WSTRN sounds like the exact moment a London summer peaks. Their music is a seamless blend of contemporary R&B, dancehall, and rap, characterized by a specific kind of melodic bounce that feels both effortless and meticulously crafted. The interplay between Akelle, Haile, and Louis Rei creates a rich, textured vocal landscape where smooth crooning sits comfortably alongside sharp, rhythmic verses.
What truly sets them apart is their ability to maintain a 'positive vibration' without sacrificing the grit of their West London roots. They pioneered the Afroswing sound by leaning heavily into their Caribbean heritage, using syncopated percussion and warm, liquid synth lines to create tracks that feel buoyant and celebratory. It is music that prioritizes the groove and the hook above all else.
Start with their breakout hit 'In2' to understand their melodic DNA, then move to the 'WSTRN Season' mixtapes to hear how they evolved the sound into something more expansive and club-ready. It is the definitive soundtrack for anyone who wants R&B that moves with a Caribbean pulse.
WSTRN (a disemvoweling of the word Western, which is also pronounced) are a British hip hop/R&B group from West London consisting of Akelle Charles, Haile (born Ras Haile Alexander), and Louis Rei (born Louis-Rae Beadle). Their debut single, "In2", was released on 20 July 2015, and peaked at number 4 on the UK Singles Chart. Louis Rei was formerly known as LB and Akelle was formerly known as A-Star. Haile has featured on several tracks as a solo artist, including "Can't Blame Me" by Nines.
Cassette uses generative AI to enrich its catalog. How we use AI →