Los Angeles-based producer NGHTMRE has become a behemoth in the dance space with a signature style that blurs the lines between dance music, bass, hip-hop, and more.
Joining forces with Vancouver-based producer Juelz, the pair tap British-Ghanaian rapper ShaSimone for their massive collaboration “Thrilla.” The new single follows NGHTMRE’s previous offering “In Your Eyes,” alongside Jon Casey and Pauline Herr.
NGHTMRE and Juelz have been drumming up some serious hype around the collab, having road-tested the track to countless crowds, including Juelz joining NGHTMRE’s set at Thunderdome. “Thrilla” is a certified banger that mixes rap, breakbeats, and trap for an unforgettable rush of adrenaline. ShaSimone sashays over the breakbeat intro with a razor-sharp flow and commanding confidence. Her lyrics warn listeners of what’s to come while creating an anthemic feel that’s energetic and addictive. The intensifying risers bleed into gunshot samples before diving into the massive drops. Crashing synth melodies, grungy low-end growls, distorted sub-bass, and blood-pumping samples collide while “throw them hands up” chants, which amplify the stadium-ready sound. While the breaks pull back the energy, they don’t lose any intensity as ShaSimone’s domineering raps exude a sultry swagger. The final drop builds upon the first while somehow ratcheting up the impact and scale for a truly epic conclusion. Clocking in at just over two minutes, “Thrilla” is sure to be stuck on repeat.
Juelz reflects on the milestone collaboration, saying: “Collaborating with NGHTMRE was a big full-circle moment for me because I’ve been listening to his music since college. I like that you can really hear both of our sounds equally in this track. I’ve had this track absolutely go off in a live setting so many times, so I’m so excited for it to finally be out. I sent Tyler the original idea almost 2 years ago and then last year when I was in LA, we got into the studio and really cooked it to become the track it is today. Glad we could get ShaSimone on the vocals, too; I’ve been a fan for a bit now and when Tyler asked me if I knew any rappers that would snap over a breakbeat vibe, I instantly thought of her. Was lucky enough to be able to pop up and premiere the final version with Tyler at his set during Excision’s Thunderdome event in Tacoma; that was a big moment for me.”
ShaSimone speaks to the organic nature of the collaboration saying, “The song was really simple actually, NGHTMRE hit me up on DM and asked if I wanted to be part of this record, which I was excited about as it was something completely different to my lane but loved the idea. Spent a bit of time writing my verse and went into the studio to lay it down and the rest is history.”
Over the past decade, L.A.-based NGHTMRE has continually expanded his sound and appeal to become one of the hottest acts in electronic music. He is the co-creator of Gud Vibrations alongside frequent collaborators SLANDER. NGHTMRE is currently traversing Europe and the United States with upcoming performances at Sportpaleis (Antwerpen), AbroadFest (Barcelona), ROXY (Prague), Big Night Live (Boston), and The Metropolitan (NOLA). His long list of collaborations includes smash records with ZHU, the Chainsmokers, Gunna, A$AP Ferg, Dillon Francis, and more.
Vancouver-based producer Juelz has been building upon his experience as a classically trained violinist to create compelling trap, wave, drum & bass, and beyond. He recently dropped his debut album ‘Floorspace’ and will be heading out on the coinciding tour beginning in March. The talented creator has collaborated with a long list of exceptional artists, including RL Grime, 24hrs, QUIX, Hex Cougar, and more.
ShaSimone is a British-Ghanaian rapper and songwriter who has been making waves in both the UK and worldwide. She was recently featured on Dave’s “Both Sides of a Smile” alongside James Blake and has received press coverage from the Grammys, Pitchfork, DJ Mag, The Fader, and Complex.
Proving true to its name, NGHTMRE, Juelz and ShaSimone’s new single is an absolute “Thrilla.”
NGHTMRE and Juelz’s new single “Thrilla” featuring ShaSimone is available everywhere via Gud Vibrations.
