Boy Better Know, British grime artist Skepta released his fourth long awaited, much anticipated fourth studio album. Titled ‘Konnichiwa’, this is hot off the heels of last summer’s smash ‘Shut down’. This is the time that UK rap is being noticed across the water, the likes of Drake and Pharrel already co – signing Skepta to the so called music A-list.
Ground work been put in by the likes of Dizzie Rascal and The Streets over the years. So it’s long overdue that an English rapper will pop off big time in the US. It looks like Skepta will be the one to bring some much needed light / focus to the Hip Hop / Grime scene in the UK.
So onto this new record then. The title ‘Konnichiwa’ grabs your attention and is almost like a signal to the International markets. Aggressive delivery which we have come to expect from Skepta, his distinct believability is second to none. Skepta does not lose focus on his hooks, choruses and production neither.
Across the entirety of this album the beats are quite diverse and you can certainly feel the growth of him as an artist. A 12 track album which gives you a sense of no messing around with any pointless filler tracks. The longer tracks are combined with lengthy phone conversations which gives you a context of where Skepta is at mentally and geographically for those who don’t know.
Skepta brings you bangers that mash up the scene, he’s able to incorporate the best of the UK musical culture with a bit of the electronical sound, mixed with Garage and dub step.
Opening Track ‘Konnichiwa’ starts off melodically with an unnamed Asian vocalist setting a sun set tone before the track takes on a gritty element as Skepta gets busy with a hook which gives you sense of his outlook on the industry ‘ Right now man’s trying to get out matrix far from the agents’’. Clearly referencing the fraudulent behaviour of some within the industry. Skepta tells us nothing ain’t changed as he describes going to the Brits on the train before shutting down Wireless then walking home in the rain. I love that lyricism as it conjures a quite normal bloke just making music.
‘Corn on the Cob’ featuring Wiley is a declaration of Skepta’s thoughts on the Grime currently. He also tells us unequivocally that he is the realest one in the game. ‘While I’m asleep, I’m making a beat, girls at home getting naked for me’, that line informs us of the extravagant life he lives. Wiley chips in with a strong hook ‘I was in the trenches every day, can’t say I weren’t bringing MC’s’. With the legendary god father of grime its statement of who is bossing UK rap right now.
‘ Crime Riddim’ is a visually stunning track as Skepta raps about being on a night out having fun before an unfortunate altercation leads him to being nicked by the police. During the hook of this track Skeppy talks of the police wanting to strip him like Chippendale. F that indeed.
‘It ain’t Safe’ gives you an enthusiastic throw back three six mafia tinged back drop. Young Lord from A$AP Mob gives us a street life hook. ‘It ain’t safe on the block, not even for the cops’ gives you picture of street life issues which urban youth encounter. Skepta’s verses are sprinkled with stirring word play that conjures up the realities of life good and bad faced by the youth.
A$AP Nast of A$AP Mob lends Skepta a Drake influenced hook which showers the ladies in the fly baller like scenarios, that keeps those beautiful women coming back for more. Double E from Newham Generals treats us to a humorous account of his mack daddy ways. Lines like ‘’We can have a mad one, we can have a bender, order what you like from the bartender’’. Skepta does not hold back in his verse as he begins with ‘’I’m gonna hit the G spot once I get them jeans off, Press on the gas then I ease off’’ The man gets to the point when it comes to the women. Much like myself I’m pleased to say.
This album is a clear indication that Skepta is finally amongst the crem de la crem of music’s finest. He shows much range and diversity which shows he cannot be boxed in to one particular genre. An absolute must for music lovers worldwide.
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Editor: Adrian Richard
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