The first thing to notice about NanaBcool's infectious "10 & 2" is the itchy Timbaland-style beat courtesy of Hurricane that brings in the action, clearing plenty of room for the artist's warm voice. And then you hear what he's singing — echoing police commands to keep hands where they can see them. Yet the mood stays bouncy, even amid a harrowing refrain ("I got family too"). —Patrick Hosken
MTV News (mtv.com/news/3174721/bop-shop-chloe-x-halle-yasmin-williams-cautious-clay/)

Ghanaian/American dancer, rapper and singer-songwriter NanaBcool kicks off 2021 with weighty new single “10 & 2”. Released in Feb to celebrate Black History Month, uses his art to explore the topic of police brutality.

Influenced by soul, R&B, house and a plethora of other genres, Nana brings a harder sound to the table than we’re used to from him, as he flexes his rap skills. Featuring Chicago rapper Elton Aura (writer & artist at J. Cole’s Dreamville sessions), “10 & 2” brings the racial divide and individual stories of POC into stark focus, accompanied by fast-paced, urgent production from UK producer Hurricane.

I spent most of Oct/Nov 2019 performing and writing throughout multiple cities in Europe. One weekend while walking around Amsterdam, the hook for “10 & 2” came to me. I was in such a calm mood, but for “10 and 2, 10 and 2 what the fuck a nigga supposed to do” to come up really indicates that regardless of the mood I’m in, I always have to be aware when police are around.

Being in Europe, I thought “hey racism is bad here too, but at least you're not getting shot”. It’s crazy to have to think like that. - NanaBcool

“10 & 2” is Nana’s first solo single since his 2019 debut album Ice Tea, for which he received support from RESPECT, Highsnobiety, Stereofox, Okayplayer, Soulection, Dope Magazine + more.

In the last few years he’s gotten significant nods - including co-writing credits on two tracks from Amaarae’s critically acclaimed album THE ANGEL YOU DON’T KNOW, performing live as a MTV Push Artist (alongside Jack Harlow and Phony Ppl), Official SXSW showcases (2018 and 2019), as well as supporting the likes of LionBabe, Tobi, Amine, Duckwrth and more.

soundcloud.com/nanabcool
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facebook.com/nanabmusic
instagram.com/nanabcool
twitter.com/NanaBcool