A reminder that regardless of where you come from, there is power in positivity, and understanding where you come from

Standing for ‘Attempting Positive Endeavours’ ‘A.P.E’ presents a captivating insight into the current mind frame of ‘Medley’, the independent rapper and producer (and actor) from Rochdale, Greater Manchester. Using a live tabla alongside visceral drums and other eerie elements, coloured by insightful and rhythmic lyricism, ‘A.P.E’ unveils Medley’s inner reflections on life ‘in the middle’. Exploring themes such as belonging, community, history, and how that has melded together to influence his current place in life.

The self described ‘introverted extrovert’ shares that - “The song itself is a reflection of where I am mentally at the moment as a British Pakistani navigating the arts and the world. It’s a song about understanding myself, taking stock of what I have, and pursuing my dreams... In light of recent attitudes towards Muslims and Pakistanis, it's more important than ever to share our humanity through who we are, in hopes that it quells ignorance, and forces people to have productive conversations.”

Artwork: -

‘A.P.E’ is more than just a rap, it’s a message. A reminder that regardless of where you come from, there is power in positivity, and understanding where you come from, will inform where, and how you go.


Artist bio:
As his name suggests, Medley explores the soundscapes of many genres as a producer and performer. Applying his versatile voice, whether it's his gentle, yet soulful soothing singing, or lyrical and rhythmic reflections that explore the thoughts that occupy the mind of the British-Pakistani-Muslim artist. Resulting in a subversive vibe you've yet to experience. Delivering passion, sincerity and soul, Medley has been paying his dues as a musician from the very bottom. Beginning with only a love for hip-hop and R&B, an ability to write and a mindset focused towards his one aim as an artists, which is in his own words: "To make sure that whoever experiences my art, takes something from it. Whether it makes them feel better, or think about something they never did before, or just forget the crap going on in their life. If my art can help, then I'm successful."

Medley also learned how to produce from scratch, something he learned during lockdown, allowing him to fully explore his sound with fewer boundaries. Although he is always a student looking for new ways to engage in his artistry.

Hailing from the town of Rochdale, Medley notes the 'weird isolation' of this town and its impact on him as an artist and a person, saying: "When I was younger, I didn't known any EMCEEs, actors or anything like that around here. Especially someone who looks like me. In a lot of cases, some people from our community didn't think it would be worth is. Not only because of the financial burden of being an artist, but the fact that there was nobody who really looked like us. So we weren't wanted, bar some exceptions. Now things are improving. There are artists in my community and spaces are beginning to be made from us from the top down. In Rochdale, I've been made a cultural pioneer in association with the Culture Co-Op. Hopefully, this opportunity can help us to push the artists with our community and give overlooked local grassroots artists a space to shine."

Medley culminates these and many other experiences into his 2025 releases.