ALBUM

Neither Collar Nor Crown (2025)

“It’s shite being Scottish.”

The eternal mantra etched from the moment some self-awareness of identity and nationality blooms, echoed across every rain-soaked summer and sporting glory snatched moments from realisation. A flagellation dutifully applied as if to remove the sting before being inflicted by another. A mantra that, although often draped in jest, nevertheless seeps throughout the Scottish psyche, in a wholly undeserving manner.

From beginning life as a personal exploration of my nation’s musical history, often viewed as having as much value in the modern landscape as a highland cow on a shortbread tin, this album has flourished into a depiction of Scotland told by the myriad voices from all across its verdant countryside and sprawling cities. Sons and daughters by birth or by lived experience, bound by Neither Collar Nor Crown.

- VRE

“Neither Collar Nor Crown” is the new LP from Aberdonian producer Vagrant Real Estate, releasing 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)

“The most Scottish record of 2025” - The Skinny

“A project that feels genuinely ambitious without tipping into self-importance” - Post ABDN

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

Out now on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, Google Play, and more - listen here

Mix & Mastering Engineer: Lewis Holmes

Artwork: Chelsea Frew