Dizzee Rascal - Maths + English
Track Listings
- World Outside
- Pussy'ole (Old Skool)
- Sirens
- Where's Da G's feat. Bun B & Pimp C
- Paranoid
- Suk My Dick
- Flex
- Da Feelin'
- Bubbles
- Excuse Me Please
- Hardback (Industry)
- Temptation
- Wanna Be feat. Lily Allen
- You Can't Tell Me Nuffin'
What's Lily Allen doing on here? She's fine in herself and I enjoyed her album but her track sounds out of place. I don't really understand the Arctic Monkeys track either - seems like they went out of their way to do something together, rather than it being a good opportunity in itself. Plus working with these artists just reeks of Dizzee going "mainstream".
Of course there are still those old "gang violence" references in full flow but the juxtaposition of these references and lyrics such as "Pull your trousers up!... Read a book!... Find a pretty girl and settle!" There are elements of humour in "Maths & English" that help to lighten some of the heavier lyrics. If you're looking for true big clash grime, with pure hate lyrics you may well be disappointed.
Sirens, Pussyole, Where's Da G's and Excuse Me Please are the best tracks - showing real variety and creativity, but that isn't enough (especially considering that "Boy In Da Corner" was jam packed with innovative and edgy tracks) This album feels sloppy: the beats aren't as fresh as they were before. Previous Dizzee tunes had dark and chaotic beats that often changed mid-song... none of this here I'm afraid. Not 'grimey' at all. In fact several tracks seem to be pure hip-hop. As, I said though, this album does have a few saving graces, but not enough to warrant a full price purchase.
I'd go **.
Written by Tom Dawkings
Dizzee Rascal's Discography:
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