The Making of “Best Out Here” with Piers James

UK rapper Piers James has given Notion an exclusive look behind the scenes of the music video for his single “Best Out Here”, in collaboration with Clarks Originals, taken from his forthcoming new EP ‘A Dying Breed, Pt. II’.

On ‘A Dying Breed, Pt. II’, Piers aims to solidify his standing as one of the most exciting UK rappers by widening the representation of alternative Black music and culture into the mainstream. His versatile productions seamlessly synthesise elements of jazz, hip hop, R&B, reggae and grime.

As for “Best Out Here”, this track is a breezy new bop that follows his previous single “Mass Appeal”. The uplifting track sees Piers effortlessly turn from singing to rapping in a song about ride or die love. The guitar loop sits perfectly with the infectious bassline as Piers’ distinctly British vocal sits on top.

In the accompanying video directed and shot by Aboveground, we see a woman daydream about cheating on her boyfriend to be with Piers. They have an intense and passionate ‘Queen & Slim’ style love which perfectly complements the track’s premise. The video nods to nostalgic London with 70s themed clothing and vintage cars, and Piers and his lover enjoying getting into trouble together. The video was also shot in collaboration with Clarks Originals.

Born in Ipswich, now living in London, Piers is an artist telling his story through his music, drawing inspiration from his Bajan roots and cultural identity. In addition to lighter themes such as growing to understand yourself as a person, Piers isn’t afraid to draw on complex themes such as government oppression, being a young father and how it felt growing up in a predominantly white area and facing racism from an early age.

Having received high praise from the likes of BBC 1XTRA, BBC Introducing and COLORS for part 1 of his ‘A Dying Breed’ series and with more music coming very soon, Piers has quietly but confidently been making moves as an extremely adept artist to watch.