Summary:The fourth full-length studio release for the British grime artist features guest appearances from BBK, D Double E, ASAP Nast, JME, Novelist, Wiley, Pharrell Williams and Young Lord.
The album pulses with nervy energy. None of the new tracks outshine those we’ve already heard, though Numbers, produced by Pharrell Williams, comes exuberantly close.
Konnichiwa is as nakedly vulnerable Skepta has ever been, and it represents a tantalizingly wide-open door for grime. It’ll be our job as listeners to step through and discover what we’ve been missing.
"Lyrics," "Crime Riddim" and "Man" show him at his most convincing, taking aim at MC battle culture, police profiling and post-fame loyalty respectively, delivered with force no matter how vulnerable the subject matter or how jokey the punch lines might be ("My mum don't know your mum / Stop telling man you're my cousin.").
Although there has been a long gap (5 years, 2011's Blacklisted) in between commercial releases for Skepta, with 2016's Konnichiwa he provesAlthough there has been a long gap (5 years, 2011's Blacklisted) in between commercial releases for Skepta, with 2016's Konnichiwa he proves that he's still on form and dare I say it, a perfect 10 this time around. This release is a slight departure from past Skepta efforts because of the fact it's easily his most accessible album. You don't have to be a dedicated grime-head to "get it", it's simple and plain while still maintaining it's identity.
He's managed to build off of the momentum generated by the previous teasers he's dropped in the last year or so (Namely 'Lukey World', 'Top Boy' and a special Soundcloud Halloween Mix) and put out an effort that's more than deserving of the buzz it's received. 2015/2016 has really been kind to Skepta and Boy Better Know. From a Drake co-sign to an unlikely BBK/A$AP alliance, Skepta and his BBK cohorts are more than primed to hit America (if they choose to do so).
Konnichiwa is the album that stays true to it's grime, UK roots while simultaneously catching the ear of more mainstream outlets. From production, to the features (the usual [BBK, JME, Wiley, etc.] to the unlikely [Pharrell Williams]), to Skepta himself with 5 featureless tracks), this is a well-rounded effort with something for everyone.
With Konnichiwa, Skeppy is well...he's 'Doin It Again' and whatever you do, don't call that man Junior.
(My Standout Tracks: 'Corn on the Curb', 'Crime Riddim', 'Ladies Hit Squad', 'Detox' and 'Text Me Back'.....even though all 12 are distinct in their own way)…Expand
This is one of the best grime albums I've heard in a while. Skepta is a great artist, but we haven't seen all of his talent until this MercuryThis is one of the best grime albums I've heard in a while. Skepta is a great artist, but we haven't seen all of his talent until this Mercury Prize Winner. My personal favourite is the brutal 'That's Not Me' with a great beat, brilliant flow, and a good feature from JME. 'Shutdown' is also a highlight, with Skepta showing by his lyrics and his flow that he is one of the best around. Other great ones are 'Man' and 'Ladies Hit Squad' but if you are just discovering this album, be sure to give it a listen. It's fantastic.…Expand
Bardzo przyjemny album. Skepta pokazał jak wraca się na ścieżki z których się zboczyło w poszukiwaniu sławy i pieniędzy. Płyta przez którąBardzo przyjemny album. Skepta pokazał jak wraca się na ścieżki z których się zboczyło w poszukiwaniu sławy i pieniędzy. Płyta przez którą poznałem co to grime więc tym bardziej na plus!…Expand
For my first time listening to Skepta, I have to say that I'm very, very satisfied. This guy can rap. No seriously, this guy can RAP. He's hasFor my first time listening to Skepta, I have to say that I'm very, very satisfied. This guy can rap. No seriously, this guy can RAP. He's has such great flow and lyrics, and the production in every song is just straight fire.…Expand
Whole project has been on point! Great bars, great beats and great use of grime! Favorite songs: Numbers, Shutdown, Konnichiwa, Text me back.Whole project has been on point! Great bars, great beats and great use of grime! Favorite songs: Numbers, Shutdown, Konnichiwa, Text me back. UK Hip-hop is growing and it shouldn't be underestimated!
I have a varied taste in music - Grime I would label as a guilty pleasure but none the less I enjoy it - and what a way to satisfy it with aI have a varied taste in music - Grime I would label as a guilty pleasure but none the less I enjoy it - and what a way to satisfy it with a new Skepta album. Personally, I do prefer JME's 'Integrity>', but this album was still pretty good.
1. Konnichiwa: The best opening I could imagine for this album, not the best song on the album, but still very strong and the bars were consistent and well delivered. (9/10)
2. Lyrics: I was very impressed by this song, the lyrics were witty and executed perfectly. (9/10)
3. Corn on the Curb: I don't like Wiley all that much, but I liked this song. His featuring in it did make a difference and if Wiley were to produce music that sounded all like this song, I would defiantly listen to it.
4. Crime Riddim: Eh. (7/10)
5,6 & 7. It Ain't Safe, Ladies Hit Squad & Numbers: All of these songs were what knocked my score from a 9 to a 7. The rhythms weren't at all good, and Pharrell just seems to get on my nerves in 'Numbers' (5/10 for all)
8. Man: As an avid fan of Queens of the Stone Age, the sampling of 'Regular John' struck me immediately, good job, Skepta. Ignoring the really cringy video, this is one of the best songs Skepta has released. (9.5/10)
9 & 10. Shutdown & That's Not Me: We all know both of these songs, and we all know that they're both very good. (8/10 Shutdown, 8.5/10 That's Not Me)
11. Detox: I think this is THE best song Skepta has released, and therefore is my favourite on the album; go listen to it. (10/10)
12. Text Me Back: I didn't think this song was necessary. Much like 'The Empty Hourglass' from Architects most recent album, it just felt like filler. (4/10)
I'm not exactly a Grime fan, but I do occasionally listen to it and I do like most of the genre. Skepta, wake up your brother, I wouldn't mind some more material from him.…Expand
Only half of the album had unreleased songs the other half had songs that were between 2 and 3 years old. The topics where mostly mundane andOnly half of the album had unreleased songs the other half had songs that were between 2 and 3 years old. The topics where mostly mundane and the instrumentals weren't as grimey as they should have been for one of the biggest grime artists of 2016.…Expand
