Essex-based rapper Berna returns with ‘East2Essex,’ blending raw storytelling, sharp flows, and standout features for a vibrant mixtape that hits hard.
Berna is back with East2Essex, his highly anticipated mixtape that solidifies his position as one of the most exciting voices in UK rap. From the streets of East London to a new life in Essex, this 9-track project chronicles Berna’s evolution, blending hard-hitting rap, drill, and Afro influences with vulnerable, introspective storytelling.
The tape kicks off with energy and attitude, with bangers like "Know Me" featuring the legendary Tiny Boost, "Straight Outta Newham," and "Forty," setting the electric tone. But beneath the vibrant beats and powerful hooks lies a deeper story of survival and growth.
The standout single, “Know Me,” is a collaboration with Peckham rap icon Tiny Boost, and together they create a track that showcases Berna’s lyrical fire and undeniable presence. The track blends Berna's signature flow with Tiny Boost's seasoned grit, delivering a collaboration that will have the streets talking.
Songs like “Rap Saved Me,” “E.A.S.T.,” and “Silly Billy” take things down a more reflective path, diving into Berna’s personal journey from hardship to hope. These tracks reveal a side of Berna that’s all heart, showing just how far he’s come since his viral Bl@ckbox freestyle made him a name to watch at just 16 years old.
East2Essex isn’t just about bars and beats; it’s an emotional journey packed into 25 minutes. Berna touches on everything from the loss of his brother to the shift in his life when his family moved out of East London. Speaking on the tape, Berna reflects,
“I went from being a bubbly, academic, aspiring footballer to a soulless shell of my former self... then something changed. My new surroundings encouraged me to want better for myself. From dark to light, bad to good, rags to riches... East2Essex.”
This journey from darkness to light is reflected throughout the mixtape, with smooth transitions from high-energy tracks like "Mood" to more chilled, melodic songs like "Greece" and "Different," where Berna shows off his versatility. Collaborating with rising star Glizz on "Different" brings another layer of dynamism to the tape, as both rappers bring their A-game.
At just 25, Berna’s already had a career that many only dream of. Born in Cape Town and raised in East London by his Congolese mother, his rise was meteoric after his Bl@ckbox freestyle went viral. From there, he became the youngest rapper to hit the Fire In The Booth stage, and his fearless freestyles on platforms like Daily Duppy, Mad About Bars, and Link Up TV solidified his place in the scene. With influences ranging from Meek Mill and 50 Cent to UK icons like Chip, Skepta, and Ghetts, Berna has evolved from a freestyle phenom into a well-rounded artist with a story to tell.
In East2Essex, Berna reflects on his journey, from a troubled teen in East London to a confident, seasoned artist living in Essex. His ability to weave personal experiences into intricate wordplay sets him apart in the ever-growing UK rap scene. With this mixtape, Berna shows he’s here to stay, proving there’s plenty of room for his powerful voice and storytelling to shine.
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