Music artist spotlight: A look at deathtoricky - The king of Irish underground rap

Alex McDonnell, more commonly known as deathtoricky, is making waves as part of the Irish underground rap scene. 

Hailing from Celbridge, Co. Kildare, deathtoricky has been releasing music for two years, but just this summer, he started gaining some traction.

Here, Music News Blitz writer Nisha Cullen breaks down her favourite deathtoricky tracks, giving this up-and-coming rapper some well-deserved attention. 

Motives 

Motives is the track that shot deathtoricky up into the limelight. After posting a clip of the music video onto TikTok, it reached over 300,000 people. 

With over 800,000 listens on Spotify, motives is deathtoricky’s most listened to track. 

Containing a sample from Martin Solveig and Dragonette’s 2010 song Hello, the fun, upbeat beat paired with his rapping in his Irish accent (a lot of Irish artists lose their accent, or mask it when singing or rapping) provides a fresh, modern sound. 

This proved deathtoricky to be exactly what we needed in the Irish underground scene. 

He took elements of the UK underground scene, such as the style, and made it Irish - instantly, I was hooked.

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Breathing right 

For a while, this was my favourite song from deathtoricky’s discography. 

On his EP, relaxation zen room, “breathing right” is just everything I like from a rap track. 

As an entry track, it’s very good. It has elements of the UK underground rap that I know and love, and still is a great listen. 

And with those Irish elements, it gives a great sense of home for me when listening. 

However, upon discovering more of the deathtoricky discography, I realised that he has so much to offer. This still is one of my favourites, with an incredibly catchy chorus and danceable beat.

Thrice 

‘Did it once, did it twice, so nice that I did it thrice.’

Just like me listening to this song, I have to play it a couple times in a row when it pops up on my playlist because it is just so addictive.

Deathtoricky’s lyrics are always fun and lighthearted, aiding in the easy listening of his entire tracklist.

My personal favourite on “thrice” is ‘on the back of the bus eating flame grilled steak McCoy’s,’ which is one of my favourite crisps. When I first heard it, I couldn't help but giggle.

This has reached its way to my favourite from deathtoricky, and one of my favourite songs overall at the moment.

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Cologne 

Also off of the relaxation zen room, “cologne” is equally as fun and upbeat as the rest of the tracks on the EP. 

As I’ve mentioned, I love it when a track by an Irish artist has references to Ireland, like in “cologne” - ‘I can take you anywhere from Cali to Athlone.’ 

It’s always nice to see someone respecting and referring to their roots, which deathtoricky does throughout his music.

All of deathtoricky’s music is fun, and that’s what I like about him as an artist. 

Overview 

I love seeing an Irish artist do well, and I know for a fact this is just the beginning for deathtoricky. 

His lighthearted, easy-to-listen-to raps are so incredibly catchy, very easy to get stuck in your head. But I’m not mad about it. 

His simple yet effective music videos and visuals also cement him as a name to remember. 

Watch this space, because there's no doubt he will be blowing up. LIFETORICKY!

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