Wretch 32 - Black And White

The second decade of the 21st century is proving to be a halcyon period for UK rappers with the likes of Tinchy Stryder, Dizzee Rascal and Tinie Tempah all enjoying massive mainstream success. Now, with the release of his second album ‘Black and White’, Tottenham based Wretch 32 looks to join that illustrious group in the upper echelons of the charts.

Success has not come overnight for Wretch 32. Unlike, say, Tinie Tempah whose breakthrough was rather instant, Wretch, aka 26 year old Jermaine Scott, is a veteran of the UK grime scene and has released and contributed to a number of mixtapes as well as releasing his debut album ‘Wretchrospective’ in 2008. Wretch 32 has built his reputation and honed his skills on the UK underground and it is this experience of trials and tribulations that have informed ‘Black and White’, his major label breakthrough.

In terms of UK rappers Wretch 32 is more Roots Manuva than the aforementioned Mr Tempah; there is very little playfulness or thrills here, what you get on ‘Black and White’ is straight ahead hip hop and solid rapping aligned to a clutch of chart friendly hook filled tracks and a clear pop sensibility. This pop sound is most evident in previous Top 5 hit ‘Traktor’, and the cheeky Stone Roses sampling ‘Unorthodox’, which has a gloriously catchy chorus sprinkled with the stardust of pop’s go-to man of the moment Example.

Wretch 32’s brand of socially responsive hip hop seems to have struck a chord; there is a theme of responsibility and empowerment espoused throughout, particularly on the title track and ‘I’m Not The Man’ - a clever and reflective take on Wretch’s background growing up in North London in the eighties, a period of trouble, unrest and disorder. Pertinently, Wretch 32’s father took part in the Broadwater Farm riot of 1985. It is this background that gives ‘Black and White’ a deeper meaning and resonance than many UK rap albums.

Musically, the album is based on rock solid beats and rhythms coupled with judiciously spread guest appearances from the likes of Daley, Chipmunk and Ed Sheeran. There is a tendency, however, for a few too many emotive RnB chorus’ that wash by without leaving much of an impression, and appear to be a concession to a more mainstream audience. There is always Wretch’s strong and strident raps and nimble wordplay, however, to counteract the sugary sweet warbling.

There is no doubt that ’Black and White’ will propel Wretch 32 to the very top of UK raps table; while doing nothing spectacular, this is an incredibly assured album from a rapper who combines both intelligence and pop nous to great effect.