Outdated single lauded as a fresh drill vibe, but feels mired and formulaic.
Headie One (real name Irving Ampofo Adjei) is a name many recognise, and his relationship with Relentless and Sony Records is a key reason he found the spotlight.
Most recently, this partnership ended, allowing the emcee to find a path of his own. This led to the release of his new single, It is What it Is, a fresh drill number fans are praising as a return to form.
What ‘It is What it Is‘ Sounds Like
Known for his affiliation with rapper Dave, the track is produced by 169, who helps to escalate an intensity found with the genre.
Adjei opens the track with a lengthy hook, leading to the first verse. However, the initial bar feels extemporaneous, as the lyricist spits: “You don’t know nothin’ about paranoia if you ain’t had to sleep.” Stretching it out, the line feels out of place and lacks a certain composure you’d expect from someone at the top of his game.
READ MORE: Headie One – Beggars Cant Be Choosers (Video)
These are constant deliveries that distract from the listening experience, largely mirroring that of his contemporaries. It’s a monotonous and timeworn gammut of the genre, something that lacks scope and structure. Sometimes, it can be slick–though there are missteps where, as detailed before, he misses the mark.
The Verdict
It’s drill, I’ll give him that, but it lacks innovation and feels more factory-produced than organic. I’ve played it a few times, and while I’m sure there’s a fanbase to keep this joint alive, a certainty that loyal followers swear by, will likely stunt artistic headway for other UK rappers.
You’ll find his verbal technique a soncially recurring vocalisation, one inherent in most emcees that exist within the commercial space. It’s a hard pass for me, but I’m hopeful he will deliver something of value in a follow-up project.
Across the pond, distinct styles are celebrated for their differences; this is the same for the underground scene here, but for some reason, a glass ceiling hinders their progress, despite exceptional skill and thematic depth.
Where to Stream the New Single
You can stream the brand new single on all major platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music, as well as Amazon and YouTube. You can keep up to date with the latest happenings with the artist on Instagram.
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