Interview: Lil Shakz drops new track “Do Better”

South London’s Lil Shakz is rapidly establishing himself as one of the UK rap scene’s brightest young names, armed with a mix of sonic skill, charisma and an flair for connection. From his earliest breakthroughs to his latest release, he’s shown a determination to grow with each move as a fully rounded artist capable of commanding both a mic and a moment.

Shakz first came to attention as the youngest artist to win Link Up TV’s Pen Game rap battle series, holding his own against competitors several years his senior. His steady output of weekly freestyles on social media helped confirm his status among rap fans, while his turn on the 2022 Blackbox Cypher revealed an artist with the flow control, punchlines and conviction to make his mark on the UK scene.

Raised in a musical household, Shakz was encouraged early by his father, a former member of Brixton hip hop group 57th Dynasty, who challenged him to develop his own skills. Evenings spent freestyling in his uncle’s barbershop, turning customers into an impromptu audience, further sharpened his lyrical instincts and by 13, he was releasing tracks, with “Got The Money” marking his first foray into recording.

Songs like “Grimey,” “Belong to the Streets,” “True To Myself” and “Minimal Things,” the latter earning Charlie Sloth’s Track of the Week on Apple Music, have showcased his range, blending reflective moments with impactful grit. His debut mixtape Tunnel Vision marked him as a name to watch, while viral performances such as his appearance on The Voice UK have only strengthened his standing.

Now, Shakz returns with “Do Better,” a single that shines with summertime warmth while delivering a motivational message. Produced by Jester Beats, known for work with Central Cee, the track rides a smooth rhythmic bounce, pairing mellow melodies with slick, self-assured lyricism. Shakz describes the message simply, “It’s all about putting your grind first but still having fun while doing it.”

With colourful instrumental flickers, intricately rattling percussion and Lil Shakz’ razor sharp rapped flows all combining into an upbeat soundscape, “Do Better” sees the artist lay down an engaging jam that’s sure to win over fans across the UK and beyond. The accompanying video, shot outdoors in London, channels that balance perfectly, mixing playful scenes with friends and confident verses against a backdrop of familiar city streets.

Following recent drops like “Grimey” with The HeavyTrackerz and “Belong to the Streets,” “Do Better” marks an exciting step up for Lil Shakz. With his fanbase growing and his profile rising, Lil Shakz is sure to continue going from strength to strength on his compelling musical adventure. We caught up with Lil Shakz to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “Do Better” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Lil Shakz below.

Hey Lil Shakz, how’s things?

Hi there, hope you’re well I’m all good

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

This question makes me smile every time because it brings me back to a distinctive memory when I was very young and I wrote my first lyrics. I was about 8-9 years old, and my older sister and uncle surprised my family with a few bars. It turned out they stole the lyrics from a scene we were watching in a movie the night before. But before knowing this, the thought that they had written their own lyrics made me curious and inspired me to write my own. Which is exactly what I did and with my family already having a musical background this gave me the headstart into a future of music. Looking back the lyrics were hilarious but the fact i was able to construct them in the time i did and the age i was just showed that music has always been for me.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

Being a true lover of the art of music there’s several artists I’ve drawn inspiration from throughout my career but if i only had to name a few I’d say dave, j hus,stormzy, potter payper and wretch 32 from the uk and out of the us and the hip hop scene i’d say tupac, biggie, nas and j cole

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

With music I’d honestly say there’s no bigger inspiration than going outside and going through experiences. Some of my songs or freestyles I am most happy about writing have come from me being outside and seeing something that’s inspired a thought or having or hearing conversations that inspired ideas or thoughts. This could be as simple as me being on the train and seeing a certain building that makes me think in a certain way or having a conversation and one single word inspires the first line to a chorus. Other than that i think growing up the way i did and not having everything so accessible to me inspires me to work even harder to have the things or go to the places i know my music can get me or take me.

What’s been your highlight for the year so far?

I’d have to say its between working with jester beats and recording the music video for the collaboration single with teddy music called ‘grimey’

What do you love about the London music scene?

I love the creativity, hunger, and passion within the London scene. It stems from the fact that music is some of our biggest hopes at changing our families, friends, and our lives forever to the highest extreme. Growing up in London we were given all the inspiration and experiences to make music to a very high level.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Long car journeys and live performances/events. My songs that are closer to real rap are best for long car journeys and my grime and jumpy songs are always gonna be best for live events

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

As I’ve been doing music for most of my life I’ve gone through many transitions in what I found as my go to and favorite genres to rap on. But every time I’ve found a favorite or found myself consistently writing on one type of genre more than others I’ve always taken the skills and it’s helped me later on down the line with being an artist in general and being able to attack any beat at a high level. I’d say my earliest memories and what I first started rapping on were classic hip hop beats such as Still DRE, Nas is like, Mobb Deep – Shook Ones, and most of the tupac, 50 cent and biggie classics. As time went on this shifted more towards grime and all the classic grime beats and eventually some classic drill beats. These shifts all occurred as i was growing up and falling in love with different types of instrumentals but as time went on i was able to learn various styles of rap, flows, and overall improve the way i write songs and freestyles.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

If you were asking me today I’d say between dave, j hus and j cole

How did you find making your new single “Do Better”?

Do better was a very funny one because at first the instrumental for it was intended for another song but after recording 3 other songs on jesters beats we decided that song wasn’t of the same calibre as the others. This ended up with me finding a hook I had written for more of a darker drill beat 5-6 months prior, but when I rapped it aloud the engineers as well as jester beats all advised me that this song was definitely a better fit. I spent a couple hours getting the perfect first verse for the song and because the song before that was initially intended for the same beat and it had a similar concept we kept the second verse from that song and put it on do better and we ended with an unexpected banger because i definitely didn’t see things going that way before the session.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

Similar to the song prior that didn’t end up making the cut, the song shows men that women and people in general make it very easy for people they want in their life. A lot of people are often giving out a lot of energy that they are not equally receiving back. I found a way to put this concept into the song as well giving people an insight into my life, personality, and vibe. Me using the line ‘Do Better’ was my way of showing people that outside of any relationship I’m ‘always wanting more’ and striving to be the best version of myself.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

A new artist on my radar and who i think is next to break through the uk scene is Kasst 8 his new songs have spent a lot of time in my playlist

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

As a young black man from south London there are other ways to break through the music scene outside of violence, selling drugs and being the baddest and richest person from the block. When you have a different approach it’s known to take a little longer to break through but I’m trying to show artists and people similar to me you can make a successful music career while being true to yourself not claiming to be the baddest and being authentic. I’m also trying to bring back the more intelligent and lyrical side of writing music. When I’m trying to make my music easier to digest I try to show my intelligence through creativity in my rap flows. Respect to every artist doing their thing but I think when there are so many artists making basic songs with not very much longevity there needs to be a balance.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

The Voice Uk as i was able to perform in front of the 4 legends Will.iam, Olly murs, Anne Marie and tom johns

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

I think younger me would most be proud to share the stage with dave, stormzy and j hus

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

I’d advise any artist that wants to follow in my footsteps one important question. Which is ‘if i did music for 10 years and never received any life changing amount of money would i still continue’ if the answer is yes i’d say go on your journey of life write as many songs, freestyles and lyrics as you can. Through your music and life work on understanding yourself more and your true identity and keep creativity, passion, fun and the love for the music at the core of why your making music rather than money. Other than that focus on developing your sound and getting better because those are the core things that will allow you to break through in the future.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of the year?

Some of the best music you’ve heard from me including singles and freestyles, versatility and a lot of consistency

Watch the music video for Do Better below