After a crazy couple of years leading the way for Grime’s second coming, Skepta finally shows us what he has been cooking up. The world has been waiting to hear the latest from the first UK rapper to really break America, thanks to interest from Kanye West and Drake.
It’s not only the USA who has finally woken up to Grime, there are healthy scenes from Tokyo to Sydney. Thanks to forefathers like Skepta, Dizzee Rascal, Kano and Wiley there is now a platform for a new generation of MC’s. Young Londoners like Novelist and Stormzy have already achieved a lot in a short space of time; the video for Stormzy’s ‘Shut Up’ has amassed over 30,000,000 plays alone. There is no doubt that Kanye bringing out Skepta at the Brit Awards, as well as Drake appearing as one of his special guests has made an impact on the scene.
Konnichiwa opens with its self-named title track, a fitting name for an album that celebrated its launch in Tokyo. His percussive delivery matches the simplistic production with the familiar “Go” sample and choppy drum sound like it could have been made a decade ago. The second offering is the first to feature another MC, Novelist who has been touring with Skepta and was an obvious choice for the album. Anybody who caught JME and Skepta on Mistajam’s show recently will recognise the first verse; the whole track revolves around the classic Grime ethos of clashing and is executed well by them both. The entire album is not quite as impressive however, ‘Corn On The Curb’ featuring none other than Wiley is a slow starter. Its American Trap influenced melodies don’t quite have the desired effect with the broken UK style drums, and both MC’s are also not on top form lyrically.
After this the tempo switches up to around 160bpm with some halftime music drawing influence from Grime, Trap, Footwork and more. ‘Crime Riddim’ proves that Grime artists should stick to 140bpm, however the second faster track, ‘It Ain’t Safe’ sees Skepta collaborate with American artist Yung Lord, and between them they have created a killer track. This is a definite highlight and has been receiving a warm reception at his live shows, both at home and across the pond. The changeable nature of this piece gives a nod to Hip Hop, but also gives Skepta a chance to breathe, bringing out an unrecognisable flow. In between his verses telling story’s of life on the block, Yung Lord provides a perfect chorus to chant along to.
‘Ladies Hit Squad’ featuring D Double E and A$AP Nast shows a more commercial side to the album. It’s slow and sexy production sets the tone for the track; as the title suggests is certainly one for the ladies. Since A$AP Mob battled Boy Better Know in last year’s Red Bull Culture Clash, it is good to see them working together proving that their rivalry is a healthy one. The American influence doesn’t stop there however, Pharrell Williams even appears in the minimalistic ‘Numbers’ which unfortunately leaves a lot to be desired. His best work comes from the already successful singles, channelling his aggression over macho beats and bragging is what Grime artists do best of course. ‘Man’ reminds listeners of why Skepta has risen to such heights and is possibly the album’s best instrumental, his reference to MySpace shows just how long he has been grinding. Boy Better Know are brought along to the party too, Frisco and the crew shine trough and bring some much-needed contrast on ‘Detox’.
Skepta impressively blurs the lines between the English and American styles on this project. At times it seems he should stick to his home turf, but when pulled off correctly it proves why he is gaining so much momentum. He has never been the deepest lyricist or the quickest MC, however his often slower delivery and more importantly his pronunciation will no doubt help to win over a worldwide audience. Skepta has put a lot of thought into this release, it is as full of American references as it is British, and the production overall sits comfortably between the two.
To hear it for yourself come and find us at your local Richer Sounds and give some subwoofers a real workout in one of our demonstration rooms.
