NYDUS Doesn’t Follow the Industry. City of London Vol. 1 Studies It
NYDUS has released his debut EP City of London Vol. 1, a tightly focused body of work that places process, discipline, and musicianship at the centre of modern rap. Produced entirely by NYDUS, founder and CEO of DUB 5, the project brings together five tracks: Listen & Learn, Circle, Property, VAT (Extended) and VAT, each exploring different pressures of independence, power, and survival inside the city.
NYDUS - City of London Vol. 1 [official artwork designed by Jordan Wilson]
Drawing from the lyrics, the EP moves between observation and authority, reflecting a mindset shaped by systems rather than spectacle. The sound is equally deliberate. Live guitar, piano, saxophone and layered keys sit alongside sparse arrangements, creating a palette rarely heard in UK rap today. Contributions from J. Jackson, George Styles, Christian Gentles, Benjamin Treacher, Jarod Hardcastle, Kavin Ruanglertbutr, Joe Webb, Bala and Noah Wapiti give the project a collaborative depth that feels closer to a studio ensemble than a traditional rap release.
City of London – The square mile
The artwork designed by Jordan Wilson mirrors this intent, restrained, architectural, and grounded in place, reinforcing the EP’s connection to the City of London as both environment and influence. City of London Vol. 1 doesn’t chase trends. It introduces a sound, a discipline, and a vision that feels genuinely distinct in today’s landscape.
