Blanco - Paradise on a Lifeboat (EP)
Blanco, widely regarded as one of Londons sharpest lyricists, returns with Paradise on a Lifeboat, a new six track EP following a sold out UK and European tour and the recent single “Regime”.
Inspired by an arc from Naruto, the EP’s title reflects the duality running through Blanco’s life and music: beauty and struggle existing side by side. Across the project, he dives into conflict, social tension and global unrest with incisive, introspective writing. Kuduro leaning production nods to his Angolan roots, while London artist Kidwild joins him on “One More Day”, their first link up since the breakout hit “Remontada”.
Speaking on the release, Blanco says: “The title captures both beauty and struggle. It reflects my upbringing, rough, but with moments that felt like paradise. EPs are like the filler arcs in an artist’s story, still important for context.”
The EP arrives amid a run of standout moments for the Kennington rapper, including an Adidas Originals x JD campaign, an anticipated collaboration with Fred again.., and a gripping COLORS performance featuring tracks from his acclaimed 2023 album Gilbertos Son. That project cemented him as one of UK rap’s most adventurous voices, scoring major radio and streaming success with songs like “Sombrero” and “Ponzi Scheme”.
On stage and across culture, Blanco continues to expand his imprint. Fresh from debut performances at Glastonbury and Boomtown, and a return to Reading & Leeds, he has also fronted campaigns for Nike Air Jordan x END and become a fixture at Paris and London Fashion Weeks. Recent collaborations span garage and bassline with Interplanetary Criminal and global links forged during a musical trip to Brazil.
His momentum follows a standout 2023, which saw the release of Rebourne, a widely praised mixtape packed with heavyweight features and production, and home to the smash hit “Brilliant Mind”, which dominated charts and playlists in the UK and beyond.
Emerging from Harlem Spartans and early drill inspirations, Blanco has steadily evolved into one of the UK’s most distinctive rap innovators. Paradise on a Lifeboat marks the next chapter in a career defined by sharp storytelling, worldliness and constant reinvention.