Dizzee Rascal

1. This is one of those albums that you have to listen to TWICE the first listen -- meaning, you have to listen once for the beats and once for the lyrics....barely any hip-hop albums have that quality anymore.
2. That leads me to the beats -- holy crap. That is all. "Brand New Day" is the only instance of tremolo in any hip-hop track I've heard that actually works. Not to mention the whole album BANGS. I and don't mean "bangs" like a random club track from 50 Cent...I mean this will quite literally break your speakers if you play this too loud.
3. This is not only like any other hip-hop album you will ever hear, it is unlike any other GRIME album, meaning that this is one of the very few instances (along with Wiley's full-length projects) where grime can actually succeed in an album format rather than 12" singles.
4. The lyrics are sincere, raw, and unpretentious. Enough said. Where else are you going to hear an MC scream in a chipmunk voice "I'm your fitness instructor!"
5. I am not a hipster following this pitchfork "oh, north london is so exotic" trend -- I can tell you I'm a hip-hop head to fullest, and this is something that every hip-hop fan should hear, period.

Dizzee's style will baffle you at 1st because he is so articulate and so quick with his vocal delivery. I would like to remind you that this is Grime which is British and should not be confused with rap music, there is a difference! I know you Americans have been dissing this album because you can't understand Dizzee's accent and the British slang and yet Chris Rock your most famous black comedian put this in his 25 greatest rap albums of all time!! There are too many haters out there with one track minds who like to listen to the same crap over and over, I think rap these days is so dull and repetitive and I am sick of every rapper trying to sell his gangsta image!! Buy this if you want something different! Peace all over the world..

Once again, Europe proofs that American music sucks. Dizzee's innovative ideas using grime step, old school hip hop & double time flows definitely bring something new to the table. The electronica elements create a unique, catchy sound. Really diggin' the wobbly/grimey bass which only comes to life on a good sub. Dizzee should not lose his accent. This would kill the originality of his style. I wouldn't want to hear another 50 cent, Eminem or Jay-Z dupe. The british accent is perfect for the type of music he creates. Pick this up if you're into experimental music and need something fresh. I dig every unique track on this cd so, no dissapointments here.

I'm an American chick and I LOVE Boy in da corner, but it wasn't always that way. When I first got the album and popped it in my CD player, I spat it right out, I couldn't understand it AT ALL. I put it on my shelf for like 6 months, then I went back to it because I was feeling guilty for have buying it and not really listening. I tried again, went through the tracks, still no spark, until I got to "Round We Go" is was the only track I could understand (accent wise) and then something clicked, it grew on me, then I played it like 3 times on repeat. Once I caught the bug I went to the next track "Jus a Rascal" loved that shit, and then end up listening to the whole thing. The funniest things that now "round we go" is my least favorite song. I tend like to hard ones like "Stop Dat" "Hold ya Mouf" and "Fix up Look Sharp". All the tracks are gems. *listening to "Cut em off" now*

I guess I had to train myself into understanding his accent, then I learned to appreciate the production/beats especially no rapper I've ever heard had the sound. Needless to say, this album is definitely one of my favorites of all time, maybe top 10, that's how much I love it and him.

I really thought after Dizzee there was going to be some sort of British Hip Hop invasion, but I guess I was wrong. Most of the main stream US Hip Hop fans are really one dimensional, aren't opened minded and like things that are easy too listen to. Dizzee in my opinion is better a lyricist than any US rapper at this moment, even Jay (gag) Z. I'm not giving up on the dream of some new hip hop imports, and I hope he has a new chance with "Maths and English" to spark change in American urban music, because we need help badly. I haven't heard the radio in over a year and this album is still in heavy rotation in my stereo.

I got the chance to see Dizzee in the US and his live show was just as good as the album. I got to meet afterwards, he was real cool and is all about his music, which I love.

If you don't like this album, just try it again, listen with new ears. Hear the innovation, the talent, the rhymes, and his stories they are worth listening to. I now find myself understanding every word he says even rapping along and understanding the slang, so...

I love Dizze Rascal. I think his sound is great, and if he continues on the path he is on, he could be big and this sound of music will become worldwide. Fave songs- I luv u (underrated; this should have gotten the recognition like a Jay-Z or 50 cent song would), Jezebel Jus a rascal, Brand new day. I think this music is underrated, hopefully it won't be for long!

There's not a lot to write about "Maths + English". It follows Dizzee's usual, albeit successful, formula fairly closely. The good news is, if you liked his previous two albums, you'll like this because it's more of the same. The bad news is, some people don't need three albums of the same sound. I'll explain:

My criticism is that I don't sense a lot of artistic growth. Dizzee is still playing off ideas he began exploring in the landmark "Boy In Da Corner". I'd like to see him breakout and do something totally unexpected. Since he's obviously a talented and creative guy, I'm sure he could stay within the grime genre, while pushing at its borders.

I'm not one of those critics who wants an artist to completely reinvent themselves for every album. There's something to be said for a clear artistic progression where one piece builds off the next. I just think that, at this rate, it's going to take ten years before Dizzee achieves the radical freshness of his debut album.

