More about: Slowthai

Slowthai is an artist that lays it all out in the open, he has never been anything but brutally honest, and his third studio album UGLY encapsulates this entire energy. An anagram for U Gotta Love Yourself, the album sees the Northampton born rapper at his most vulnerable, extending an open invitation into life behind the scenes, and as a result has produced an exceptional body of work. 

Opening with ‘Yum’, the song begins in an affirmative monologue that stems from the artist's experiences in therapy, taking an almost hardcore techno style breakbeat infused with his iconic voice as he dissects his demons, before leading into the previously released ‘Selfish’, that focuses on similar themes. However, with all the breakthrough experiences that derived from Tyron’s therapy, of course there is always light in the darkest moments, shown through ‘Feel Good’ - a song that is emphatic and joyful, and will leave long-term fans beaming with pride that the rapper has found his smile again. Moving on, ‘Never Again’, featuring Young’s prestigious rising talent Ethan P. Flynn, is a beautiful song that showcases Slowthai’s versatility to curate an album that displays his widely-recognised raucous riffs and punk-style roars with melodic, blissful symphonies that delves into the Northampton rappers softer side. 

‘Fuck it puppet’ features a conversation between him and his self-destructive imp, named by his therapist, that sits on his shoulders. It’s the voice that leads him astray, leads him into temptation, and fuels his head with hate forgetting all of his brilliant prior accomplishments. ‘Happy’ almost feels like a continuation of these songs on the other end of the spectrum, a breakthrough in his mindset that it’s okay to be vulnerable and okay to cry, whilst musically sounds passionate, influential and motivational. Title track ‘UGLY’ is wholehearted and honest, embodied with self-reflective lyrics of previous wrongdoings. It’s a song showing Slowthai has accepted he may not always be in control, occasionally having to lose yourself to ultimately love yourself, but as he states - the most beautiful people are often the ugliest. 

"You’d be hard pressed to find an artist more complete than Slowthai in the industry right now..."

‘Wotz Funny’ takes a proud return to the raucous reverberated guitar tone, honest and open lyrics, honing back in on Slowthai’s brilliant Punk style take that makes him one of Britain’s best artists in the game right now. Closing the album, ‘Tourniquet’ and ‘25% Club’ take a more sombre tone, once again flexing the rapper's versatility. With guests ranging from Fontaines DC, Shygirl and long-term producer Kwes Darko, the album is by far his most accomplished to date. You’d be hard pressed to find an artist more complete than Slowthai in the industry right now, with his latest offering sounding very much like there could be a Mercury looming. ‘UGLY’ has everything, and a welcome return back to Slowthai’s very, very best. 

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More about: Slowthai