Wretch 32 - Black and White
Wretch 32 is building up an impressive reputation after the success of singles 'Traktor' and 'Unorthodox'.
A support slot on tour with Tinie Tempah and compliments from the likes of Adele and Liam Gallagher have meant that his album Black and White will be surrounded with some hype.
Thankfully, Wretch 32 has enough talent as a rapper and lyricist to stand out in a scene that sometimes gets unfair criticism.
A welcome break from the sometimes unrelatable lyrics making up a lot of mainstream hip-hop, his lyrics are honest and real.
UK hip-hop is a growing scene with an unmistakable rapping style, which does mean that Wretch's rapping lacks originality.
His rhymes flow at a moderate tempo, but carry enough meaning and venom to keep up momentum.
Wretch 32 uses sampling and guest vocals fantastically on the record, with Stone Roses track 'Fools Gold' making an appearance on 'Unorthodox'.
Angel in particular makes a couple of fine appearances, along with Etta Bond's contribution to 'Forgiveness', a track made for the underground club scene.
The latter sees Wretch at his most raw and bitter, an incredibly powerful, haunting track.
Wretch's diverse influences are clear, specifically when the album ends with reggae-influenced bonus track 'Breath (Sha La La)'.
It brings to an end a fantastic hip-hop album that showcases Wretch 32's talent as a rapper and a songwriter.
Black and White is produced well, and feels extremely diverse whilst fitting within its scene.
It should fill a gap in the scene left by Plan B after he moved away from the rawness of Who Needs Actions When You Got Words - sitting between the underground and mainstream, bringing in a great reception from critics and fans alike.
Female First - Alistair McGeorge
Tagged in Wretch 32