London-based GRAMMY and MOBO nominated Jazztronica duo Blue Lab Beats have released “Gotta Go Fast (ft. Poppy Daniels),” a new single from their long-awaited full-length and Blue Note Records debut Motherland Journey (out February 25th).

The result of a handful of jamming sessions in a local park, “Gotta Go Fast” is an energetic, jazz-inflected creation punctuated by Poppy’s hypnotic trumpeting. It marks the fifth and final single release from Blue Lab Beats’ hotly-anticipated new album Motherland Journey, out 25th February. Recent singles “Labels” ft. Tiana Major9 and Kofi Stone, “Dat It,” “Blow You Away” and “Sensual Loving” ft. Kiefer and Ghettoboy will also be featured on the LP. Known for their prolific output, the boys have also dropped a funk-laden remix of Detroit legend Amp Fiddler’s track “Energy” this week.

“We recorded ‘Gotta Go Fast’ in the middle of the pandemic and this was the first track we ever recorded with the amazing Poppy Daniels,” Blue Lab Beats enthuse. “She did her solo within one take and we were absolutely blown away. This is one of our favourite tracks of the album and I can’t wait for this track to be played out live.”

They continue: “It was a pleasure to have the talented Poppy Daniels on the song. The tempo and the vibe of the song are very different from what we are usually known for. Can’t wait to play this one live. Well done Poppy, brilliant solo!”

Poppy adds: “So excited for the release of “Gotta Go Fast”! This past year working with David and Namali, I really feel they’ve been able to help me share my voice ~ so hope y’all enjoy this as much as I did recording it.”

One of the fastest-rising production duos in the world right now, with a Grammy nomination for their work on the Angelique Kidjo album Mother Nature, and a MOBO nomination for ‘Best Jazz Act’ in 2021 testament to their rise, Blue Lab Beats consists of producer NK-OK and multi-instrumentalist Mr DM. Starting out as bedroom producers, remixing tracks from A-listers such as Dua Lipa and Rag’N’Bone Man, the pair quickly grew into something far more potent – crafting a supple, wide-ranging sound inspired by the pioneers of hip-hop and the music of the African diaspora while staying true to their London roots.

Photo Courtesy: Iliana Kanellopoulou