At the beginning of Jeorge II’s performance on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions’ Y&E Series, he made a prediction: “I’m gonna be so sweaty by the end of this shit, bro.” It was a good bet, because the Dublin rapper seems to do everything fast — from talking, rapping, writing and recording to reaching the top of the growing Irish rap scene.

Throughout the stream — the series is supported by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht — Jeorge II played eight songs: all bangers, and all written within the past few years. Throughout his Instagram live performance, Jeorge II also repeatedly called himself “lazy.” But the energy and output on display Saturday proved him wrong, reminding us why his debut EP, The Descent, has earned so much hype.

A large portion of Jeorge II’s setlist came from the new EP, which features Irish producers KOD and Grizz. The rapper introduced each song in the same way. He’d name the track, sum it up in a few words, then launch into the beat — all business, no time wasted. First up was ‘80.HD’, titled as such because Jeorge II said he has “a little ADHD.” Next was ‘August 8', which he explained was “about doing hoodrat shit with your friends.” Then came ‘Lay Low', about “the repercussions of doing hoodrat shit with your friends,” and finally ‘Stone Wall', the first track Jeorge II ever released.

Each of these songs was infectious in its own way, with Jeorge II letting loose his intense flow over minimal trap beats. But the set’s most fun moment came when Jeorge II played one of his newest and most popular songs, ‘Andale'. The track earned a longer intro than most. Jeorge II explained that it is about “being part of the music scene, and having people appreciate your shit, but also trying to stay true to yourself.” It’s easy to see why success has been a problem for Jeorge II: ‘Andale’ has sharp bars and a heavy bassline and a chorus that makes you want to mosh.

At the end of his set, Jeorge II confirmed the prediction he made at its beginning: “I am so fucking sweaty, bro,” he said as the camera cut off. You can rewatch his fast-moving set on Hot Press’s Instagram below.

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Upcoming on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' Y&E Series: 

Tuesday, 14 July: JESS YOUNG
Singer-songwriter Jess Young uses Celtic elements to expand the eclectic pop sound of the day while staying true to her Irish roots. She is an incredibly exciting emerging artist with a truly singular sound.

Wednesday, 15 July: CIARAN LAVERY
Ciaran Lavery's sophomore record Let Bad In saw him rack up millions of Spotify streams. His language is that of heartbreaking melodies, gentle acoustic guitar and deep, cavernous sonics; he has a sound to get lost in. His latest album Plz stay, bb is a must hear album of 2020.

Thursday, 16 July: JACK RUA
Glam-based pop artist Jack Rua has just released his debut mini-album ‘Narcissus’. Inspired by some of the most ambitious and creative artists of the last fifty years, Jack Rua spent his formative years studying the work of icons such as David Bowie, Madonna, Lady Gaga & Prince; analysing their every move and how they used their art forms to innovate and rebel. He has fast become one of the most compelling young glam pop artists in the country.

Friday, 17 July: JANET DEVLIN
Many will remember Janet Devlin from her storied days as an X-Factor contestant, but that was just the beginning. Devlin's latest concept album Confessional came with a matching book, and saw the singer use her phenomenal voice and Celtic sensibilities to grapple with her demons. Inadvertently finding a new meaning in 2020, the final album single ‘Big Wide World’ brings a positive message of re-embracing the outside world.

Saturday, 18 July: JESSY ROSE
Formerly a member of Hare Squead, Jessy Rose took a break from the group back in 2017 – now, he's back and better than ever. The 23 year-old Dubliner blends R&B and elements of soul to create a tender and touching sound, while his latest solo offering 'Bloom’ was described as a "moving, radio-ready ballad” by Hot Press.

Each live showcase of The Y&E Series – supported by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht – will be broadcast live, to Ireland and the world, at 19:30 from the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine).