Returning to the industry after a decade with their single ‘Javelin’ in August this year, Rizzle Kicks have continued to surprise their fans during their comeback with an announcement of a new album, ‘Competition Is For Losers’ set to release February 14, 2025.
In a post on X the duo expressed their excitement for the album’s release: “The secret’s out. No words can explain how excited we’ve been to tell you guys this. There’s nothing better than making music with your best friend and this body of work has some of our favourite tacks we ever created on it.”
COMPETITION IS FOR LOSERS. THE NEW ALBUM. OUT 14TH FEB 2025. https://t.co/UVS6IsCdtR pic.twitter.com/WxLkGPGSpJ
— Rizzle Kicks (@RizzleKicks) November 8, 2024
Their reunion thus far has seen them release second single, ‘Gumdrops’, and most recently their single ‘New Sport’ which accompanied the announcement of ‘Competition Is For Losers’.
This latest single ‘New Sport’ exhibits a sonically refined perspective of Rizzle Kicks, juxtaposing their earlier music from the 2010s. Perhaps this emerges from their personal and professional growth from the beginning of their hiatus a decade ago until now. There is no doubt that ‘Competition Is For Losers’ will mirror this through its funky and soulful melodies fused with thoughtful and carefully conducted lyricism.
The chart-topping hip hop duo from Brighton, comprised of Harley Alexander-Sule and Jordan Stephens were known for their early 2010s hits, including ‘Down With The Trumpets’ and ‘When I Was A Youngster’ from their 2011 debut album Stereo Typical. Yet, the pair decided to take a hiatus back in 2016 to pursue other endeavours, ranging from solo music careers to acting ventures.
Part of their comeback is partly due to them having the freedom to reflect on their overnight success along with the ability to acknowledge issues surrounding addiction and mental health, which had exacerbated in the spotlight. Afterall the pair were in their late teens when they were catapulted into stardom and were under immense pressure from record labels and the music industry.
Stephens, who has been open about his experiences surrounding addiction, sobriety and navigating his ADHD diagnosis, revealed via CelebMix that themes of sobriety would emerge on the album: “Not in a prescriptive way. But more like we did a lot of crazy stuff, but now we don’t”, along with paternity: “not just with Harley becoming a father and all the growth that comes with that role, but also in a larger sense as we get older, we feel a responsibility to share our wins and failures”.
The return of Rizzle Kicks highlights a heightened era of nostalgia. Their music insights a youthful, tough-in-cheek spirit which appeals to listeners both past and present. This is no surprise given their sophomore album titled Roaring 20s peaked at number 3 on the official album chart back in 2013. However, when discussing the nature of their return to the industry in August with NME, Alexander-Sule declared Rizzle Kicks were going to prove they are “more than nostalgia” with their forthcoming project.
Rizzle Kicks have served nothing but style with their comeback this year. With ‘Competition Is For Losers’ on its way in February and their upcoming sold-out UK tour in March, Rizzle Kicks will wow crowds with their newfound wiseness and maturity within their R&B and jazz-infused tracks.
