Skepta

Ignorance is Bliss

On ‘Ignorance Is Bliss’, Skepta is back with a renewed hunger and sense of purpose, overcoming a new set of challenges and proving once again why he is a grime mainstay.

The Tottenham rapper's comeback is a diverse-sounding, assured success, a muscular record that conveys global ambition, drawing on a dizzying collection of sounds and influences.

While it’s not as bold as its predecessor, Ignorance Is Bliss should still keep Skepta in outsized puffas for some time.

The result is a quintessentially London record, as dark and moody as it is brash and innovative.

Ignorance Is Bliss handles the MC’s next steps with authority and, crucially, popping production.

‘Ignorance Is Bliss’ illustrates why Skepta is at the top of his game and in a pole position when it comes to UK rap – world domination beckons.

Respect where it’s due, after all his recent fame, the line of artists who would want to be on a track with Skepta must be long. Instead, he finds those who work well with the sound, so nothing is forced.

There’s more highs here than lows, and this record will solidfy Skepta’s spot at the summit of UK rap, proving he knows how to rule the charts. Yet Ignorance Is Bliss isn’t nearly as engaging as Konnichiwa and his personality doesn’t come through as strongly.

Ignorance Is Bliss is an album that swings between the glamorous life of a tastemaker and someone grappling with new responsibilities both practical and esoteric in nature.

Ignorance Is Bliss is not the work of a man seeking the approval of prize judges; it is all about demonstrating to his peers that he is still one of the best in the business.

Skepta seems subdued on Ignorance. A decent album, but not his best.