EsDeeKid released his new single “RockWave” on June 25, 2026, built on a flip of Ye’s 2012 GOOD Music anthem “Mercy” — and Ye himself reposted a fan post praising the sample within hours of the drop.

ESDEEKID SAMPLED YE’S “MERCY” IN HIS NEW SONG 😎👀🤯🐐 pic.twitter.com/aBW7irB0DW

— YEFANATICS (@yefanatics) June 26, 2026

The masked Liverpool rapper put out the track through XV Records and Lizzy Records, with production from Bhristo and a music video directed by long-time collaborator Archie Erskine. At 2 minutes and 14 seconds, “RockWave” fuses EsDeeKid’s UK rap delivery with electric-guitar textures and a hook lifted from one of Ye’s most recognizable beats.

Key Facts

• What: “RockWave,” a new EsDeeKid single sampling Ye’s “Mercy”
• Who: EsDeeKid, produced by Bhristo, video directed by Archie Erskine
• When: Released June 25, 2026
• Where: Out now on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube via XV Records / Lizzy Records
• Why it matters: Ye reposted a fan post highlighting the sample, putting his name behind the flip of his own 2012 hit

What is EsDeeKid’s “RockWave” and what does it sample?

“RockWave” is EsDeeKid’s first solo release since his appearance on a Yeat single earlier in 2026, and it is built on a sample of Ye’s “Mercy.” The 2012 track — originally credited to GOOD Music and featuring Big Sean, Pusha T, and 2 Chainz — was the lead single from the label’s “Cruel Summer” compilation and remains one of Ye’s most-quoted beats.

Producer Bhristo reworks that foundation into a darker, guitar-driven instrumental. Early listener reviews describe the result as a trap record fused with rock and crunk-era energy, with the “Mercy” interpolation singled out as the standout element. EsDeeKid debuted the song live at Rolling Loud the previous month before the official release.

The Archie Erskine-directed video continues the medieval imagery from EsDeeKid’s “Omens” clip — sword and chainmail included — and ends with the rapper smashing an electric guitar.

Why did Ye repost EsDeeKid’s “RockWave”?

Ye amplified the release by reposting a fan account’s post on X that flagged the “Mercy” sample. The post — from the account YEFANATICS — read that EsDeeKid “sampled Ye’s ‘Mercy’ in his new song,” paired with the official video clip. Ye’s repost pushed the news directly to his audience and effectively co-signed a younger artist flipping his catalog.

As of publication, Ye has not issued a formal statement about the track, and the repost stands as his only public acknowledgment. The gesture nonetheless matters: sample clearances and approvals are often contentious, and a visible co-sign from the original artist removes much of that uncertainty in the eyes of fans.

Who is EsDeeKid?

EsDeeKid is one of UK rap’s fastest-rising artists, known for performing masked and for blending rock and metal textures into trap production. His 2025 debut project “Rebel” became the longest-charting UK rap album in Billboard history and earned him a BRIT Award nomination for Best Breakthrough Artist.

The Liverpool rapper has surpassed two billion catalog streams and recently completed sold-out debut headline tours across North America, Australia, and New Zealand, alongside festival sets at Rolling Loud and Summer Smash. “RockWave” extends the guitar-heavy direction he has leaned into across recent releases such as “Omens.”

EsDeeKid “RockWave” at a glance

Detail	Information
Song title	RockWave
Artist	EsDeeKid
Release date	June 25, 2026
Label	XV Records / Lizzy Records
Producer	Bhristo
Video director	Archie Erskine
Run time	2:14
Sample	Ye — “Mercy” (2012, GOOD Music)

What’s next for EsDeeKid?

EsDeeKid has not announced a follow-up project or tour dates tied to “RockWave,” and it remains unclear whether the single previews a larger body of work. Fans should watch his official channels and streaming platforms for any project announcement, and watch Ye’s accounts for any further comment on the sample.

You can stream “RockWave” now on Spotify and watch the official video on YouTube.