V Recordings proudly presents 'Outside', a dynamic collaboration between Illmatika, the soulful vocals of Sharifa Shi, and the precision production of L-Side. This track introduces Sharifa Shi to the V Recordings family, with her smooth, captivating hook complementing Illmatika's powerful lyrics.

Inspired by 70s soul, Illmatika reveals how the track came together: 'I had a light bulb moment whilst listening to some 70s tracks. I took some inspiration and started writing, knowing I wanted the track to bring soul and all elements of new-school jungle, molded from the original sound. However, my tracks always need to tell a story, even if it's a dancefloor track, and I think Sharifa, L-Side, and I managed that'.

With L-Side's production laying down solid, rolling basslines and crisp drums, 'Outside' strikes the perfect balance between soulful, storytelling vocals and dancefloor energy. Illmatika's lyrical depth and Sharifa's debut add to the track's layered emotion.

Illmatika, known as the 'DNB Soul Brother,' has been making waves with his soulful approach to drum & bass, delivering stellar tracks like 'Her Name Is' and 'Already Know You', both of which have garnered widespread acclaim and millions of streams. Joining him on 'Outside' is Singer Songwriter Sharifa Shi, best known as the featured vocalist on the infamous underground Hip Hop classic 'Cry' with the UK rapper Swiss. Sharifa Shi, whose debut on V Recordings introduces her powerful, captivating voice to the label. Rounding out the trio is Brazilian producer L-Side, a mainstay in the V Recordings camp, known for his genre-blending sound, fusing funk, soul, and hard-hitting basslines.