Children of Zeus

Manchester-based soul duo Children of Zeus are a self-described “soul project for hip-hop heads.” Although proving an integral part of Manchester’s grime scene that formed around artists like Bugzy Malone and LEVELZ, their debut single, “Still Standing,” illustrated that their unique blend of hip-hop and soul stood apart from rap music produced in the U.K. in the 2010s. DJ, MC, and beatmaker Konny Kon began his career as a member of the city’s hip-hop trio Broke ‘n’ English before taking up MC duties in Children of Zeus. Formerly known as Hoodman, Tyler Daley started out as an MC and actor before branching out into singing, appearing on tracks by Goldie, Lisa Mafia, and Soul II Soul’s Caron Wheeler. Combining Kon’s MC skills, Daley’s soulful vocals, and the duo’s collaborative beats, the pair released an original counterpoint to grime with the 2016 single “Still Standing.” All the band’s initial releases came via the South London independent hip-hop label First World which put out their single “I Can’t Wait” and the compilation EP The Story So Far… in 2017. The following year, Children of Zeus presented their debut full-length record in the form of the 13-track Travel Light. ~ Bekki Bemrose