Today, multi-faceted London production duo iLL BLU have teamed up with DnB heavyweight Danny Byrd to release their new single ‘Eyes on Me’. Listen HERE.
Sampling Donnell Jones’ 1999 classic ‘Shorty (Got Her Eyes On Me)’, iLL BLU and Danny Byrd showcase their signature styles, combining smooth R&B vocals with rolling jungle beats and a rumbling bassline to create a dancefloor weapon.
The song was first premiered at Danny Byrd’s Byrdhouse night at XOYO [watch here], and has been played out on his recent US tour. Recent club support has come from the likes of Oliver Heldens, Martin Garrix, Don Diablo, Drumsound & Bassline Smith, Dub Elements, Benny Page and Voicians.
Speaking about the track iLL BLU say: ‘‘Growing up we were fans of DnB/Jungle especially early bits from Shy Fx & Ronnie Size, so working with Danny a legend in the scene feels like a full circle moment for us as music fans. Donell Jones’s Shorty has always been favourite of ours so to flip this feels special. We love fusing genres & styles to create something new, it has become an iLL BLU signature. You can’t beat a creative sample flip’.
Danny Byrd adds: “It’s been great to work with iLL BLU on this track! I’ve been a big fan of their work over the years and when they played me the idea to use the Donell Jones “Shorty” sample I was sold. Nice to hear some R&B flavours over Drum & Bass again!!”
With early releases on Kode 9’s legendary Hyperdub label and collaborations with Shystie and Princess Nyah, ‘Eyes On Me’ sees iLL BLU go back to their roots. Since bursting onto the scene in 2008, iLL BLU quickly built a highly esteemed reputation in the UK Funky House genre, before making a name for themselves in the drill and rap scene going on to collaborate with Krept & Konan, Loski, MoStack, Stormzy, OFB, Headie One and more.
Drum and bass icon Danny Byrd was one of the first signings to the legendary Hospital Records. With his unique take on the genre with strong hip-hop and R&B influences ever present in his music, Danny Byrd’s signature mixing style and production flair have cemented his reputation as one of the scene’s greats. A true juggernaut of the drum & bass world, the British producer is best known for singles including Devil’s Drop, Selecta and Sweet Harmony, which have garnered support from Mistajam, Danny Howard, Charlie Tee, DJ Target, Rene La Vice, Sub Focus, High Contrast, DJ Marky, Friction, S.P.Y, Brookes Brothers and more.
‘Eyes on Me’ is out now and is sure to be one of the biggest hits this summer.