Typically when you think about UK Hip-Hop, most of the artists that would instantly spring to mind would be London rappers. After being named in BBC's annual Sound of... 2019 list however, the Midlands-based Slowthai will surely be aiming to put his region on the map.
NGAB was released on May 17th to critical acclaim and also landed at number 9 in the National charts so he's definitely doing his part in regards to putting his side of town on the map. With this being said though, what do I think of this album?
The album begins with title track... Nothing Great About Britain... Now this is my first time ever listening to Slowthai and he makes it clear from the gate what he's about to the unfamiliar.
'Swings and roundabouts you're round my kid
Grass ain't always greener where the other side lives
Nothing great about Britain
Tea 'n biscuits, mash, jellied eels and a couple little trinkets
East end you Phil Mitchell
Get stabbed with the PhillipsHand on my heart I swear I'm proud to be British' NGAB
In the opening track, he reiterates the uncomfortable truth to those that falsely stereotype Britiain as this splendid place where the road is 'paved with gold'. He then refers to Ainsley Harriott as a bounty and a member of the royal family as a 'see you next tuesday'. On first impressions, It's safe to say... This yout gives no typa f*ck!
Produced predominantly by Kwes Darko, the album for the most part had that 'grime' feel to it. Slowthai does however show his versatility on the Mura Masa-produced Doorman which reminded me of the music The Prodigy used to make. I can imagine Doorman becoming one of Thai's signature tracks and shuttin down festivals for sure.
The beats for the most part were aggressive and intense though Toaster was a fairly mellow contrast and Thai's melodies blended well with the production.
NGOA covers a range of different topics. The title track being self-explanatory; Gorgeous sees the rapper reminisce about his younger years; Crack sees Thai speaking about his dependence on a toxic relationship; and the standout track of the album Northampton's Child is an ode to his mother who struggled to raise him. In addition, it's a recap of his turbulent childhood.
You could argue the content doesn't match the beats but Slowthai's expressive delivery skills makes this a case of opposites attract.
Both Skepta and Jaykae dropped dope guest verses on Inglorious and Grow Up and to be real, the host was outspat on both occasions.
I wouldn't class the Northampton rapper as a super-lyricist as such but he does have a decent level of technical ability; he can flow well; he covers multiple topics and can deliver some memorable one-liners.
I feel the album may have needed another tune that gave me the same vibe as T N Biscuits (I'm not reviewing the deluxe version) but a solid debut overall from a rising star. Also it's good to hear some Grime-type beats giving so many UK artists have seemingly abandoned that sound. Aside from the aforementioned banger, I look forward to see what next this wild yout brings to the table. I'll give this a 7.5.
FAVES
Beat- Grow Up
Verse- Northampton's Child
Feature- Jaykae on Grow Up
Track- Northampton's Child
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