UK MC and Grime icon Dizzee Rascal, today (February 9) releases his highly anticipated eighth studio album Don’t Take It Personal, via Dirte3 Records.
Following the recently released single What You Know About That featuring friends and long-time collaborators D Double E and JME, Don't Take It Personal is a 16-track opus that pays homage to the sound that Dizzee has forged over his decades-long musical career.
Produced in part by Dizzee alongside producers such as Matt Johnson, Rymez, Turno, Yung Chencs, and Roddy Beatz, the album is a unique blend of garage, jungle, and UK Rap, recalling the artist’s roots with a contemporary sound.
Featuring a line-up of collaborators such as Frisco, iLL BLU, D Double E, JME, Not3s, P Money and Backroad Gee, Don’t Take It Personal includes club-hits Stay In Your Lane and Sugar And Spice, as well as melodic tracks such as Roll With Me and Here For Now. These reflective and thoughtful tracks show a deeper, more introspective side to Dizzee.
Meanwhile, Keep That Same Energy and Tell Me About It introduce a new sound to the rapper's repertoire, exploring new lyrical themes while experimenting with different musical genres.
With two decades between this project and Dizzee’s Mercury Award Winning debut, Boy In Da Corner, this release comes hot on the heels of the 20-year anniversary of the album and doesn’t just celebrate Dizzee’s illustrious career. It marks a significant milestone as well as a new chapter in his artistic evolution.
Dizzee will be setting off around the UK/EU tour next month in celebration of the new record, with dates in London, Glasgow, Paris and more. Full dates below. Dizzee will also headline London’s South Facing festival in Crystal Palace this summer August 3.
PHOTO: RANKIN