Peckham’s PS Hitsquad returns to his drill roots on new single “Dig ’Em Up”, a heavyweight transatlantic collaboration with Chicago rapper VONOFF1700. Built around a dark, hard hitting production from legendary Chicago producer DJ L, who is widely credited as one of the architects of drill’s global sound, the track sees both artists trading verses in a competitive back and forth that highlights the strengths of their respective scenes.
The release arrives ahead of PS Hitsquad’s long awaited debut album Life on Licence, due July 3 via House Anxiety. While recent singles have seen him experiment with sounds beyond traditional drill, “Dig ’Em Up” marks a return to the raw energy that first established his reputation, while still showcasing the growth and versatility that have defined his recent output.
Described by PS as “the truest, purest drill that the people want”, the single offers another glimpse into Life on Licence, a project exploring themes of trauma, institutionalisation and freedom. Featuring collaborations with artists including Unknown T, Cristale, Joshua Baraka, Lihtz and Deema, alongside contributions from leading UK and US producers, the album is shaping up to be one of the year’s most ambitious UK rap releases.
Having first emerged as a founding member of Zone 2, PS Hitsquad has spent the last decade building a reputation as one of drill’s most distinctive lyricists. With “Dig ’Em Up” and Life on Licence on the horizon, he continues to push the genre forward while reconnecting with the sound that made his name.