What's the best way to follow up a Mercury Prize nomination for your debut album? Well, if you're J Hus, it's to commit a further flex in the form of an ambitious, slick music video for "Spirit," one of the standout tracks from said album, like it's not even a thing.The clip for "Spirit," taken from Hus' acclaimed Common Sense matches the song in terms of energy and inspirational value. The visuals honour Hus' Ghanian roots, given it was shot in Jamestown. It's also particularly gratifying to see and hear, considering the career-defining moment he's just had in the form of being given the Mercury nod. On a wider level, it's a reminder of the fact that British music can and should always be broader and more exciting than four lads droning on from behind guitars – and since Skepta's recognition in 2016, it seems that the Prize, one of the UK's biggest musical institutions, has finally got used to the importance and influence of UK rap in all its forms. Long may it continue.
J Hus will be performing at Boy Better Know's O2 Takeover on 27 August. Get tickets here.Follow Lauren on Twitter.