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CRITIC REVIEWS
90
The combined effect is that of an artist at the top of his game, with the newfound artistic freedom that Konnichiwa granted him but the energy of still having something to prove.
2mo
90
This record is exactly what we need right now, an antidote to the relentless political commentary from all corners of popular culture, a return to grime that is about pushing the street level experience of London — of life — into frenetic, aggressive, joyful noise.
2mo
80
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.
2mo
80
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.
2mo
80
While it’s not as bold as its predecessor, Ignorance Is Bliss should still keep Skepta in outsized puffas for some time.
2mo
80
The result is a quintessentially London record, as dark and moody as it is brash and innovative.
2mo
80
Ignorance Is Bliss handles the MC’s next steps with authority and, crucially, popping production.
2mo
80
‘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.
2mo
75
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.
2mo
70
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.
2mo
70
Overall, there is something deeply satisfying about the majority of the album, anchored by Skepta’s unique vocal delivery and a sonic playfulness that he has long perfected.
2mo
64
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.
2mo
60
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.
2mo
60
Skepta seems subdued on Ignorance. A decent album, but not his best.
2mo
Skepta is one of best feature artists right now and Ignorance is Bliss only solidifies that.
Release an album after the brilliant "Konnichiwa" (2016), was not a remarkable success for the British veteran Skepta. "Ignorance Is Bliss", his fifth album, is therefore much more shy in terms of production, more personal but more basic too. The lyrics are as intelligent and witty as the rest of his discography. It's a bit of Skepta's landing album. His prosody is still dreadfully accurate, but this time it's about the productions, without reflecting the dismal grooves ... read more
Ignorance is Bliss is a project that I find very interesting because of it’s foreign nature. Seeing the many parallels and differences in style + narrative from American rap was something that I found very enjoyable. This project for me was carried by Skepta’s fantastic vocals and inflections, the incredibly hard production and the sometimes nihilistic lyricism. The project falls apart when he tries to be introspective or make an emotionally compelling track, something he is ... read more
MISC LISTS
| #26 | / | Complex (First Half) |
| #47 | / | Stereogum (First Half) |
Track List
- Bullet from a Gun
- Greaze Mode
- Redrum (feat. Key)
- No Sleep
- What Do You Mean? (feat. J Hus)
- Going Through It
- Same Old Story
- Love Me Not (feat. Cheb Rabi & B Live)
- Animal Instinct (feat. Lancey Foux)
- Glow In The Dark (feat. Lay-Z & Wizkid)
- You Wish
- Gangsta (feat. Boy Better Know)
- Pure Water
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In Library (29)
spin.com
Video: Skepta – “Hypocrisy” pigeonsandplanes.com
Skepta shares new song "Hypocrisy" theguardian.com
Mercury prize 2016 goes to Skepta's 'Konnichiwa' 
Added on: April 28, 2019
