British rapper AJ Tracey and singer Jorja Smith have come together for their highly anticipated connection Crush, which was released on February 12, 2025, just in time for Valentine’s Day. This track marks their first official release together, following their viral 2019 cover of “Flowers” on BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge.

Crush is a soulful blend of R&G (Rhythm & Grime), a genre that fuses the emotional depth of R&B with the raw grit of grime. With its nostalgic influences, smooth melodies, and crisp lyricism, the song has quickly gained attention, cementing itself as a modern love anthem.

The Evolution of R&G in “Crush”

The release of Crush signals a resurgence of Rhythm & Grime, a subgenre pioneered by UK artists such as Wretch 32, Kano, and Craig David in the mid-2000s. This musical style thrives on the sensuality of R&B melodies intertwined with the lyrical agility of grime, a combination that delivers both emotional weight and streetwise charm.

For Crush, AJ Tracey and Jorja Smith crafted a track that pays homage to early 2000s R&G hits while infusing it with modern production and storytelling. The instrumental sample comes from Wretch 32’s 2006 song “Used to Be”, which itself reworked Brandy’s “Love Wouldn’t Count Me Out.” This layered sampling gives Crush a deep sense of musical history while keeping it fresh and relevant to today’s audience.

Lyrical Themes: Love, Infatuation, and Commitment

The lyrics of Crush explore themes of young love, emotional uncertainty, and the pull between desire and hesitation.

• AJ Tracey’s Verses: Known for his clever lyricism, AJ Tracey delivers bars filled with cultural references and streetwise charm. He paints a picture of youthful romance, recalling the excitement of having a “crush” and the nervous anticipation that comes with it.

• Jorja Smith’s Hook and Bridge: Jorja Smith provides the soulful, emotionally rich perspective of someone yearning for a deeper connection. Her smooth vocals contrast beautifully with AJ Tracey’s rapid delivery, creating a dynamic interplay between the two artists.

In an interview, AJ Tracey reflected on the inspiration behind the song, stating:

“This song sounds like the feeling I used to get in secondary school when I fancied a girl, rushing home to call them on my old Nokia, sharing MP3s we think each other would like, and talking all night on MSN. It’s a UK ting!”

This nostalgic sentiment resonates deeply with listeners who grew up during the pre-social media era, when romantic connections were built through late-night calls, MSN chats, and mixtape sharing.

Both AJ Tracey and Jorja Smith have been dominant figures in the UK music scene, and their union on Crush feels long overdue.

AJ Tracey: The Genre-Bending Lyricist

AJ Tracey, known for his versatility and genre-fluid approach, has built a reputation as one of the most innovative rappers in the UK. His self-titled 2019 debut album cemented his mainstream appeal with hits like Ladbroke Grove and Butterflies. Over the years, he has experimented with a mix of grime, UK garage, dancehall, and drill, making him one of the most adaptable and commercially successful UK artists.

Jorja Smith: The Soulful Storyteller

Jorja Smith, on the other hand, has captivated audiences with her soulful, introspective R&B style. Since breaking through with “Blue Lights”, she has continued to establish herself as a global star, collaborating with artists like Drake, Burna Boy, and Stormzy. Her ability to convey emotion, longing, and nostalgia through her vocals makes her the perfect counterpart to AJ Tracey’s confident, rhythmic delivery.

Their previous Live Lounge cover of “Flowers” showed that their voices complement each other effortlessly. With Crush, they fully realize their chemistry, delivering a track that feels both organic and carefully crafted.

The Sound of “Crush”: Production and Musical Elements

The production of Crush is a lush blend of smooth basslines, warm synths, and crisp drum patterns. The track seamlessly merges elements of:

• Classic UK Grime Production: Deep bass and syncopated drum patterns provide a nod to grime’s underground roots.

• Soulful R&B Atmosphere: The track carries a dreamy, nostalgic quality, making it ideal for late-night listening.

• Layered Sampling: As mentioned, the song incorporates elements from Wretch 32 and Brandy, making it a love letter to early 2000s music.

A Valentine’s Day Release with Meaning

The decision to release Crush just before Valentine’s Day was no coincidence. The song’s romantic undertones and heartfelt lyrics make it the perfect track for the holiday. It speaks to both new love and nostalgia, making it relatable to listeners across different age groups.

For those experiencing the rush of a new crush, the song captures the excitement and uncertainty of early romance. For others, it serves as a reminder of past loves and youthful infatuations, tapping into a sense of nostalgia and emotional warmth.

Fan Reactions and Critical Reception

Since its release, Crush has been met with enthusiastic responses from both fans and critics.

Fans’ Response on Social Media

The track quickly started trending on Twitter and TikTok, with fans praising the duo’s effortless chemistry and the song’s nostalgic vibe.

• One fan tweeted: “AJ and Jorja just made the R&G track of the decade. This is UK culture at its finest.”

• Another commented: “I haven’t felt this way about a song since Craig David’s early days. The blend of grime and R&B is too smooth!”

Critical Acclaim

Music critics have also responded positively to the track. The FADER described it as “a masterclass in blending old-school UK sounds with contemporary finesse.” NME praised its production, calling it “a love song for the modern age that still feels timeless.”

With its success, Crush has sparked renewed interest in R&G, potentially leading to more artists exploring this nostalgic yet evolving genre.

Flow

AJ Tracey and Jorja Smith’s Crush is more than just a Valentine’s Day anthem—it’s a cultural statement. By blending classic R&G elements with modern lyricism and production, the song bridges generations of UK music lovers.

Its nostalgic yet contemporary sound serves as a reminder of the golden era of UK garage, grime, and R&B, while also pushing the genre forward. Given the overwhelming positive reception, it wouldn’t be surprising if Crush becomes a defining track of 2025, inspiring more artists to experiment with R&G’s unique fusion.

As AJ Tracey and Jorja Smith continue their respective careers, Crush stands as a testament to their artistry and cultural influence—a track that captures the magic of love, the excitement of youth, and the timeless allure of UK music.

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