Ignorance is Bliss


 Ignorance is bliss: the playfully mature latest album from Top UK artist Skepta. 

With an endless amount of bars that could satisfy the thirst of any grime feen , Grime MC Skepta's relentless 5th album leaves no room for doubt when showing his unwavering  musical talent. Ignorance is Bliss is a common proverb used in everyday speech but for many it's now the title of of one of the best UK albums to come out of 2019.Skepta at his best when he's reached a level of nonchalance , Ignorance is bliss is a self aware and consciously forward album speaking on mature subjects such as fatherhood and politics.This album is a clear change of pace for an artist such as Skepta with songs like ‘Bullet from a gun’ and ‘Same old story’ highlighting his mindset alteration and his new perspective on certain situations.Yet somehow Skepta manages to incorporate organised chaos within this album consistently. Songs such as ‘ Animal instinct’ featuring UK icon Lancey Foux shows Skepta genre bending effortlessly as both artists dance lyrically on the beat with meaning with lyrics such as “you see the white man's face when they see us in the rave” allowing Skepta to talk about the alienation that still exists for black people around the UK to this day. 

Abandoning the belligerent aggression previously heard in Konnichiwa, Ignorance is bliss wavers between lighthearted joy and a laid back feel of looseness.With lyrics like “im so high , im so fly , i'm gonna need a parachute” laced within this project it shows although burdened with the responsibility of being a voice for the youth in the UK , Skepta is still finding time to be on cloud nine.Although appearing as laidback and carefree skepta constantly reminds us within this piece that as he learns what it means to be a responsible father he also learns a lot of lessons about what it means to be a black man in the UK.Opening the song “Glow in the dark'' with lyrics “I knew what it means to be black way before I was on a GQ cover” highlights this recurring theme of identity within this album as he tries to tell us that his blackness has been an important factor in his career even before he became popular.Skepta doesn't hide from controversy as he speaks proudly about his discontentment with the UK government and the political state of the UK whilst still managing to subtly flex with line “politicians tryna get tickets to come my shows”.

Ignorance is bliss represents what Skepta stands for.Giving him room to speak on issues that he's faced with and also space to talk about what he's overcame.Facing fatherhood and becoming an evolved Skepta. Big Smoke as he would call himself. This album is a great insight into the mind of a black man living in the UK and could be seen as inspiration for a new generation. Not only is he a father to his own child but to a generation of the future. 

Fatima :)

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