NOT OLD OR NEW

R Kelly — "Freaky in the Club" [NJ refix]

"Dis ones risky, I'm brave still mash it up quickly."

The opening track immediately establishes the project's energy. Built around a recognisable R&B sample from R. Kelly's "Freaky in the Club," Dis Ones Risky combines a pulsing bassline with a full, commanding vocal performance from Squintz. The song deals with moving beyond past losses, recovering from injury and refusing to allow difficult experiences to remove his belief in himself — bringing his faith into the conversation with the line "man can't convince me but scripture can."

Produced by NJ

"Chasing the bag is what kills the desire."

God Loves A Trier explores Squintz's relationship with ambition, money and the music industry. Rather than presenting success as something that must be relentlessly chased, the song questions whether constantly pursuing the next achievement can eventually destroy the reason you wanted it in the first place. The track is driven by a heavy kick and smooth vocal sample that moves alongside the bassline, creating a layered foundation for Squintz's voice.

Monica — "So Gone" [NJ refix]

A more playful side of Squintz appears on Three In One, while the writing continues to explore themes of identity, resilience and spirituality. Built as a refix of Monica's "So Gone," the track takes a familiar R&B foundation and places Squintz's grime delivery over it. Lines such as "say they got food, must be supper" bring humour, while the title connects to Squintz's recurring spiritual references and his emphasis on repentance and remaining alert.

Slew — "Talk 2 Me" [NJ refix]

Slew is a refix designed to bring a more distinctly grime-oriented character to the newer UK underground sound, using Slew and Outlaw's "Talk 2 Me" as its foundation. It is essentially a straight freestyle — less concerned with explaining itself and more focused on performance, punchlines and energy. The writing is packed with wordplay, including: "Skew's not skewed, how can you conclude quantity, quality, I'm on Q's and Q's." This is one of the moments where the project most openly reconnects with the older Squintz.

Big Pun — "Still Not A Player" [NJ refix] ft. MSSN

"Summertime and girl you looking dangerous, I know we made it, I know we made it."

Featuring local artist MSSN, Summertime came from an unexpected meeting at a local calisthenics park. MSSN later booked a studio session, and the pair spontaneously created the chorus and decided to build a song around it. Built around Big Pun's "Still Not A Player," the track is one of the project's most carefree moments — about having fun, holidays, attraction and enjoying life.

Colours — "What U Do" [Sample]

1000 Birds brings a strong Jamaican influence into old-school UK grime. Recorded on a handheld microphone to recreate the atmosphere of a grime set, the track was built on a UK garage classic by Colours. Notably, there is no bassline — the power comes almost entirely from Squintz's delivery. The line "one man is worth a thousand birds" connects back to Matthew 6:26, where birds are used as an example of God's provision. The birds become a symbol of trust and not worrying about what comes next.

Usher — "Make Me Wanna" [NJ refix]

"Shawty wanna make me wanna."

Wanna Make Me Wanna moves into temptation, attraction and relationships. Built as a refix of Usher's "Make Me Wanna," the track tells the story of Squintz meeting a woman at a performance. The writing explores self-control and masculinity: "I didn't plan you, now I plan me. Funny how the cat can make a dog happy." Squintz also introduces a sung bridge, giving the song another dimension beyond his usual MC delivery.

Produced by NJ

"When I sit and bill it, it's like I can see my lyrics, like Netflix, my memories vivid."

Bill It is built around an original NJ production combining strings, trumpets and synths into a dreamy instrumental. The song is about smoking, reflecting and remaining grounded. Squintz considers his relationship with material success and the importance of appreciating what he already has. He also reflects on the period when he stepped away from music and how distance from the game allowed him to see certain things differently.

2Pac — "Picture Me Rollin'" [NJ refix]

"Do it my way, make my way the meta."

Could Never was the first song recorded for the project, making it the beginning of the recording process that eventually became Not Old Or New. Built as a refix of 2Pac's "Picture Me Rollin'," the track represents a rejection of the stereotypical "bad man" persona. Rather than needing to adopt an exaggerated character to prove his credibility, Squintz focuses on doing things according to his own principles.

Produced by NJ

"They try box me in, then I excelled."

Orchestrating is a freestyle designed primarily to showcase Squintz's ability as an MC. A deep bassline, jazzy tones, soft vocal textures and chimes create a more spacious backdrop, allowing the writing to take centre stage. The title reflects the mindset: orchestrating your own route rather than waiting for somebody else to create one for you.

Produced by NJ

"No bad vibes can get this loud."

The song that gives the project its name. Built around a violin-led instrumental and the recurring jazzy bassline that appears throughout the project, Skew Not Old Or New is designed to feel like a grime performance. Squintz is still demonstrating technical ability, still applying pressure — but aggression is no longer necessary for him to demonstrate skill. He isn't trying to become the old Squintz again. He isn't trying to invent an entirely new Squintz. He is Skew — not old or new.

Produced by NJ

Don't Judge begins with Squintz explaining his refusal to judge people, before expanding into a broader reflection on righteousness, conflict and perspective. The production combines vocal harmonies, soothing keys and brass. Squintz addresses the disses he has received and the fact that some people continue to speak negatively about him despite his decision not to retaliate — being capable of confrontation without being controlled by the need to confront.

Lloyd & Lil Wayne — "You" [refix]

G Is Us continues the project's exploration of identity and personal philosophy through a refix of Lloyd and Lil Wayne's "You." The title plays into Squintz's recurring use of "G" as part of his identity and collective language. The "G" isn't just an individual — it's the people, experiences and history that made him.

Produced by NJ

Good In The Hood returns to an original NJ production, bringing the project back to the direct Squintz-and-NJ collaboration that sits at the heart of Not Old Or New. It forms part of the project's balance between old and new, borrowed foundations and original compositions — a distinction that ultimately becomes central to the project's title.

NJ Instrumental compilation + Lancey Foux — "Hard 2 Kill" [NJ refix]

The project closes with an insight into how Squintz has progressed despite not always having a stable foundation beneath him. The first part features a compilation of NJ productions that Squintz chose not to MC over, allowing the ending to become a glimpse into the creative process itself. The final section moves into a refix of Lancey Foux's "Hard 2 Kill." Squintz is still here. Not because the journey was straightforward. But because he kept building.