A truly maverick figure in the world of music, Ben Drew’s (aka Plan B) diverse creativity is inexhaustible. Awards, accolades and acclaim might be enough for some musicians, for Drew, it’s just the tip of his artistic ambitions. Following the release of his critically-acclaimed album ‘The Defamation of Strickland Banks’, the Brit Award-winning artist, has just completed his self-penned directorial debut film and album, ill Manors.
ill Manors is Drew’s 3 studio album, it features production from Drew himself, as well as Al Shux (Lupe Fiasco, Snoop Dogg, Tinie Tempah, Jay Z), 16bit (Professor Green) and Labrinth. The title track, ill Manors, features an instrumental of "Alles Neu" by Peter Fox. Drew recently commented on the first single and the album, ‘You could call ill Manors "bass-line, soul, hip-hop." The album has the lyrical depth of my first record but the musical composition is light years ahead as it's informed by everything I've learnt in the last five years - writing, producing and playing with a live band. I feel I'm better than I've ever been.”
The follow up single to ill Manors comes ‘Lost My Way’ where Plan B and co-producer Al Shux mix hip-hop, soul and rock into a pummelling backdrop for fiery bars on the topic of socioeconomic injustice. ‘Lost My Way’ debuted live on Later With Jools Holland and received the highest accolade from Zan Lowe where he called it the ‘Hottest Record in the world’.