East London-born rapper and poet Kojey Radical, whose real name is Kwadwo Adu Genfi Amponsah, has released his sophomore album ‘Don’t Look Down’. The Independent describe it as an “all-encompassing creative approach makes for one outstanding album”.
The release comes three years after his critically acclaimed debut ‘Reason to Smile’, which earned him a Mercury Prize nomination. That record blended funk and soul while exploring themes of Blackness, women, sex, fatherhood, family and faith. The project established him as one of the UK’s most inventive voices, praised for bringing a painterly sense of detail to rap while keeping his roots in spoken word and performance art.
The 32 year-old artist has become known for mixing a wide range of genres into something uniquely his own. ‘Don’t Look Down’ continues in this style, weaving R&B, funk, soul, and even unexpected flourishes such as a mariachi-inspired trumpet section. Originally intended to be called ‘Life of the Party’, the new record reflects on the highs of success, the pressure of fame, the search for meaning and connection and what it means to stay true to yourself.
The album opens with a spoken word introduction in which Radical reflects: “You’re supposed to be the life of the party. How many homies didn’t make it? How many times did I count the empty seats, instead of the ones that showed their faces?” This vulnerability sets the tone for the rest of the project, which circles themes of loneliness and the struggle to remain grounded while in the spotlight.
Born in Hoxton to Ghanaian parents, Radical first trained as a visual artist. He studied Fashion Illustration at the London College of Fashion, graduating with First Class Honours. His early music was directly inspired by his coursework illustrations, which explored faith, love and social media.
Leading into the album, Kojey Radical linked with Montreal trio Planet Giza (Tony Stone, Rami B and DoomX) on the sleek single ‘Expensive’. Produced by Swindle, the track leans on warm keys and a floor-ready pulse, with Tony Stone’s falsetto lifting the hook before Radical tightens the focus on verse two. The single appears on ‘Don’t Look Down’ and arrived with an official visualiser, underscoring the record’s cross-Atlantic blend of hip-hop, soul and club textures.
Collaboration has always been central to his work. ‘Don’t Look Down’ features contributions from Ghetts, Bawo, MNEK, Dende, James Vickery, Benjamin A.D, Col3trane, SOLOMON and Victor Ray. He is also joined by Moses Boyd and Femi Koleoso of Ezra Collective, whose frenetic jazz-driven energy gives life to several tracks.
Alongside the album, Radical has created a short film that ties together several songs and videos. Building on his Mercury Prize recognition and FIFA soundtrack success, the East London artist will bring ‘Don’t Look Down’ to life on stage next year, with his UK tour finishing at the Royal Albert Hall in May 2026.
