East London’s own Tills has unveiled her latest single, “VIM,” kicking off with the nostalgic sound of a cassette tape and a beat that harks back to the late ’90s hip hop era. The track serves as a powerful release for Tills, showcasing her unyielding character and self-assuredness. Through vivid and gritty lyrics, she asserts her identity and determination, making “VIM” a compelling empowerment anthem.
“Vim is an empowerment anthem, a self assured set of manifestations for anyone who believes in their power and is ready to step into it. I know I’m cold so make sure you mean it when you give me my flowers – say it with your chest, say it with VIM”
Tills
Drawing from influences in rap, R&B, and early 2000s icons like Avelino, Lady Leshurr, Missy Elliott, and Nelly Furtado, Tills reinvents British rap nostalgia for a new generation. Her quick-witted bars and expressive vocals bring a fresh, dynamic energy to the scene, blending her influences into a unique and potent sound.
Tills’ musical journey began in her childhood, heavily inspired by her music-loving father. She describes herself as a fusion of her mother’s hustler mentality and her father’s dreamer spirit, which shaped her artistic identity. After spending part of her childhood in Melbourne, where she taught herself piano and guitar while busking outside supermarkets, she returned to London and immersed herself in the city’s vibrant creative scene.
During college, she pursued a BTEC in performing arts, coinciding with a transformative period in UK music marked by Stormzy’s “Shut Up.” Joining the hip-hop collective Common Roots helped Tills build the confidence to launch her solo career. Now based in Newham, her talent has earned her wider recognition, including a notable co-sign from Stormzy himself.
From performing with live bands to hosting all-female sound clashes and filming intense freestyles with Red Bull, Tills demonstrates her versatility and depth as an artist. Her soulful vocal range, contemporary references, and lyrics focusing on the female experience distinguish her in the industry.
“VIM” is out now, solidifying Tills‘ reputation as one of the most exciting new voices in music.
