The Link Up by Safone: A Grime Gem That’s Still Got Legs (2017)
Let’s cut to the chase. Safone’s The Link Up isn’t just another UK grime album—it’s a proper vibe machine with enough grit and swagger to keep you nodding your head for days. Released under MadOne Music in 2017, this project is a raw showcase of what happens when hip-hop meets grime on British soil. And yeah, it’s got that underground spice mixed with legit street wisdom.
Now, I ain’t about to pretend every track hits like a freight train, but dang, some cuts are unforgettable. Take “Too Cool for a School (feat. Cadell)”, for instance. This one slaps harder than your mate trying to impress someone at the club. The beat? Razor-sharp. The bars? Straight fire. It's like Safone and Cadell decided they weren’t leaving any prisoners—just pure lyrical carnage from start to finish. You can practically hear the mic melting as they trade verses. Honestly, if this doesn’t make you wanna spit some bars in the mirror while brushing your teeth, check your pulse.
Then there’s “In da Party (WOAH) [feat. KYZE]”. Oh man, this tune feels like walking into a rave where everyone already knows the drill. It’s chaotic, wild, and packed full of energy. KYZE brings his A-game here, adding extra sauce to an already hyped track. By the time that “WOAH” drops, you’re basically losing your mind. Perfect soundtrack for when you’ve had too many drinks and suddenly think you’re the life of the party. Spoiler alert: You probably aren’t, but who cares?
Other bangers like “Money & Blood (feat. Geko)” and “London To Brum (feat. Little Torment)” round out the album nicely. They bring their own flavors without overloading the mix. Geko’s verse, especially, adds that smooth yet sharp edge we all love. Meanwhile, tracks like “No Days Off” remind us why hustle anthems will never go out of style.
But let’s be real—the strength of The Link Up lies in its authenticity. There’s no shiny polish or radio-friendly gimmicks here. Just straight-up grime dripping with attitude. It’s messy in parts, sure, but isn’t that kinda the point? Grime thrives on chaos, and Safone nails it.
Reflecting back, The Link Up feels like a snapshot of UK grime culture at its peak—a genre still finding its footing globally back then. Listening now, it’s crazy how much these sounds shaped what we hear today. Plus, it makes me wonder… Why don’t more artists embrace this level of rawness instead of chasing clout?
Final thought: If you ever see Safone performing live, go. Even if you trip over your own feet dancing, it’ll be worth it. Trust me.
Rating: 8/10 – Not perfect, but bloody memorable.
