It’s a rare achievement to make an album as thoughtful and transparent as this; you need real lyrical talent to do so.
Cinematic in scope, movingly honest, with a phalanx of big-name guests, Justin Clarke’s major-label debut is a dazzling piece of storytelling.
On his major label debut, Conflict Of Interest, the decorated East London wordsmith refines the winning formula of his past long-players, getting up close and personal while still finding room for a plethora of A-listers including Ed Sheeran, Stormzy and Skepta.
Conflict of Interest feels like the work of an artist who’s in it for the long haul rather than short-term rewards.
That backwards glance has helped deliver his strongest album to date, and one of grime’s true classics.
Though Conflict of Interest remains sympathetically steeped in criminal experience, it also holds out a hand to pull free.
The record’s expansive soundscape and storytelling deserve several long listens, yet its fresh outlook hints at an exciting future for grime.
This is slow-moving, sophisticated fare befitting of an elder statesman.
Ultimately, the high points more than make up for any shortcomings; this an at-times-stunning album that balances bangers and heart in an endearing and enduring fashion.