Young T & Bugsey, the dynamic rap duo from Nottingham, are officially making a red-letter return to the music scene after a two-year hiatus. Having teased fans with the release of addictive singles ‘Dundee’, ‘Rio Grande’ and the aptly entitled ‘Been A Minute’, earlier this year, anticipation has been at an all-time high. Now, they’ve put that pedal fully to the metal. Out today, Beyond Rea5onable Doubt is their well-awaited third mixtape and it’s filled to the brim with pulsating rhythms and a certain lyrical finesse the rap duo have become renowned for amongst longtime fans and new listeners alike. Perfectly blending Caribbean influences with their signature back-and-forth chemistry, the tape delivers non-stop energy to keep that summer heat alive through the coming winter, whilst its title signifies their unapologetic confidence in their comeback – one underscored by a fresh wave of tried-and-true bangers.
As long-time fans will know, the duo first emerged in 2016, making a name for themselves in Nottingham before decamping to London and fast ascending the rap ranks, eventually scooping up the MOBO award for Song of the Year in 2020 and nominations for the BET (2020) and BRIT (2021) awards. The pair’s distinct fusion of Afrobeats, grime and hip-hop – developed during their teenage years at a youth club just a stone’s throw from their houses – is what initially sparked their success and has since evolved into a recognised force of authenticity and creativity in both the UK and the wider world. The pair have since gone on to collaborate with major players to the likes of Headie One, Aitch, BLXST, Fredo, Belly Squad and Not3s. Beyond Rea5onable Doubt – executive produced by Young T himself – includes a feature from British-Ghanaian record producer and mixing engineer JAE5.
Here, we sat down with Young T & Bugsey to talk about the new mixtape, their triumphant return to rap and their long-lasting friendship (they met when they were just 15-years-old) turned music career.
1. How does it feel to be back after a two-year hiatus?
Feel really good. Back in the scene and back releasing music and sharing what we have been working on and creating in the studio.
2. What was the inspiration behind the project?
It’s a follow on from our mixtape series. The name and title links to the previous mixtapes. This is the third mixtape; it’s a collection of songs from the past few years. Some songs on the project date back to 2019 and some are as recent and fresh as March 2024. They are a collection of vibes and riddims that flow well together and that we thought showcased us.
3. How do you feel your sound has developed over this two-year break?
It has developed a lot. We are more open to talking about things that occur in our day to day lives and opening up on our personal lives. It’s not just the party mixtape, there is vibes there but also there is some personal stuff in the mixtape as well that we have shared.
4. Why did you choose ‘Soca’ and ‘Dundee’ to drop before the rest of the project?
We chose them as singles cause we felt like the vibes of those songs… really show what we can do. One of the tracks ‘Dundee’ has a sick Chaka Khan sample and Caribbean influence. The hook and the vibe of the tune works in the Afro world. Obviously one half of the duo, T is from Jamaica so this track really showcases that heritage and his energy. Both these tracks showcase the vibe and sound that we bring and will continue to bring.
5. You performed at City Splash in June – what’s your favourite thing about performing live?
We love performing live. It’s one of our favourite parts of being artists and seeing people react and respond to the music that you make. You might anticipate that a crowd are gonna respond crazily or emotionally to a specific track live but when you perform a song it can surprise you and it’s always nice to see the response and connect with the fans through performance. We love to see which tracks they respond to.
6. You have collaborated with artists like Headie One & Aitch – who would your dream collaborator be, dead or alive?
We love Headie [One] and Aitch. A dream collab would be all of the Migos. TakeOff, Quavo and Offset on a track with us I would be a happy man I cant lie. They are one of our favourite groups ever. Very very big and have always been influential to us.
7. Ideal Saturday night?
We like a chilled one ya know. Disaronno and a conversation kinda vibe. Something not too strong on the rocks and a little smoke haha.
8. Favourite thing about making music together?
It’s amazing cause we are making music with friends and its amazing to see how far we have come and experience the growth together. Two guys from Nottingham and it’s crazy that people from all over the world have heard our music. We write all our music and made the majority of the beats and it’s really nice to do something with your friend.
9. You’ve known each other since you were 15 – what’s one thing fans might be surprised to learn about you both?
Probably how normal we are. People have a preconceived idea about artists but we are normal 27-year-olds. We don’t act like we are above people, we are down to Earth people and sometimes thats a pleasant surprise for people init.
10. What can fans expect from you in the next year?
Loads more music. Lots more opportunities for us to meet with our fans and supporters. Actually meet or spend the day with us or be invited to certain events. We are trying to do a lot more of this stuff cause it’s important to connect with the supporters and fans of our work and music. Lots more accessibility!
Photography courtesy of Young T and Bugsey.
