AJ Tracey teases “huge options” on “funky” and dancehall-inspired new album
AJ Tracey has teased that his forthcoming dancehall-inspired album shall be “funky” and embody “huge options”.
The West London rapper appeared as a particular visitor on Capital XTRA Breakfast with Robert Bruce and Shayna Marie final week (July 5). Whereas on the morning speak present, Tracey confirmed that his third studio album shall be launched later this yr.
“100 per cent. Album’s popping out earlier than then finish of the yr. Earlier than I used to be a bit hesitant to say that, as a result of it wasn’t completed. However now it’s principally completed,” he informed Bruce and Marie (per Music News).
After being requested what may be anticipated from the upcoming LP, the rapper stated: “Good options, however I’ll say that it’s not all concerning the options. It’s about me, truly. Nah, huge up the options although, they killed it, yeah. However clearly, do you get it, the vast majority of the work is me.
we have got the west london president within the constructing this morning! 🫡 be a part of the brekkie gang as they chat to @ajtracey now on @globalplayer 🎧 pic.twitter.com/lLp30mnHz7
— Capital XTRA (@CapitalXTRA) July 5, 2024
“Just a few options however they’re curated – I haven’t picked all my bredrins who’re essentially the most lit, I’ve simply picked individuals who sound good on the document. So, it’s sonic, you already know what I’m saying? On the finish of the day – and that’s not shade on nobody else – like, the large options, they matter, init?
“However I feel it’s extra about ensuring that the sound is cohesive and ensuring that when individuals hear it they’re like, ‘Oh, these lot had enjoyable making this document.’ Like, there’s a which means behind it, slightly than, ‘Oh, they’re each lit and so they simply type of…’ You already know what I’m saying? Butted heads.”
He continued: “I can provide the theme. The theme is simply being British – my British expertise – what it means to be British. Me rising up, I listened to funky, so this rhythm is sort of a little funky reference; grime clearly, dancehall, like, no matter my influences are as a black British particular person, goes to be what the album appears like.”
Beforehand chatting with NME, the rapper opened up about his forthcoming LP – the follow-up to 2021’s acclaimed ‘Flu Sport’ – and shared that it’s “principally achieved and positively coming this yr”.
“I’m simply placing some ending touches on it and tightening up some information,” he stated, including that folks can anticipate “a really British sounding album, that’s what individuals ought to stay up for.”
“There positively shall be shock moments and friends,” he went on, “however I’m not one to spoil the shock.”
He additionally revealed the upcoming artists who he’s a fan of which embody “Jayo, Sainte, Lancey Foux, Len and Pozer,” including that his favorite proper now could be Nemzzz: “He’s chilly. He’s rapping for his metropolis and never attempting to be like anybody else. He’s simply doing his factor.”
In a four-star assessment of ‘Flu Sport’, NME shared: “The final quarter of the album brings it again to Tracey’s temporary. ‘Flu Sport’ cements AJ Tracey as a commercially profitable rapper nonetheless discovering new methods to craft hooks and intelligent wordplay. Though not each observe is a complete slam dunk, AJ has right here crafted one other profitable challenge whose streaming numbers, singles and infectious melodies will dwell on in reminiscence – identical to Michael Jordan’s notorious match.”
In different information, the rapper was not too long ago featured on Headie One’s newest album ‘The Final One’. Tracey appeared on the observe ‘Make A W’ alongside Skrillex and BEAM.