Tottenham’s Top Boy has returned, 3 years after his seminal album “Konnichiwa” reignited Grimes dying flame and took it across the Atlantic, Skeptas latest release “Ignorance is Bliss” picks up where he left off.
Considering it’s now been over 15 years since Skepta first came to prominence on pirate radio, its truly remarkable he has managed to stay relevant. Maintaining his edge, despite being 36 and already well accomplished. For most seminal artists, at this point in their careers, they are entering the down phase, struggling to be creative, innovative or all together “cool” whilst young fresh acts push the previous generation out of the spotlight.
On this album, Skepta maintains his own unique brand of UK Bass Music, making his own beats, with their off key, light synth melodies, fuzzy sub-low bass and distinctive 808 esque drums, showcased best on “No Sleep” , “Greeze Mode” and the Eskibeat sounding “Same Old Story”.
The albums collaborators certainly showcase Skepta’s international success, with Americans Key!, Lay-Z, Nafe Smallz and Nigeria’s Wizkid all featuring on the album. Despite this, Skeppy had the good sense not to get carried away, with “Gangsta” featuring his long time crew Boy Better Know. “Love Me Not” is a welcome surprise, a 2-Step Garage track with samples from Sophie Ellis-Bexters “Murder on the Dancefloor” and featuring guest verses from Garage Legend B-Live.
Overall “Ignorance is bliss” is perhaps not as explosive as some of his previous work, but a solid addition to a long and significant career as one of Britain’s best loved artists.