Dizzee Rascal drops ninth studio album

Dizzee Rascal is an artist who really needs no introduction. The “Bonkers” hit-maker has enjoyed a wild ride of success as the preeminent figure to rise out of London’s grime scene with a decorated musical journey full of chart-topping records, collaborations with leading names in the music industry and sold-out tours around the world.

Since he was just 18 and he’s consistently gone from strength to strength and become an international household name. His 2003 debut record Boy in da Corner won the coveted Mercury Prize and signalled the start of a pioneering career that would permanently etch both Dizzee Rascal and the grime genre in the wider musical story.

Having certified his legendary status as an artist, the groundbreaking MC is showing no signs of slowing down, bringing us brand new music with his latest release, his ninth studio album titled Don’t Take It Personal. Serving up sixteen tracks across the extensive record, Dizzee Rascal lays down his trademark slick wordplay and blistering vocal delivery on a hit-filled release that demonstrates why after more than two decades, he’s still at the very top.

Kicking off the record with the jumpy vibes of the single “Stay In Your Lane,” Dizzee cuts straight in with his high energy sound. With a vibrant arrangement that flows with funky guitar flutters and bouncy synth shots riding the uptempo snap of the beat, Dizzee threads his razor-sharp vocal delivery to reel off hook-focused rapped bars carrying his defiant lyricism.

“How Did I Get So Calm” shuffles with the rattle of percussive taps as Dizzee’s vocals run atop a jazz-tinged instrumental that gives way to the lively hop of punchy synth stabs and an energising beat. Delivering a masterclass in production, it’s a slick display of ebb and flow tied together by the relentless energy of his vocals.

On “Sugar and Spice,” he links up with production duo iLL BLU to craft an anthemic sound of garage-tinged rap music cut with female soulful vocalisations throughout. Full of shimmering melodies and compelling vocals, it’s an infectious outing brimming with thumping rhythm and memorable leads.

Other highlights on the record include songs like “What You Know About That” which sees Dizzee joined by JME, D Double E and Turno to lay down a fierce sound of storming vocal work and intense energy. A powerful beat and dark synth tones collide to set up the artists to serve up fiery bars above.

P Money and Backroad Gee join on “Keep That Same Energy” for another venture into dark and potent rap music. The crunching dissonance of rapidly pulsating synths and pounding smacks of the beat craft a high-octane scene for the artists to deliver a biting vocal performance on another superb collaboration on the album.

Don’t Take It Personal closes with “How Does It Feel” where Dizzee Rascal forges another bouncy sound of snapping drums and buzzy synth tones capped by his dynamic vocal performance that bends between relentless rapped lines and smooth hooks. It’s a stellar finale to another sensational record from an artist who continues to operate at the very highest level.

The album shines with the fun the artist had while making it and the result is a contagious sound of cutting edge rap music delivered with pure vocal flair and incredible production. Don’t Take It Personal is available now through through all major DSPs, CD and vinyl in multiple colour variants via Big Dirtee Records Ltd.

Listen to Don’t Take It Personal below