Deep Cuts: Dizzee Rascal

Deep Cuts: Dizzee Rascal


September 18, 2017

Everyone of a certain age knows where they were when they first heard the opening sample of "Jus' A Rascal". Or the big, speaker-bursting kick drum of "Fix Up, Look Sharp". But do those same people know the precious few Roll Deep tracks Dizzee appeared on? Did they stick with the Bow rapper during his less popular albums? Chances are, probably not.

Dizzee's always seemed to enjoy being a divisive figure, making music to upset the old fans. You may have dismissed everything between Boy In Da Corner and Raskit as pop and not your thing, but we would suggest you reconsider that. Sure, very little of his output in those years could be considered "grime", but what many overlook is how many times he proved himself as a top-tier rapper to rival anything America had to offer. Just look at "Pussyole" or "Where Da G's" (with a guest spot from UGK) on Maths + English (worth revisiting just to hear how much good music came from his Wiley beef) or "H Town" with Bun B and Trae Tha Truth on The Fifth.

We were so desperate for BIDC Part 2 we forgot how good Dizzee could be — at least in hip-hop — when he thinks no one is looking. With that in mind, here's a rundown of the best kept secrets in Dizzee Rascal's back catalogue.




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