¢hange is a DIY rapper from Portland, USA, whose sound is characterised by his choice of vintage samples, and laid-back style of rap, generating gentle hip-hop pieces. He's just released a new EP thanks 4 2k, made up of lush snippets of soul, jazz and spoken word/rap. Aptly named, is the opening track to the EP - 'first-take', which sees romantic, old school movie-style style strings and brass introduce the song in a jovial manner. ¢hange raps with a mellow breeziness, in this verse that holds a mantric quality: "don't wait for it, don't pray for it, inhale exhale, another day forward". The track is hopeful, with a tinge of heartache owing to the line "hope I see my niggas soon". 'first-take' is a fantastic opening to track to chilled EP that'll leave you feeling mighty mellow. -Ellie Rose-Davies