Producer Fraser T Smith has revealed he has been working with Not3s on new material and described the teenage rapper as a “potential superstar”.
Not3s is making a bid for the Top 10 this week with Mabel – Fine Line has peaked at No.11 so far and is now in its ninth week on the chart. The track has OCC sales to date of 211,573 and is the rapper’s highest-charting release of his career.
“I think he’s a potential superstar,” Smith told Music Week. “He has incredible lyrics and melodies and one of the best smiles and personalities out there. People will just warm to him because he’s such a nice guy.”
Not3s has made a breakthrough in the past year with his track Addison Lee, a MOBO Awards performance and his single My Lover. The track, which peaked at No.14, has OCC sales so far of 403,929.
Smith has become the producer of choice for UK rap and grime artists. As well as helming Stormzy’s BRIT-winning Gang Signs & Prayer alongside engineer Manon Grandjean, he has been working with Dave on his debut album.
He described Not3s as “super professional and very talented”, following their recording sessions.
“He’s very grounded as well, which I feel is really important,” added Smith. “He’s had an incredible year with all the single releases and live performances, but like Stormzy he gets in the studio, shuts the door and it’s all about the music, which I think is the definition of a great artist.”
Not3s plays a sold-out UK tour next month, including a date at London’s Koko (April 17). He will also be appearing at Wireless Festival.
The rapper is signed to Relentless and Tinie Tempah’s Imhotep for publishing.