Giggs - Big Bad...

The Guardian 80

(No BS Music)
The Peckham rapper has become one of the UK’s most successful by sticking to his guns – and being gifted with a uniquely sensual vocal tone

Giggs’s voice has long been one of British hip-hop’s mightiest weapons. The gruff, sinister sound that emanates from his apparently cast-iron larynx moves like an apparition; his words paint tough narratives set on poorly lit, chilly south London streets. As the years slip by and the success increases – his last two releases reached the UK Top 3 – the 35-year-old still presents as that hardened gangsta rapper lurking the same corners.

Grime surged back in recent years, but in a bid for more mainstream acceptance, stars like Stormzy and AJ Tracey padded their albums out with pop, trap, R&B and gospel. Giggs excelled instead by staying still, and has seen his style of more rhythmically straightforward tracks become more popular: Dave and Fredo reached the top of the charts with the steady Funky Friday.

Pitchfork 74

The London rapper’s fifth album reinforces his dominance of the UK scene and marks his increasing cachet in international waters, but the decision to sing might be the wrong kind of risk-taking.