Konnichiwa! and greetings to those of you less familiar with the phrase. Now that we have got the introduction out the way let’s revisit my track by track review of Skepta’s 4th studio album Konnichiwa(originally written in June 2016).
A disclaimer of this review is the songs which have been out for ages and rinsed to death prior to the album release e.g. Shutdown I won’t review.
1. Konnichiwa*
In this introduction, Skepta is really giving off a vibe of I’m back. There is a slow build up and then BANG lyrics; this is grime. It’s funny this is the tone even though I don’t think he ever left the scene. What an intro.
2. Lyrics (Ft Novelist)*
This instrumental reminds me of an old-school computer game which I can’t remember. Novelist took this one though, sorry Skepta. “Tell a pu**yhole look sharp fix up“ just a remix of lyrics and not a Dizzee diss he said hmmm.
3. Corn on the Curb
There is something about this instrumental which has elements of A$AP Rocky – Angels I think it’s the chimes. Overall, not feeling this song the chorus is quite weak. The main highlight is the call between Skepta and Chip which sounds slightly scripted but motivational either way.
4. Crime Riddim
Purely a warm-up for It Ain’t Safe, not much more to it.
5. It Ain’t Safe (Ft Young Lord)
As per disclaimer.
6. Ladies Hit squad (Ft D Double E and ASAP Nast)
As per disclaimer.
7. Numbers (Ft Pharrell Williams)*
Was really apprehensive about this one seeing the album tracklist (thought it would be a “happy” vibe) but can safely say this is an absolute banger. This will most definitely go off at Wireless and is easily my favorite track from the album so far. I expect a video for this with loads of 123456…(NUMBERS).
8. Man (Gang)
“My mum don’t know your mum stop telling man you’re my cousin” – hahaha that lyric really had me laughing when I heard it. This album is actually full of bangers and this one is very gritty. Whatever that instrument is (sounds like a violin) it really gives it an edge. Another tune to go crazy at Wireless for (yes I am going).
9. Shutdown
Trusssssssssssssssst me daddy..NEXT!
10. That’s Not Me(Ft Jme)
As per disclaimer.
11. Detox(BBK)
I actually don’t like this one. The beat is good though, that creepy vibe again.
12. Text Me Back
Deepest track on the album. This is a nice way to wrap it up showing a side Skepta which is really down to earth and not the super confident one he always portrays.
In summary, this is a really good GRIME album, Skepta is consistent throughout despite a few low points from others who are featured. This album feels like a new beginning for Skepta despite having several albums before this; much like how Future really re-invented himself with DS2.
Some may highlight that despite the co-signs there was no Drake feature. In my eyes, there wasn’t a need for a Drake features but a Wiz Kid verse or hook could’ve completed the album well.
If you’re a fan of this project, check out his prior work with Blacklisted (I actually think that was better).
Top 3 Tracks: Konnichiwa, Numbers, and Lyrics
Rating: 7/10
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