Gettin Dizzee

If anything I guess you can consider this post Javid's first official CD review but first I'd better lay down the track for this steamroller.

Dizzee Rascal (aka Dylan Mills) is a young man on the move. Since his arrival on UK scene with the release of his debut album Boy In Da Corner in 2003 (at the age of 18) the sky has been the limit. The album went into the top 40 in the UK, spawned a top 20 single in Fix Up, Look Sharp and established him as someone destined to succeed. Confronting lyrics about social situations in an urban environment, gangsters and bitches of course (he was stabbed the same year the album was released) mixed with a rascal attitude turns it almost into a black comedy mixed with ecclectic beats and samples combined in a way not many other people were doing. He won the Mercury Music Prize in the same year, beating The Darkness and Coldplay to name but a few.

Then came 2004 - but instead of resting on his laurels like many artists who've had a highly successful debut he was back in the studio to record his follow-up album Showtime. A year later and he had already surpassed his previous effort with the album and lead single both appearing in the UK top 10. While the commercial success was greater and the album is still a solid effort, there were always pricks out there like myself who preferred the gritty undertones of the first album. The steam behind the engine started running out and the last single released off the album was greeted with apathy and while the man himself labeled the album as 'not as strange' it was the unique oddity of the original that made him appear such a genius.

After some solid touring and spending solid time focusing on the establishment of his record company Dirtee Stank, a label based on the hope of connecting 'the street' and the world - signing talented, if somewhat controversial artists with something to say that may ward off major label interest, Dizzee Rascal is back with his new effort - Maths and English - and I can tell you now that this album heralds the arrival of a man who has turned linguistics into an art-form.
The name derives from the combination of beats (Maths) and words (English), although its interesting to think that these two basic elements and how well you understand them can determine your path in life as well. But thats just me looking too far into it. First of all I might as well give a brief mention to production since it holds significance in my enjoyment of an album and its solid. Crisp vocals (which is surprising as he's not the cleanest speaker) and synthetic beats that would make your mate with a massive sub crap his pants mixed with guitars here and there as well as catchy-as samples all form together to give the album a very complete feel. And the tracks?

The only song that lets this album down is the opening track 'World Outside', a little too ambient and directionless for my liking but with the onset of the following track 'Pussyole (Old Skool)' its sure to get your hands up and your feet moving as James Brown samples and tehno-synth melodies come together. The dancefloor keeps pumping with the first single 'Sirens' featuring fat bass and some guitar-riffs heavier than a brick shithouse. 'Excuse Me Please' provides some incredibly poignant social-commentary while songs like 'Suck My Dick' are better explained by saying 'just listen to it'.

'Da Feelin' is another summertime anthem reminiscent of Lily Allen's 'LDN' and speaking of Ms Allen she makes a guest appearance on the track 'Wanna Be' which is an amazing combination of their contrasting yet similar styles. Another guest appearance on the CD is by the Arctic Monkeys with the track 'Temptation' also being released as a B-Side for themselves. It impresses me to see that all these talented young artists are joining forces and working together to help each others development in a music industry where its survival of the fittest. The CD closes with the bitter and aggressive tones of 'U Can't Tell Me Nuffin' with horror movie music ending the CD in a strange but still satisfying way.

Now for the last part of this miniature essay: It takes alot for me to enjoy a hip-hop CD from start to finish. Its not my favourite genre but people and releases come along occasionaly that show artists at the height of their talents. Like The Streets 'Original Pirate Material' and Eminems 'Encore' (shut up) Maths + English is a complete package. By separating and identifying the two aspects most important in the creation of this album Dizzee Rascal has honed his skills at both. A picture of a hard town and a tough story is told over music that breaks definition and keeps things refreshing. When Dizzee Rascal speaks, I'd recommend you listen - because based on the strength of this album, he's still got plenty more to say. 9/10

And thats all for now as this is long enough already.. Till next time.