More about: Cadet

The posthumous album from South London’s Underrated Legend, Cadet solidifies his legacy within the UK music scene and allows a final word of closure for his loyal followers. Executively produced by fellow artist and cousin Krept (Krept & Konan), the project takes on a varying array of sounds and genres, making this final album as vibrant as the late artist himself.

Bringing an abundance of energy, Cadet moves through this project laying out everything from his humour to his deepest scars, staying grounded over everything from Afroswing infused instrumentals to old school inspired hip-hop and grime production. 

Opening with the delicate instrumental of ‘Take The Wheel’, the track perfectly sets the tone for this self-aware, introspective album. Next we move into ‘Dope Boy’, whereby Krept lends a verse alongside D-Block Europe’s, Young Adz.

The contemplative ‘Support Me’ holds simplistic production allowing Cadet’s emotional tone and soft ad libs to shine through whilst discussing the trials and tribulations of not feeling supported by a loved one. The fourth track, ‘Still’, featuring a melodically-driven verse from Wretch 32, brings bouncy, trap-infused production, ending on a touching line from Wretch stating, “My brother you’re not an underrated legend, you will forever be rated under the legend list.”

Following is ‘Trust Me’ with its soul-soaked sample, before moving into ‘Gimme Space’ featuring Chip. Showcasing eerie, old-school-tinged production, with heavy percussion, relentless in it’s instrumental, Chip and Cadet are tireless with their lyricism, making this track one of the standouts.

Continuing with the features, Swarmz lends a hand on ‘Roley’. The track harnesses major summer vibes with an Afrobeat-inspired production, sampling Chaka Demus and Pliers’, ‘Murder She Wrote’ throughout the hook. It comes as a perfect break in between the record’s hard-hitting grime sound and more melodically-focused, colourful instrumentals. 

On ‘Gang Gang’ Cadet opens himself up to the listener, speaking about his past, childhood and growth. ‘The Convo (Interlude)’, comes as one of the most emotional takes on the album. Featuring upcoming poet Telixia Inico who drops a spoken-word verse, paying tribute to the Underrated Legend. Showing the depth at which Cadet impacted her life and expressing the pain of losing him, this track binds the album together, fully encompassing the person Cadet was to the people in his life, finishing with, “Thank you, for showing me the true meaning of when a king wears a crown.”

The Rated Legend coming as Cadet’s final word shows the impact that he had not only on his friends and fellow artists, but on the scene as a whole.

The Rated Legend is released on 10 April 2020 via Underrated Legends.

More about: Cadet