RIZZLE KICKS — ‘NEW SPORT’

Writer’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Competition Is For Losers’ is almost too perfect an album title for a duo like Rizzle Kicks. Two guys that when they arrived on the scene, went left when everyone else was going right. In a time like the early 2010’s when the mainstream airwaves were dominated by heavily produced pop, that took a lot of dance and electronic influence, as the club boom was still in its pomp, Jordan and Harley’s style and swagger was something that felt alien to everything else that was being spun on the radio a decade ago. They don’t need to be compared to anyone else because no one else does it like them.

When you look back at the different styles that Rizzle Kicks have adopted, there is more variation that most people would think. ‘Stereo Typical’ revolved a very up tempo and funkier style, fitting well with the lyrical content of some of those songs being very fun and easy going, whereas ‘Roaring 20’s’ took a lot from boom-bap and hip-hop from the US that we heard in 1990’s from many of the greats of that time, with some smashing percussion, record scratching and obviously, the horns that Rizzle Kicks have almost become known for.

With ‘New Sport’, and the other singles for that matter, I’m noticing that the jazz rap and funk elements have returned, but in a smoother and surfy manner. It’s a great sign of their maturity and versatility, with them being away from the game for so long, Rizzle Kicks have had time to hone a new sound and make sure they’re playing to their strengths, which is what I think this new sound does. Both lads have very unique vocal sounds, with Harley being able to hit a higher pitch, this slower sound really makes you focus on how good of a vocalist he is, as he is once again utilised for another great hook. Jordan’s vocals are a lot more rap centric, with a great ability to play with different flows to find different pockets in a beat, as well as having a deeper, register which just makes his voice sound like butter on this beat especially.

If you’re asking me, the jazz rap influence is a fantastic route for the boys to go down for this new era. Jazz rap is one of the biggest genres outside of the mainstream and juxtapositions aside, it’s birthed some fantastic talents from the UK. Acts like Loyle Carner and Little Simz are two of the most beloved artists in the genre from the past few years and I can’t help but hear Kojaque over this beat. They’re wearing their influences and their interests on their sleeve, with the title even being very fitting for Rizzle Kicks. Like most blokes, sport revolves around the lives of both Jordan and Harley, with them performing a halftime show at an NFL at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, helping launch Arsenal’s kits back in 2013 and Harley also being a bit of a baller himself, from what I hear.

I couldn’t be more excited for this album and I’m sure it will kick off 2025 in fine form. Rizzle Kicks mean so much to me, personally, with them being the first gig I ever went to. They made a lot of my childhood, they might have even shaped the way I listen to music now and after seeing some of the clips from their sold-out show at Koko in London last week, I’m absolutely itching to see them live again next year.