The Rizzle Kicks Renaissance

Once upon a time, in the early 2010s, Rizzle Kicks were the face of British hip-hop's playful, feel-good revolution. Jordan Stephens and Harley Alexander-Sule burst onto the scene with their debut album ‘Stereo Typical’ (2011), blending cheeky lyricism with old-school beats and a refreshing energy that set them apart. 

With hits like ‘Down with the Trumpets’ and 'Mama Do the Hump’, they became a staple of summer playlists, festival line-ups, and tween nostalgia.

But after the release of their second studio album ‘Roaring 20s’ (2013), the duo slowly drifted out of the spotlight. The music industry moved on, and so did they—Jordan pursued acting and solo music projects, while Harley (rebranded as Jimi Charles Moody) carved out a more soulful, melancholic niche. Rizzle Kicks never officially disbanded, but for years, their absence was felt. Now, after years of silence, Rizzle Kicks is back with their most confident and experimental album to date, ‘Competition Is for Losers’.

One of the most striking elements of ‘Competition Is for Losers’ is its willingness to embrace growth and evolution. While the duo’s trademark cheeky, carefree tone is still evident, the album showcases a more introspective and mature side. The project explores themes of self-discovery, mental health, and navigating adulthood, all while staying true to the playful spirit that made their early music so memorable.

Tracks like ‘New Sport’ and ‘Vice’ balance introspection with upbeat rhythms, blending thoughtful lyrics with the duo’s signature blend of hip-hop and pop. There’s a noticeable depth to the album that reflects the growth the two artists have gone through during their time apart. In contrast to their earlier, more carefree releases, ‘Competition Is for Losers’ feels like a reflection of where they are now, a decade on from their first run—professionally, personally, and artistically.

The magic of Rizzle Kicks has always been their chemistry, and on ‘Competition Is for Losers’, that chemistry feels stronger than ever. There’s an undeniable energy between Jordan and Harley that makes their collaboration so enjoyable. Their back-and-forth delivery, clever wordplay, and knack for creating infectious melodies are all present, but this time, there’s more room for vulnerability.

The duo’s harmony is especially evident in tracks like ‘Bad Tattoo’ and ‘It’s A Tricky One’, where they effortlessly blend their voices and styles, creating songs that feel both nostalgic and fresh. It’s clear that their time apart has only strengthened their bond, resulting in music that is not only fun to listen to but also carries a certain emotional weight. This record is multipurpose, for pondering and partying.

The return of Rizzle Kicks couldn’t come at a better time. In a world where songs are tailored for virality, condensed into a mere three minutes to keep up with consumer’s dwindling attention spans, a meaningful hour-long album is a welcome breath of fresh air. Their ability to infuse new music elements as well as more mature content into their timeless signature sound makes ‘Competition Is for Losers’ one of the most exciting releases of the year. With an upcoming sold-out tour, there’s one thing for sure: we are well and truly in the midst of a Rizzle Kicks renaissance.

Zahra Hanif

Image: Blacksocks

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