ALBUM REVIEW
14/02/2025 - Rizzle Kicks, Competiton is for losers
Source: Rizzle Kicks’ Album Artwork.
Words By Jord Hailwood
It feels surreal to be writing this: Rizzle Kicks are back, and it feels so good!
Rizzle Kicks, a beloved duo consisting of best friends Jordan Stephens and Harley Alexander-Sule, are back on the scene with their new album, Competition is for Losers. The pair took an indefinite hiatus from music nine years ago with their then last single, Slurp and now, with their fresh sound, it feels as if they never left.
Rizzle Kicks are truly an irreplaceable part of UK culture. The pair debuted and thrived in a time when the UK was not commercialising rap to the capacity it is today. You could even say Rizzle Kicks made Rap and Hip-Hop mainstream in the UK. Before there was a Stormzy, Dave, or Central Cee, Hip Hop and Rap were heavily underground, and it would have taken a miracle to appear in the mainstream spotlight; that ‘miracle’ is arguably Rizzle Kicks (and maybe Dizzee Rascal).
We are introduced into the album with the song Bad Tattoo. Bad Tattoo showcases the lyrical growth of the pair as well as the heavy, recognisable beats which have always provided Rizzle Kicks with an eccentric presence. My favourite line from this song has to be ‘chasing paper till you torn our hearts in two’. There’s something about how the pair harmonise on those particular lines that gives me goosebumps.
This album is a rollercoaster, to say the least. Competition Is For Losers takes a dive into the Brit-graduates’ experiences with navigating fame, mental health and substance abuse. The duo speak candidly about these struggles, particularly on the songs Everything's Algined, It’s a Tricky One and What’s Your Plans.
I would say this album is Rizzle Kicks’ most mature body of work to date. But somehow, the pair have successfully managed to still incorporate the Cheeky Chappy lyrics and the Jazz elements which helped Jordan and Harley skyrocket into immediate fame in 2011 after the release of Down with the Trumpets.
My favourite lyrics on this album that come to mind are on It’s a Tricky One when Jordan raps, ‘What's inside your pocket full of dreams? Shots of mixed feelings and bags of self-esteem. Up and down life, man, respect the regime. Costs less to stay fucked then it does to stay clean’. Sorry, that was longer than I thought. I love that part! I think it perfectly summarises a common experience when you’re exposed to the entertainment industry, especially at such a young age as Jordan and Harley were. The lyrics almost suggest that being sober and coming to terms with reality is more painful than substance abuse. What a clever way of writing - my mind is blown!
Over the last few months, Harley and Jordan have credited this album as their best work to date. Diving straight into the album when the clock struck midnight today, I can see why. A key highlight of mine I picked up on while listening to this album is the smooth transitions and the fun beat switches throughout the album. This element struck me most during the song It’s a Tricky One (probably my favourite song on the album). The tempo change arrives unexpectedly, yet it perfectly fits the natural Rizzle Kicks aesthetic.
The album ends with a more optimistic approach. It focuses on finding love and assurance. I believe this is a full-circle moment for the pair as it proclaims how far they have come as men and as artists. The album finishes with the song Undefeated, featuring DJ premier. It also has uncredited vocals from Jordan’s girlfriend, former Little Mix member and superstar in the making, JADE. Undefeated feels like the ending credits of a blockbuster movie, an energetic, boisterous tune to wrap up the story - for now.
I am so pleased Rizzle Kicks are back. It truly does feel like a crucial part of the UK music scene has been missing for the last decade. The witty lyrics, the unusual but soothing blend of upbeat rap with melodic harmonies and the unapologetic commentary on societal issues. Well done, Jordan and Harley, this album is truly magnificent.
Rating 4/5
Favourite Tracks - Bad Tattoo, Everything’s Aligned, It’s A Tricky One & Gumdrops
