London Tonight Freestyle
| "London Tonight Freestyle" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Dean Blunt featuring Skepta, Novelist and ASAP Rocky | ||||
| Released | November 21, 2022 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 2:30 | |||
| Label | World Music | |||
| Producer(s) | Dean Blunt | |||
| Dean Blunt singles chronology | ||||
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"London Tonight Freestyle" is a song by British musician Dean Blunt featuring British rappers Skepta and Novelist, as well as American rapper ASAP Rocky. It was first released to Blunt's YouTube channel on July 17, 2022, but was later deleted from it. It was then uploaded to digital streaming services as a single on November 21. Produced by Blunt, the song consists of violins, pianos, and trip hop inspired drums. Skepta and Novelist deliver rap verses, while ASAP Rocky sings a melodic outro. The song received positive reviews from critics, who often praised its production and rapping.
Background and release
[edit]All four artists featured on "London Tonight Freestyle" have collaborated several times before its release. Dean Blunt had contributed production to ASAP Rocky's third studio album, Testing (2018), which also featured Skepta on the track "Praise the Lord (Da Shine)".[1][2] In June 2022, ASAP Rocky previewed an unreleased collaboration between him and Skepta at the 23rd Splash! festival, which was produced by Novelist.[3]
"London Tonight Freestyle" was first released by Blunt to his YouTube channel on July 17, 2022. Novelist tweeted after the song's release, calling it a leak as he was unaware Blunt would be releasing it. In a post he deleted shortly after making it, Novelist admired Blunt's mysterious release schedule.[4] The release followed Blunt's Freestyles SS22 extended play (EP), which was previously released in May 2022.[5] On November 21, Blunt would upload the song to streaming services, marking its first official release.[6]
Composition
[edit]"London Tonight Freestyle" is produced by Blunt, and consists of layered strings[1] and piano keys.[7] Its production style has drawn comparisons to trip hop, with Sniffers attributing this to its drums.[7][8] Skepta raps the song's first verse, with his opening line referencing the song "Ice Box" by Omarion.[1] It consists of lyrics about his lifestyle, as does the next verse by Novelist.[6] Instead of rapping, ASAP Rocky sings a melodic outro, which is sung alongside Blunt.[1][8]
Critical reception
[edit]"London Tonight Freestyle" received generally positive reviews. Writing for HotNewHipHop, Aron A. praised Blunt's "hazy, string-laden production", which turns the song into a "psychedelic banger." He particularly lauded Novelist's verse, saying he "slides through with a slow-burning flow that tears through the violins."[1] GRM Daily simialrly complimented the song's beat as being "sophisticated", noting both rap verses as being strong,[8] as did Sniffers.[7] Billy Ward of DMY called the song "one of the year’s most unexpected collaborations."[4]
On a list of the 25 best songs of 2022, DMY called the collaboration "a huge link up" that created "a piece of history." Referencing positive reception from fans, the publication was inclined to agree that the song was "legendary".[9]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e A, Aron (November 23, 2022). "A$AP Rocky, Skepta & Novelist Join Dean Blunt On "LONDON TONIGHT FREESTYLE"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
- ^ Kenneally, Cerys (July 18, 2022). "Dean Blunt shares "London Tonight" freestyle featuring A$AP Rocky, Skepta and Novelist". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
- ^ Kenneally, Cerys (July 4, 2022). "A$AP Rocky and Skepta debut unreleased song produced by Novelist at splash! Festival". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
- ^ a b Ward, Billy (July 18, 2022). "Dean Blunt leaks new freestyle featuring Skepta, A$AP Rocky and Novelist". DMY. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
- ^ Eede, Christian (July 20, 2022). "Dean Blunt "leaks" London Tonight Freestyle with Skepta, Novelist and A$AP Rocky: Listen". DJ Mag. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
- ^ a b Powell, Jon. "Skepta, Novelist, and ASAP Rocky join Dean Blunt for "LONDON TONIGHT FREESTYLE"". Revolt TV. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
- ^ a b c "SNIFFERS SCOOP 105: ft. Stormzy, Don Toliver, Rita Mae, Fousheé, Foley, Dean Blunt, & more". Sniffers. November 25, 2022. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
- ^ a b c DAILY, GRM (November 22, 2022). "Dean Blunt drafts Skepta, Novelist & A$AP Rocky for "LONDON TONIGHT FREESTYLE"". GRM Daily. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
- ^ Ward, Billy (December 16, 2022). "The 25 Best Tracks of 2022". DMY. Retrieved July 24, 2025.