Following last month’s WIZE-produced, grime-meets-drill drop “Namaste”, UK rap newcomer Zino Vinci is back to show us more of what he’s capable of with his new single, “CEO Of The Friendship Group”.
While the song title is a play on the much-discussed meme about being “the leader of your friendship group”, the lyrical content takes listeners on a journey through Zino’s thoughts as he pursues a romantic interest. “Bare thoughts in my head when I messaged you,” he rhymes in the opening line of the Dominic Sookin-produced cut, which samples AJ Tracey’s “Packages” freestyle from 2016. Blending the old with the new—merging sounds, genres, while refining it enough for the TikTok-trained ears of today’s generation—the Newham, East London native is bringing a freshness to the scene in more ways than one.
“This song started from the discourse on how every male friendship group has a leader,” Zino told Complex over email. “I found this hilarious so I thought I’d write a little ‘unfinished’ song to post on TikTok and SoundCloud. Oddly enough, a lot of people seemed to really like it. The song gives off a lo-fi-drill-inspired vibe and, overall, it’s just a fun little chill song that shows hints of my humour, what I like in a lady, and my flow capabilities.”