Loyle Carner has returned with his fiery new single, ‘Hate’, his first track of the year.
The South Londoner hasn’t released a record since 2019’s Not Waving, But Drowning, and it’s refreshing to have the nicest guy in rap back. While he nourished fans in 2020 with the stand-alone Madlib-produced single, ‘Yesterday’, ‘Hate’ is seemingly the beginning of his third album cycle.
I was fortunate to witness a (not very) secret set from Carner in the intimate Rabbit Hole tent at Glastonbury last month and hear a sneak preview of ‘Hate’. The performance was a timely reminder of the rapper’s immense talent, and he also played another unheard track Madlib produced during his concert.
‘Hate’ is a powerful effort which is darker and more aggressive than Carner usually delivers. Nevertheless, it’s brimming with heartfelt emotion, which is what he does best. Speaking about the track, he said: “One of the few songs made from a hateful place. I was angry at the world, frightened and overwhelmed. It’s unfiltered. Really just a stream of consciousness that builds to an understanding that hate is rooted in fear.”
He added: “It reminds me of times the red mist takes over, and how alone you feel when the rest mist passes. Arrogant and self-righteous but at the same time vulnerable and somber. I listen to this one in my car, at night. Especially after an argument when you need to get space and take a breath.”
It’ll be intriguing to see where Carner goes next, but I suspect the theme which runs through ‘Hate’ will be an anomaly on his forthcoming record. During his Glastonbury show, the 27-year-old also elatedly announced he’d recently become a father, which has likely influenced his third album.
Check out the self-directed video for ‘Hate’ below.
