ALBUM

Neither Collar Nor Crown (2025)

“Neither Collar Nor Crown” is the new LP from Aberdonian producer Vagrant Real Estate, released on all platforms on the 30th November (St. Andrews Day). Featuring a never-before-seen all star cast of exclusively Scottish artists from globally renowned folk singer Iona Fyfe to rap flag bearer Bemz, NCNC seeks to coalesce the endless artistry of the country, past and present.

Following 2022’s acclaimed The Iceberg Theory, which sold out its entire vinyl run two weeks ahead of release, VRE looks back to his home nation, drawing upon Scottish folk, trad and Gaelic music to craft an album fit to sit comfortably in the pantheon of essential Scottish Hip Hop projects.

Alongside Aberdonian MC and primary feature Jackill’s vividly honest storytelling, VRE’s keen ear for pairing disparate sounds with soaring orchestration and drum programming is on full display, from the frenetic beat switches of “Easy Now” to the melancholy contrast of folk and contemporary gospel/R&B of “Brighter Days”. Overseeing all elements of production and writing, NCNC serves as a glossy reference for one of Scotland’s most acclaimed hip-hop producers working at the height of his powers.

With 25 featured artists spanning from the very first Scottish rap to be pressed to vinyl in 1991, through to new names quickly establishing themselves in the country’s varied musical landscape, NCNC unites voices and perspectives from across the country in an ambitious and richly layered LP, with contributions including spoken word, choir, cutting edge lyricism in both English and Gaelic, and live brass.

Neither Collar Nor Crown Press:

“VRE emerges as a Scottish DJ Shadow.. a satisfying fusion of ensemble rapping and ethereal Gaelic singing” - The Scotsman (4/5)

“An authentic montage of modern Scotland” - Northern Exposure (5/5)

“A fabulous album.. one of my favourites of the year” - Alistair Braidwood, podcast host & cultural commentator

“Less of an album and more of a work of art.. makes me proud to be Scottish” - Smooth Selection (5/5, 6th Best Album of 2025)

“A strong contender for album of the year” - Underground Sounds Edinburgh (Track of the Week - “All I Want”)

“A rich tapestry of sounds.. alongside Vagrant’s beautifully vintage production style” - The Skinny

“An exceptional project.. one of the best that’s come out of Scotland in 2025” - Delaina Sepko, presenter, researcher & broadcast producer

“An album that literally breathes the true essence of Scotland into the Hip Hop mould.. one the whole country can be proud of” - Infinite Sounds UK

“A modern Scottish classic” - Darren McGarvey, Orwell Prize winning author

Five tracks played via BBC Radio 1 & Scotland - “Go With The Flow”, “Brighter Days”, “NMIL”, “All I Want”, & “HOTB”

Limited Vinyl available via Bandcamp

Also available via streaming - listen here

Mix & Mastering Engineer: Lewis Holmes

Artwork: Chelsea Frew