London’s finest Yxng Bane had an incredible 2017. Two MOBO nominations, at Top 10 smash featuring on Yungen’s ‘Bestie’ and his very own Top 40 hit with ‘Rihanna’, to name but a few highlights.

Now, named as one of our Brand New For 2018 nominees we’re predicting big things for the artist who we got to know that little bit better in our exclusive spotlight…

'Watch our exclusive Brand New For 2018 spotlight with Yxng Bane here:'

Speaking of ‘Rihanna’, which is on its way to 16 million views on YouTube, Bane tells us why he named it after the Bajan superstar:
“I just used Rihanna ‘cause Rihanna’s like a good example, she’s an inspiration to a lot of the young women out there as well, and we all know how hard working Rihanna is. I mean you just look at her record, you can she what she’s done.”

He added: “But then again she’s also a bit bad you know what I’m saying? That’s just what Baney likes, so it’s what Baney said!”

Last year Bane also had the accolade of dropping an official remix of the biggest song of the year – Ed Sheeran’s ‘Shape Of You’, which no doubt contributed highly to the track staying at its peak for all those weeks at No.1.

“The reaction to the ‘Shape Of You’ remix I think that was a moment where I said to myself ‘Ok cool let’s really go for it, like let’s really go for it’. I really felt like the supporters’ energy.”

Having witnessed him in full flow at our Yo! MTV Raps: London event last year, Bane breaks down his live show experience:

“When you go to a Yxng Bane show, expect the unexpected. At all times. I might jump in the crowd when you least expect it, you might get champagne all over your iPhone.

“I’m a rockstar, I’m breaking rules, bending them, doing all sorts to the rules. It’s all about having fun you know so I’m just going crazy with it and interacting with the fans so that’s why I label myself a rockstar.”

On being nominated for Brand New For 2018, he described it as a “pleasure” adding: “I used to watch MTV Base quite a lot, that’s where I first discovered 50 Cent. I remember even watching videos like R Kelly and Usher on there and things like that so me and MTV go way back – yeah we got chemistry!”

*Blushes*

'To vote for Yxng Bane to win MTV Brand New For 2017, like the Instagram image below:'

See Yxng Bane Live:

2nd February - SWX Bristol, Bristol
6th March - Cambridge Junction, Cambridge
22nd March - O2 Academy Birmingham
23rd March - Gorilla, Manchester
28th March - Islington Assembly Hall, London
29th March - Islington Assembly Hall, London