Marnz Malone – Unorthodo (ft. J Hus)

The title points towards something outside the usual pattern. Being unorthodox means doing things in a way that does not necessarily fit the accepted formula. In music, that can mean unusual ideas, unexpected writing choices or simply refusing to sound like everybody else in the room.

That description fits the pairing on this record. Marnz Malone and J Hus have different writing personalities, and a review of the project notes that the two are able to occupy different spaces on the track without fighting for exactly the same role. That contrast is part of what makes a collaboration interesting in the first place.

The record also connects with a wider reality of UK rap. Artists often have to find a way to sound recognisable without becoming predictable. There is a thin line between having a signature style and repeating the same formula. A title built around doing things differently feels appropriate for a project that is deliberately exploring different sounds and tempos.

Unorthodo appears early on I Wish I Could Sing, following Shelly, and the placement keeps the album moving through different collaborations instead of settling into one mood for too long. J Hus brings another major voice into the conversation, while Marnz keeps his own identity at the centre.

For someone listening closely to the project, the interesting part is the meeting of two writing styles. Neither artist needs to completely change who they are to make the collaboration work. Sometimes the best chemistry comes from difference, especially when both sides know how to leave room for the other person.

Listen, download and share your thoughts in the comments.