Tony Bontana – Recoup (feat. Leo Sierra)

Birmingham rapper and producer Tony Bontana drops “Recoup”, a collaboration with Leo Sierra from his upcoming album My Name, out later this month via Everything Is Perfect.

Bontana’s been operating in the shadows of UK hip-hop for a while now, running the independent label Everything Is Perfect while building a small but dedicated following. He’s not chasing mainstream attention, his cult hit “Battered Chips” proved he’s more interested in doing his thing. A small tour is planned for March.

“Recoup” clocks in around two minutes, which is typical for Bontana’s work. His narrative rap style carries shades of Earl Sweatshirt, but with a grayer, distinctly British edge. The track rides a laid-back groove with a female vocal sample threading through it, though the rap pace here is slightly quicker than usual. Leo Sierra’s heavier voice adds contrast, making the track feel more dynamic without losing its distant, hazy atmosphere.

Bontana’s music has this contradictory quality—it feels both removed and immediate at the same time. The production keeps things blurry and understated, but the delivery is direct. It’s a sound that doesn’t make sense on paper but works once you hear it.

UK hip-hop has plenty of voices, but Bontana’s approach stands apart. He’s not trying to break out of Birmingham so much as he’s slowly expanding beyond it on his terms.