By Libby Driscoll

Returning after the mighty release of his 2020 debut album If Your Bumping This.. Thank You, Vol. 1, the lowkey introvert Isaiah Sorticaury shares his latest single Number 23 with FLARE.

The release of Shorticaury’s debut album saw the British rapper stretch and explore emotional depths through addressing social injustice alongside personal growth and lived experience. Executed alongside influences of both UK grime and ‘90s LA hip-hop, If Your Bumping This.. Thank You, Vol. 1 hinted that big things were in the works for Isaiah Shorticaury…

With a substantial and significant air of newfound confidence, Number 23 undoubtedly feels like a pinnacle point in Shorticaury’s career. The humble, yet, sure-of-himself attitude performed throughout the track shows you that Shorticaury isn’t here to fuck around; what you see is what you damn well get.

Channelling the poise of Number 23 as a tribute to Michael Jordan and his renowned cockiness, the overall atmosphere of the song is unbelievably commanding and quite frankly, slaps. Already known for his attention to textural detail, Number 23 incorporates numerous stylistic ideals, from swaying vocal adlibs to its tight production and hard-hitting groove driving the stamina throughout. The refined production of the track seriously elevates its jarring beats and creeping synths without overshadowing Shorticaury’s authoritative lead of the song, leaving the finish feeling pristine yet, uniquely personal and uncommercialised.

Number 23 feels like the start of a very important chapter for Shorticaury; he has well and truly found his drive alongside a stylistic attitude that serves him incredibly well. Paired with a fiery music video to match the track’s stamina, I am already eagerly anticipating what Shorticaury will bring us throughout the next stage of his career.