When three distinctive voices from UK grime, electronic music, and hip-hop come together, the result can be explosive. Victory Lap - the collaboration between Skepta, Fred again.., and Plaqueboy Max - has dominated charts and playlists, but what makes it work from a production standpoint? For beginner producers looking to understand how tempo, key choice, and collaboration shape a track, Victory Lap offers valuable lessons.
Fred again.. has built his reputation on innovative electronic production, known for his finger drumming ability and creative use of sampling. Mentored by ambient music legend Brian Eno, Fred again..'s productions layer textures and build energy in ways that feel both spontaneous and carefully crafted.
Skepta is a cornerstone of the UK grime scene. With years of experience and a commanding presence, he brings authenticity and flow that anchors the track.
Plaqueboy Max represents a newer voice in UK music, contributing his own energy and approach to the collaboration.
Together, they created Victory Lap - a track that balances electronic production with grime's raw energy.
Victory Lap runs at 140 BPM, and this isn't arbitrary. This tempo is foundational to grime music and much of UK rap. At 140 BPM, the track creates natural momentum, fast enough to drive urgency in the vocal delivery, but not so fast that it loses clarity.
If you're experimenting with grime-influenced or UK rap production:
Try building a beat at 140 BPM. You'll notice how naturally it accommodates both aggressive drum programming and spacious melodic elements.
Victory Lap is built in B Major, which creates an interesting contrast with grime's typically darker sound palette. Major keys generally sound brighter and more uplifting than minor keys.
The major key gives Victory Lap its distinctive bounce and optimism. This choice lifts the track above the minor-key darkness common in grime, creating something that feels celebratory - fitting for a title like "Victory Lap."
For beginners working in B Major:
The major key demonstrates how tonal choices shape a track's emotional impact, even when the genre typically leans toward minor tonalities.
Each artist occupies their own space in the mix. The vocals sit clearly above the production, while the electronic elements provide texture without overwhelming. This balance is crucial when multiple artists contribute - no single element dominates.
Choosing the right tempo isn't just about genre conventions. 140 BPM works because it serves the track's purpose: giving the vocalists rhythmic space while maintaining electronic music's drive.
Using B Major in a grime context shows how you can honor a genre's roots while introducing fresh elements. The bright tonality brings Fred again..'s electronic influence to the forefront while Skepta's delivery maintains grime authenticity.
Understanding what makes Victory Lap work is one thing. Being able to execute similar ideas in your own productions requires developed timing, rhythm, and technical facility.
Melodics offers structured practice for the skills producers use in sessions like these. With interactive lessons covering pads, keys, and drums, you can build the finger drumming fluency and timing that electronic producers rely on. Each session provides real-time feedback, making your progress measurable and keeping practice engaging rather than repetitive.
These skills don't develop overnight, but consistent, focused practice builds the foundation for creative breakthroughs.
Looking to emulate the magical finger drumming skills of Fred again..? Try our tutorial for ‘Places to be’:
Listen to Victory Lap with producer's ears. Focus on the relationship between the drums and vocals. Notice how the 140 BPM tempo creates urgency without chaos. Pay attention to how the B Major tonality affects the track's energy compared to darker grime productions you know.
Then apply these observations to your own work. Experiment with 140 BPM in your DAW. Try building progressions in B Major and notice how the brightness changes your track's character.
With tools like Melodics supporting your technical development, you're not just learning theory - you're building the hands-on skills that turn understanding into execution.
Ready to develop the production skills behind tracks like Victory Lap? Start your free trial with Melodics today.
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