Album: Kano, 140 Grime St

One year on from his previous album, London Town, acclaimed UK grime artist, Kano, is back. After being dropped by his label and slammed by the press is it worth a listen however?

In March of 2008 Kano got released from 679 Records, the major label that had released two of his albums. The label that gained him mass attention and love from the critics. However what they’d created was something the public didn’t want. His first album was a success, he was a grime artist that became loved commercially. So following on that basis, 679 made his second album a complete embarrassment to the critics. Kano was teamed up with Craig David for 50% of it, making him a joke in his home town, London. He also featured Kate Nash on it, I’m not going to even explain the problem there!

So he was released after disappointing sales in March, Surprisingly enough however this was to be a blessing in disguise. After March Kano went solo, independent, and back to his roots. He set his music to the grime tempo of 140BPM, he then put proper synth back into his tracks and finally to top it of Kano got back to doing what he does best, rapping like a pro.

The first single was released last month, titled Hustler, the single explained how he ‘gets on the grind’ and makes his money. Teamed up with an exceptional video, Kano described it as “the perfect single as it explains so much“.

Another track to mention is Anywhere We Go, featuring the skills of Wiley on vocals. Along with a funky flute arrangement, the track is a hit. two top rappers, one fantastic instrumental. You also have Aim for the Sky, which is the final track and a great emotional song, explaining Kano’s rise and fall.

The album highlights why Kano is one of our top 3 grime artists, it also reminds us why we like the movement. But it does fail on one thing however, it doesn’t have that song that sells. The hit record.

Kano will always be a good artist, he’ll always sell. Since P’s & Q’s we’ve always loved him. But without a defining moment, he won’t make history. Which is a shame because he deserves to. No matter how many units he sells, Kano can be happy with 140 Grime Street. As the Guardian newspaper stated “he’s back on the right track” and they are right, three albums in and he’s still making good music.

140 Grime Street is available from the 29th of September and is available in all good record shops.