Music

If one thing is certain, it’s that none of these new tracks from former More Fire Crew MC, Lethal Bizzle will find their way onto David Cameron’s iPod. The Tory leader has earned himself a name check on the grime star’s second album; ‘Cameron’s a fuckin’ arse/keep on talkin’ shit, I’ll put your face through the fuckin’ glass,’ he spits at one point, with genuine venom born of anger and frustration. Not exactly respek’ paid to his blad, then.

It was Bizzle (and producer Statik) who bred ‘grindie’, a grime/indie hybrid that evolved from their work with The Rakes, Test Icicles et al. ‘Back to Bizznizz’ widens this path further and features guests Kate Nash and Babyshambles, among others. It’s an impressive effort, if not without its flaws. Bizzle is a terrific rhymesayer – compelling, sharp, funny and capable of real poignancy, whether dealing with political issues, his own dodgy past or plucking up the courage to chat up a girl in Selfridges. ‘Bizzle Bizzle’ is a brilliant, rapid-fire statement of intent, ‘Babylon’s Burning The Ghetto’ and ‘Police On My Back’ both forceful takes on the Clash classics.

Conversely, ‘My Eyes’ is a schmaltzy, Bad Boy-style, hip-hop ballad and ‘Reflecting’ suggests third-rate Fugees. Both were surely made with the American market in mind, but it’s hard to begrudge a talent like Bizzle his shot at the big time.