Offie Mag

As I’ve recently relocated to East London, this new one from Nicki Knightz caught my attention. I’m someone who’ll never know what it’s like to grow up in Hackney — but on 'Cold Nights In East,' that reality is there for us all to hear.

The artist explains that the track “is a reflective, narrative-driven track that captures what it means to grow up in Hackney — the beauty and the chaos, the trauma and the togetherness.” Her sharp, honest lyrics cut through a stripped-back hip-hop beat, with orchestral textures that let the words take centre stage. The hook gets your head nodding, layered backing vocals scattered throughout.

Nicki doesn’t glamourise or glorify where she’s from — 'Cold Nights In East' is about the emotional reality for those who call E9 their home.

You can listen to ‘Cold Nights In East’ here.

Words by Louis Rowland