View this post on Instagram

Lovely stuff. New album #E3AF out October 30th pre order link in bio.

A post shared by Dizzee Rascal (@dizzeerascal) on Oct 10, 2020 at 11:25am PDT

Dizzee took to his Instagram to comment on the award, saying ‘Lovely stuff’, and to remind followers that his highly anticipated new album E3AF is due for release on October 30th. Dizzee Rascal is no stranger to awards. His sensational debut album, Boy in da Corner, made him the youngest person ever to receive a Mercury Prize at 19 years old.

His contribution to the UK grime scene is unquestionable. Though his main achievement is surely bringing grime to the mainstream with Boy in da Corner, he also started Dirtee Stank Records in 2003 with a view to promoting promising artists with ‘social problems’ that might make major labels reluctant to take them on. Dirtee Stank has released several successful artists like Klass A and Newham Generals.

When Dizzee self produced his first single, aged 16, it was clear that he was operating in a different league from his musical contemporaries. I Luv U, with its glitchy beat, rapid cymbals and furious flow, put Dizzee on the map. The tonality of his voice here sounds like an instrument in itself, and his lyrics – although pretty derogatory by todays standards – feel entirely authentic.

This talent was first spotted by a music teacher at Langdon Park school, who was thanked in in the credits on Boy in da Corner‘s album sleeve. Dizzee wrote: ‘Special thanx to Mr. Smith, da best music teacher Langdon Park ever let go (you fools). I’ll never forget da way you kept the faith in me, even when things looked grim.’

Since then, Dizzee Rascal has released six albums, each one more innovative than the last. His most recent, Raskit, saw him ‘reclaim his crown’. It definitely signified a departure from the cocky lyricism of his earlier work, with tracks like Wot U Gonna Do? sounding like the concerns of an artist worried about fading into obscurity: ‘What you gonna do when they won’t play your records// And you don’t get booked ’cause your buzz is all gone’.

But Dizzee doesn’t have to worry about that. October 2nd release Body Loose, that sampled its beat from 2000’s garage classic Body Groove, was a catchy and inventive party-track and the rest of E3AF will be sure to deliver too. His MBE award is a well deserved reminder that the East London rapper is still very much relevant.

Act Like You Know is the second taster from Dizzee Rascal’s impending album, E3 AF, and follows the previously released L.L.L.L collaboration with Chip. Set for release on October 9th, E3 AF will be the seventh studio album from grime forefather Dizzee, and will follow the 2017 released, Raskit. E3 AF can be preordered here.

A ten-track record, E3 AF marks the Dizzee’s first album completely written, recorded and produced in the UK. Produced by Vader Beats and Mk The Plug, the track is aggressive in the best possible way. 

Act Like You Know is the perfect example as to why Dizzee Rascal remains a leading figure in the UK rap and grime scene. From the get-go, Rascal’s lyrical wordplay packs a punch. Dizzee indignantly questions an unnamed opponent, asking “Are you slow?/If so, better move like dice and act like you roll”

View this post on Instagram

Everyone go listen to my new one ‘Act Like You Know’ featuring Smoke Boys @swiftsb @deepeesb out on all platforms right now ! Large Up @mktheplug & @vaderbeatz at @thebrigadenetwork on production. Got a mad video for this one on the way and the new album E3 AF is out October 9th . Pre Order Available now. Link in the Bio

A post shared by Dizzee Rascal (@dizzeerascal) on Sep 10, 2020 at 11:12am PDT

Dizzee’s bars paired with the simple yet effective grime beat makes the track instantly ear-catching. The lyrical panache that Dizzee is long-famed for shines through.

Dizzee simply laughs off any antagonists who come his way, saying “Now the mandem wanna throw pebbles/Better act like you know I stood firm/Man, I never been pressed by none of these devils”. Now more than ever, Act Like You Know shows that the Bonkers rapper is still not to be messed with. 

Smoke Boys maintain the song’s playful vibe, and are certainly on a par with Dizzee’s lyrical genius. Smoke Boys member Deepee says mischievously: “These shots hit your chest if you’re feelin’ heroic/Catch ‘em like COVID/Big Beamer now, bro was trappin’ out a Focus/Took a L, lost out, still got it”

Dizzee Rascal premiered Act Like You Know on his YouTube channel, Dirtee TV, on September 10th. Receiving over 12,000 views, Act Like You Know is already a hit amongst Dizzee’s dedicated fanbase. 

Dizzee Rascal took to social media yesterday to share Act Like You Know with his huge fanbase. In a post to Instagram, Dizzee gave a shout out to collaborators Smoke Boys, and confirmed an incoming music video for the track. Writing in the caption: “Got a mad video for this one on the way!” Dizzee’s celebratory post has gathered over 8,000 likes and views. 

View this post on Instagram

A Few highlights from my #Ratedawards performance. Massive shout to @grmdaily for giving me the Legacy award!New album #E3AF out October 9th

A post shared by Dizzee Rascal (@dizzeerascal) on Sep 11, 2020 at 12:01am PDT

Act Like You Know is out now. The full tracklist for E3 AF can also be found below:

1.Happy Accident (feat. P Money)
2. What’s That (feat. Frisco & D Double E)
3. Body Loose
4. Trappish (feat. Chip)
5. You Don’t Know
6. Niona (feat. Steel Banglez & Alicai Harley)
7. Act Like U Know (feat. Smoke Boys)
8. Eastside (feat. Ghetts & Kano)
9. Dead Space (feat. Ocean Wisdom)
10. Moon Ting