sign ‘O’ the Times

Growing up Prince was played in my household every single day as my Ma is literally a super fan! This is almost one of my first introductions to rap, because let’s face it, Prince is most definitely rapping on this song. From the first “Oh, Yeah” you’re straight in, with that funky snap on the drums & the electric guitar combined. The lyrics are flippin’ outrageous man. This & a million other Prince songs solidifies why he is one of the greatest to ever do it!

5. Swiss - Cry (Original no hook) 

Arguably in my eyes one of the best rap songs to ever come out of the uk. Super ahead of his time when he wrote this, an iconic song across all corners of the country. There ain’t many people that would have grown up in my generation that doesn’t know this word for word! Listening back to it now, it’s timeless. Doesn’t sound dated & would still match up against anything you’d hear released today. Swiss standing up for his culture & unfortunately the topics he is challenging are still very prominent in the communities today! But yeah man, so honest, true & just sick overall.

Listen to Seekah Lytess 'Killin Eve'