PREMIERE: Strange Boy shares gripping new track 'Forgotten' ahead of debut album release

Ahead the release of his debut album, Strange Boy has shared a brand new track, 'Forgotten', exclusively with Hot Press.

'Forgotten' is the third track on the Limerick trad-rap act's forthcoming debut album and features vocals from Strange's own brother, Sean McNally Kelly, perfectly complimenting the verses Jordan Kelly spits out over traditional Irish melodies.

Produced during lockdown in Kilfenora, Co. Clare by Enda Gallery (delush), HOLY/UNHOLY combines the old and the new: hip hop and Irish traditional music, with a sophistication that would have you swearing this genre always existed.

Strange Boy presents his full set of skills in 10 astonishing tracks telling his story - a unique but relatable tale for many other young people in Ireland.

He refers to the album as "100% my experience."

"When I was working on this album and when Enda was brewing up the beats for me, I got a sort of anxious feeling like I wasn’t going to be able to do the concept we had justice."

"I wouldn’t say I’m proud of it, I’d say I’m proud despite it. There’s nothing honourable or romantic about being in a bad place so I’m just glad that this album is finished," he said.

The album also features guest appearances from fellow Limerick rapper and Px crew member Hazey Haze, and Grammy-winning Clannad star Moya Brennan, who bring a balance and variety to the album.

Producer Enda Gallery said it was "a highlight of my life so far to have been a part of [the album]."

"I'm honoured by life and by Jordan to have been chosen to create this together with Strange Boy," he said. "It felt the whole time, 18 months since the first phone call, where we explored and decided on the concept to unite the new and the old in this way, to the very last listening sessions, that we were making some truly special."

"Few albums have felt more right to me than this."

Watch the video for Strange Boy's latest single from the new album, 'Waiting', here.

HOLY/UNHOLY will be released by Berlin-based label WELCOME TO THE NEW WORLD on Friday June 25th. Pre-order it on Bandcamp here.

Listen to 'Forgotten' on Soundcloud below: