Ride across London from ‘East 2 West’ with Harvey Whyte

Today – 17th August – Hackney-born and raised, rising rapper Harvey Whyte drops his 3-track self-produced EP, ‘East 2 West’. The first single taken from the EP, ‘Gyally from West’ has been widely supported and further cemented his position in the thriving alternative UK Rap scene. Keeping within the theme of late-night drives, the lead single, ‘M1’ perfectly showcases Harvey’s lyrical prowess and playful personality as he glides over a jumpy bassline. Always on the move, Harvey spits bars about avoiding encounters with the police and making it back to East London in one piece.

This is Harvey’s first solo project, following successful collaborations earlier this year with KeepVibesNear on the double-sided single ‘Late Night Link’ featuring Frankie Stew and Harvey Gunn and Welsh rapper Luke RV. Speaking about the EP Harvey said:

“This EP details a romantic pursuit across London from East to West. I wanted to capture the feeling of travelling across the city at night to meet a love interest.”

Forging his own unconventional path, Harvey grew up in a musical household and started rapping as early as 14 years old. Back then he used his music to channel his teenage angst into lyrics and from there he developed his ability to rap about all of life’s highs and lows.

Harvey’s entire life is synonymous with music and after a turbulent time growing up – having been expelled from 5 schools – when he turned 18 he channelled his anger and attention towards the piano and then began practising for 8 hours a day. Despite working over 40 hours a week as a chef, he still found time to perfect his craft and teach himself every evening after work.

Fast forward to the present and still fueled by passion, he is a self-taught pianist and producer with beat-making credits for the likes of legendary Footsie, Greentea Peng and KeepVibesNear to name a few.

His soundscape spans far beyond Rap, blending influences from Neo-Soul, Alternative R&B, Trap, Jazz, and Electronic, pioneering something dynamic and adventurous.

Not many rappers can perform as well in front of a mic as they can behind a piano but his evolution
continues to amaze anyone who crosses his path. Harvey’s piano-Rap fusion is paired with clever
wordplay, soothing vocals and vivid storytelling abilities which can only be found in the DNA of an
inner city musician. Following the lockdown, he emerged with a new lease of life and now finds
himself in the centre of the bursting underground scene of stand-out, independent artists in the UK
and championed by the likes of Jamz Supernova, Jyoty and Spyro.

On ‘East 2 West’, Harvey has showcased his penmanship, flow and production capabilities, with much more music on the way this artist’s journey has only just begun.