- Thu, 2010-07-15 14:52
For anyone who thought gangsta rap was solely the preserve of American artists, meet Giggs. From the SN1 crew, he’s been peddling his own take on what it is to be a UK MC for five years now, and last month saw the release of his sophomore album, Let Em Have It. It’s not been an easy ride mind you. Before signing to XL Records for the release of the album, the label’s head office received a call from the Metropolitan Police Force’s Trident Operation, warning them not to get involved with the rapper.
It’s a back story that complements the sinister, threatening tone of the music that Giggs makes. His slow, deliberate flow, which has drawn comparisons to early 50 Cent, reflects a character unfazed by the hectic and dangerous lifestyle about which he speaks. The tracks over which he raps come across as grime’s take on the polished production of American hip-hop, with the strings and synths twisted out of shape and underpinned by juddering bass lines. With the charts currently dancing to the tune of grime’s poppier side, Giggs is here to remind us that the beast has teeth.
