LISTEN: Irish rapper Albe shares audacious new single 'Willing To Ride'

After seven years spent immersing himself in London's dynamic music scene, rapper Albert Okolo, aka Albe, has returned to Dublin – and is ready to put his hometown on the map with his new single, 'Willing To Ride'.

Through his studies in Music Technology at Epping Forest College, as well as his connections with underground artists around the world, Albe has returned to Ireland with a mission.

"It's a very different scene over there," he tells us. "They've really got their own thing going on. They've got an amazing work ethic, and that's what I want to bring back to Ireland, to help develop underground artists – including myself. Right now I'm looking at what I can bring to the table to help myself and other people."

As Irish hip-hop continues to find its voice, Albe is confident that the homegrown scene can carve out its own unique space on the world stage.

"I feel like Ireland could have a really strong scene, if people put their minds to it, and grasped towards it," he says. "The upcoming artists that I met in London all had to come together to make sure that grime and drill was known. I don't see any reason why Ireland can't do the same – and that's for all genres of music, not just rap, trap or drill."

His own unique sound, as showcased on his powerful new single, 'Willing To Ride', certainly marks Albe as one of the most compelling new voices in Irish hip-hop.

"I have a different flow and a different work ethnic to other people," he explains. "I'm dynamic with it, too. I don't limit myself to one genre. I'll open myself to anything – and I'm willing to listen to anything as long as it's empowering and has meaning to it."

'Willing To Ride' is out now. Listen below: