The British rapper returns with his 7th album, ‘E3 AF’ proving that he still has more to give to to the music industry. Having returned to his London roots, the rapper finds inspiration from the East side where he grew up. The album shows how he’s progressed since releasing his first album, ‘Boy In Da Corner’ in 2003.

On talking to NME, Dizzee said about his new album, “This album is making a statement – I’m a fucking serious rapper.” He added that,  “East London influenced me, but I was also on pirate radio in Tottenham. South London influenced me as well. If it wasn’t for music, I would never have met anyone from Leeds or Manchester or Liverpool. They were the only places I knew about because of football. Music took me out.”

The album is made up or elements of British music including grime, trap, drill, dubstep and garage. There are also moments of dance-pop with the track, ‘Body Loose’ which samples Architech’s chart topping hit ‘Body Grove.’ The track, ‘That’s too much,’ features other rap legends ‘D Double E’ and ‘Frisco’ as they bounce off of each other trading verses over the music.

Tottenham rapper Chip is another feature on the album, with the first track ‘L.L.L.L‘ (Love Life Live Large). Dizzee also collaborates with London dancehall singer Alicai Harley and as she opens the track, ‘Energies and Powers’  NME describes it as being, ‘a respite from five intense tracks of Dizzee spitting bars over hyped-up, frenetic beats. Her warm vocals are the refreshing summer air outside a sweaty club night.’

For the track, ‘Don’t Be Dumb’ he is joined by London rapper Ocean Wisdom who beat Eminem’s ‘Rap God’ by rapping at 4.45 words per second. Dizzie’s own verses are fast paced enough but as Wisdom deliver’s another line, Dizzie reacts with, “Jesus that’s a bloody mouthful.” – The Times

Dizzee told NME that he had named the album as a, ‘calback to a derogatory term Dizzee was called growing up in London: ‘E3 African’.’ There is no doubt that Dizzee is well routed to his hometown in East London. It was during lockdown that Dizzee returned to Bow to distribute food parcels to support local families. He told NME, “To be fair, they were dishing out the food parcels. I don’t want to claim it because child poverty is one of those things that needs to be highlighted.” 

He has certainly payed tribute to his roots in this album by staying true to the grime sound of East London. He has been named, ‘for at least eight years Britain’s best rapper,’ by The Guardian and there is no doubt that this title is well and truly deserved after releasing this album. His versatility and creativeness can be heard throughout the ten tracks on the album and there are high hopes that this won’t be the last from Dizzee.

Track List

1. God Knows
2. That’s Too Much
3. L.L.L.L (Love, Life, Live, Large)
4. Body Loose
5. You Don’t Know
6. Energies + Powers
7. Eastside
8. Act Like You Know
9. Don’t Be Dumb|
10. Be Incredible