The question of longevity and ageing gracefully has recently been the subject of discourse within the U.K rap scene. As both the grime scene moves into it’s middle ages, look no further than the foundational grime MC’s such as Skepta, Kano and Wretch 32 who continue to deliver when they return to music. Amongst those is Ghetts, who recently won pioneer of the year at the MOBOs award show. This well-deserved award accurately represents his respected position as a superior wordsmith and a “true inspiration and icon” to UK black music. Ghetts has exceeded the test of time and once again sets the bar high with his fourth studio album, On Purpose with Purpose. Jule Riemenschneider explores.
While the album has direct parallels to his predecessor Conflict of Interest (2021), Ghetts describes OPWP as a continuation which moves “away from himself and more towards his perspectives on the world.” From a similar album structure to a bulky list of features, to seamless beat transitions, the album remains a cohesive depiction of Ghetts’ closeness to God and the issues he deems important. The album artwork by Jay Angelou is symbolic of Ghetts’ spiritual journey and uses it as means of guidance as he navigates loss, suffering and conflict.
Starting with the lengthy Intro, Ghetts lets his fans know where he’s been and his gratitude for his relentless support. These intros consistently involve a story-telling component, one which is perfected as he sharpens his pen with wisdom and age. Like Conflict of Interest, Ghetts steps away from the ferocious style that cemented his place in grime. Instead, he expressed an increasingly vulnerable, yet affirmative side. This leads to the variety of preacher messages which bind each song together to reiterate his central theme of finding purpose.
The transition to Mount Rushmore utilises a message of purpose spoken by the powerful preacher, Martin Luther King Jr, demonstrative of the trials and tribulations on Ghetts’ way to the top. The hard hitting, intellectual rap verses are delivered by three of the most important and respected lyricists in the game. Alongside Ghetts are grime veterans Kano and Wretch 32. Instead of creating a raw grime cypher, the trio deliver a bar-heavy, introspective track that discusses their regrets, raising daughters and reflecting on their careers. The song leaves fans debating whose verse was the strongest and who takes the fourth Mount Rushmore title, is it Skepta, Giggs or perhaps Chip?
Moving into the album’s stand out song, Double Standards, a socially conscious remark on the injustices that plague society. A soul production is enhanced by Sampha’s remarkable and angelic vocals. In an elegant fury, Ghetts covers the hypocrisy within colourism, the justice system, paedophilia and warfare. With elegance, Ghetts’ lyrics address the contradictions such as “when they put my name and address in the papers, but a child molester’s identity is protected, is anyone addressin’ these failures?” Overall, this carefully crafted track brings a significant replay value to the album, as with each listen there's another gem to be discovered.
The album diverts its attention into a rap heavy streak of songs. While paying homage to his original rap style in his early grime days, Ghetts highlights his versatility as he collaborates with younger rap sensations. In Anakin, Ghetts teams up with producer Ten Billion Dreams, the sonic mastermind behind the album. Ghetts’ low voice and effortless flows glide over the hard-hitting snares contrasted by the violins that provide a melodic background. This is reminiscent of Unknown T’s drill production choices in his own catalogue such as Goodums, which provide a seamless transition into Blood On My Hands (ft. Unknown T). Despite being 15 years apart, Ghetts matches the venomous bars and unsettling aura in T’s voice perfectly.
Following a run of various features and mixtures of well executed genres from drill to classic UK rap in Twin Sisters (ft. Skrapz), Ghetts turns to the album central theme of faith, God and blessings. These themes and positive messages of “more blessings this way,” are reinforced by the afroswing production style and captured in the songs Hallelujah (ft. Dexta Daps), Gbedu (ft. Harry Aye), Tumbi and Blessings (ft. Muzi).
The end of the album takes a slower pace and reiterates the issues important to the artist such as Street Politics (ft Tiggs da Author) and most notable, Jonah’s Safety featuring vocalist Pip Millet. Ghetts’ unparalleled storytelling abilities and empathy come full circle from the politically charged Double Standards to Jonah’s Safety. Here Ghetts’ details a raw, brutal story about postnatal depression and abortions. Millet's melodies reinforcing the brutality of the situations, her angelic vocals sing “rockabye baby, rockabye baby, who’s watching over you while I’m watching my baby?”
Overall, the album achieves a journey of purpose whilst showing Ghetts’ ability to adjust and use his wisdom to mirror the current stage in his career. While the album is bulky in features, Ghetts reiterates his ability to remain concentrated and focused, consistently proving that he is still able to reach the pinnacle of his craft.
Jule Riemenschneider
Edited by Alice Beard
Official On Purpose With Purpose album cover courtesy of Ghetts, in-article image courtesy of Ghetts via Facebook
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