Dizzee Rascal – “Don’t Take It Personal” [Album review]

UK rap icon Dizzee Rascal is one of the pioneers of the grime genre and was at the forefront when the genre gained global attention in the early 2000s. On his latest and ninth studio album Don’t Take It Personal, Dizzee raises the ante with a collection of upbeat and energetic songs that showcases a blend of fiery raps, and catchy hooks with a core intent to keep the vibe going no matter what.

From Dizzee's old days working with the infamous Roll Deep posse which was the starting ground for other grime luminaries such as Wiley, Skepta, Tinchy Stryder, Jme, Flowdan and others too numerous to mention here. As a rapper, songwriter, and producer, Dizzee has cemented his legacy on two fronts, 1 as a standout grime emcee and the second as a commercially successful artist. Having paid his dues with interest, he doesn’t shy away from pushing his musical boundaries as he continues to incorporate various genres into his repertoire.

In his latest project, Dizzee recruits the finest producers (like iLL BLU) to craft him the heaviest bass-laden and groove-driven soundscapes to work with. On the other hand, he also brings in some of his longtime associates such as Jme, D Double E, and P Money and new age luminaries like Backroad Gee and Not3s to complete the cipher. All 16 tracks of this project are unapologetic and live up to their title as it leaves little space for doubts. Dizzee’s distinct commanding flow takes precedence as he effortlessly glides over the thumping backdrops laid before him with much gusto while dropping lines like “spent a week looking after my pickneys/Now I’m online looking for a pick me/I feel sickly, how did I fall from grace so quickly, they trying kill me , bury and ride me” on the opening track “Stay In Your Lane” which is followed by another banger in the form of “How Did I Get So Calm” where he details his life changes in a playful approach. The funky-house-styled “London Boy” sees Dizzee and Frisco paying homage to their hometown, the fast-paced lifestyle and the many characters they meet along the way while the hard-hitting “Get Out The Way” pairs him with Backroad Gee for a no-holds-barred rhyme fest. On the playful side, we get the previous release “Sugar and Spice” with the production duo iLL BLU and “Switch and Explode”, the former is a summer-tinged garage jam fit for festivals and house parties while the latter has a video-game vibe reminiscent of early Dizzee in his boy in the corner days.

Versatility is the watchword here and Dizzee has it in copious amounts as he carefully picks his features and incorporates the sounds that fit their respective styles like the warm and soothing vibe of “Here For Now” featuring the elusive Not3s and the Afrofusion/dancehall infused cut “Roll Wit Me” featuring Predz UK. Dizzee still holds his own on tracks like “Jerk and Jollof” and “Tell Me About it” where he returns to an irreverent side reminding audiences that he hasn’t lost a pep in his step. On another note, it won’t be right if we don’t point out this speaker-bursting posse track “What You Know About That” featuring Jme, D Double E and Turno who all turn up with their A-game and deliver the goods. The fun continues throughout the project with more musical styles than we can shake a stick at but in his style, he closes it with a house-garage-infused “How Does It Feel” where he runs through his accomplishments and wonders how it feels to be him in a funny and somewhat sarcastic tone.

Overall Don’t Take It Personal, is Dizzee’s ode to maturity and being comfortable in doing what makes him happy, that is creating music. He is not trying to please anyone or jump on trends, he is just here to do what he loves so to all naysayers out there, don’t take it personally.