The understated Manchester rapper, DJ and producer Abnormal Sleepz has just dropped a new single 'Norf Freestyle'. The tune is minimal in its production, with repetitive jazz-inspired piano melodies and a simple beat which paves an emotive, but solid foundation for an authentically Mancunian style of verse. Abnormal Sleepz' rap is delicate and gritty in all the right ways. He uses conviction, but you can hear almost an unashamed fragility in his voice which is refreshing: "Don't forget you manners, / Say thank you cos they made you. / I just need the peace of mind." Sleepz tackles issues about his own life and uses a humorous ironic tone to highlight the lunacy of racial injustice when he raps "Free and trying to kill with intent, / But they assume apparently it's in my pigment, / Who would have knew that." In his own words, Sleepz comments on the video for his new track: "It's based around a continuous timeline of loads of random events happening surrounding two versions of me. I'm chasing myself whilst trying to run away from myself which could be a metaphor for running from your fears instead of facing them," and he continues, "Embrace your layers, and yourself but more importantly know yourself and be honest with it". Sleepz has a powerful message that has the potential to inspire many, which is so crucial considering how we are so often afraid to show our true colours. - Ellie Davies