Berwyn - Tape 2/ Fomalhaut

The Guardian 0

(Columbia)
Written in the shadow of his disputed immigration status, this charismatic rapper is unafraid to show his vulnerable side

Born in Trinidad, raised in east London, this rapper and singer’s eventful autobiography was laid out on his moving debut, Demotape/Vega (2020). Berwyn’s mum’s struggles included spells in prison; her son sometimes found himself homeless. Like its predecessor, Tape 2/Fomalhaut is partly named after a star and charts the internal weather of its mournful, charismatic protagonist.

Berwyn – full name Berwyn Du Bois – might have enjoyed even more success last year, were it not for his hazy immigration status – Vega didn’t qualify for the Brit awards. Here, I’d Rather Die Than Be Deported – a stark piano affair peppered with trap percussion – and Full Moon Freestyle detail this anxious limbo.