David Armada – ‘lewsyd’ [EP] [Album Review]

Ahead of his highly anticipated Blockmargera tape, South East London rapper David Armada drops a surprise EP titled lewsyd, a four-track elevator pitch encompassing the many styles and sounds of this artist. Following a handful of compelling single releases, this EP solidifies David as a key player in the UK alternative Rap scene.

The opening track titled “zendaya” sees David navigating drug habits, relationships and the anxieties they bring over an ethereal Surf Gang-esque trap beat produced by Artyn, Kxmel and Nnadi. The melodious nature of this track is abruptly fragmented by an intentionally abrasive fruit machine jackpot siren, ushering us into track two.

A sped-up and obnoxiously bass-boosted snippet sets the pace for “new bank,” a Jerk track packed with hand claps, Semi-ironic police sirens and even more jackpots that bring out a braggadocious side to Armada. The track’s deliberately excessive production places it within a lineage of London-centric avant-gardists that stretches from Dean Blunt to a newer generation of artists including Jim Legxacy, Fakemink, John Glacier and now David Armada.

Track three, titled “no glam,” produced by P4, finds David once again on a melodic trap beat, evoking the cadence of a MIKE or an Earl Sweatshirt whilst manoeuvring through the conflicts of modern love. David is able to convey real emotion through anecdotes and metaphors in this short but sweet track.

David Armada, photo by @davidarmadadavidarmada

“Dexter’s Lab,” originally released in late 2025, serves as the closing track of lewsyd and remains a standout moment within David’s catalogue. The contradictory stylistic choices seem to scratch my brain in all the right places. Opening with an unsettling string-based orchestral composition, the track introduces airy vocals reminiscent of Imogen Heap, which are quickly corrupted when Armada is brought into the mix. As if the listener is frantically skipping through radio stations, we arrive late to the party, landing at the hook. This subtle synth-based beat provides a clean slate for David to lay down his intricate wordplay, packed with references to South London, including Brockwell Lido and Brixton Jamm.

Across Lewsyd’s eight-minute runtime, David Armada showcases his versatility and keeps us on our toes for Block Magera, releasing later this year.

Run Time: ??:??
Release Date: Jun 18, 2026
Record Label: BGR