Lets talk about the positive qualities: the beats are plenty fresh, the lyrics are rapid-fire and incomprehensible to my American ears, but cool just the same, and the synth sounds are raw. It's got the same sonic footprint of his previous records, which is to say, pounding and intense. You can't help but move to this music. Although I may be missing a lot by not understanding any of the lyrics, I love Dizzee because his accent and delivery are so great. Even if I did understand everything, there's still the small matter of translating all the slang terms.

Even if Dizzee isn't breaking too many boundaries, his intensity and production is as good as ever. Fans will not be disappointed. Those new to Dizzee Rascal would do better to buy "Boy In Da Corner" first, but only because it's one of those special albums that everyone needs to own. Comparing this album with Dizzee's other work would rate 3.5 stars. Comparing this album with other albums in this style rates 4 stars.

(For the record, I love how Dizzee refers to 'beats' as 'maths' - that's awesome)

This is a revew for people in the U.S. (or anywhere else) who are new to grime or who have the album and want to get their hands on some similer stuff.
Grime is a music that stemed from garage, a combanation of dancehall, drum n bass, hip-hop and bashment but it has it's own feel. It's a very underground scene that relies mostly on raves, pirate radio and white label releases.
If you liked this album or "Boy in da corner" then you should check out the following classic garage and grime tracks and albums: (you will have to download most of the individual tracks listed)

More fire crew: More fire crew c.v (album)
Fire camp: No
Roll deep: When i'm ere, candy, boogy man
Wiley kat: Eskimo, Igloo, wot do u call it?, pies, golly gosh, ice rink
Lethal B (Lethal bizzle): Against all oddz(album), forward riddim "pow", Forward 2,
Kano: Boys luv girls, Home sweet home (album)
Nasty crew: Nasty bonanza
SLK: Hype Hype
Shystie: Diamonds In the Dirt (album)
Sway: This is my Demo (album), This my promo Vol 1 and 2 (album),
Riko: Dead, Dead that
Various: Roll wid us
Lady sovereign: Random

If you get this album thinking your going to hear rap somewhat like Slick Rick's then you are very far from it. Dizzee is bringing to us american hip hop heads Grime and I'm all for it. The Grime production is sick and very creative something new that will give you a break from the bubblegum rap that's being released over here right now. These aren't your average beats and if your wondering yes this is somethin that will knock in your sytem. To really get use to Dizzee It's probably a good idea to get his first album Boy in da corner or go on ebay and get the stuff you can't get on Amazon. For a lot of people it will take time before you get every word of what Dizzee says due to his accent but when you finally understand you will begin to respect his lyrical talent and his potential to be a great lyricist. Not everyone is going to be able to get with Grime and if you can't then something is wrong because this is some of the hottest production I've heard this year. Straight play threw album and I can't wait till his next release.

If you were coming here looking for a rap album turn around right now unless you have an open mind when it comes to music. Dizzee makes what they call Grime music over their across the pond. It is an interesting amalgam of rap, garage, & house. Lyrically Dizzee is a trip. He has a lot to say and the fact that he can flow to these beats is really impressive. His accent adds that extra touch to his songs that make them sound good. He addresses a lot of topics ranging from partying to growing up in the hood's in London (the LD as he calls it). While he is rapping, his beats are like nothing you have heard over here, unless you are a major techno fan. They definitely have the electronic edge to them. While I enjoy the sounds I find it hard to listen to at times because they are so sporadic and jumpy. There are the mellow tracks which are a nice break but overall this album is a straight up party from start to finish so if you are wanted to just chill throw something else on, but if you want to get wild then let Dizzee Rascal pump out of your speakers!

After listening to it several times through on a car ride, I can honostly say that this is one of the best rap albums I have ever listened to. Grime is soon becoming my favorite style. His lyrics actually mean something too. They aren't just the "typical" lyrics about sex, women, and money with no real meaning behind them. All his songs seem to have some sort of meaning to them too. "Stand Up Tall" is probably my favorite song from him from both albums.

I can't wait til he comes out with another album. He seems to be sticking to his roots, so I can expect another great album coming.

The pure britishness of this album makes me proud to come from England. Dizzee comes out of the UK grime scene leaving artists like Kano and Crazy Titch only hoping to one day and maybe with their potential be as good as Dizzee. With The UK grime scene exploding now Dizzee is still on top and this album just shows why he has the edge.

Thank You Dizzee. I salute you!

This record is Dizzee's best yet. This record has the unique speed and word choice in the rhymes like his first record but the music is more approachable. Its not americanized like Showtime was but it is better produced than the first. It has his true style like the first album but the music is more upbeat, danceable, and repeatable. His best to date. Although he has since released a US version with 3 additional tracks.

Just as Dizzee did with his 2004 release of "Boy In Da Corner" he will also add bonus tracks exclusive to the U.S. market for "Maths + English". The import that is available now becomes immediately inferior and will fall three tracks short of the much anticipated 4-29-08 Def Jux version of "Maths + English". The bonus tracks are "G.H.E.T.T.O.", "Driving", and "Where's Da G's [El-P Remix]". Two new songs plus a remix is just enough for me to forgive Dizzee Rascal for waiting so long to release this here. My advice is to be patient, get your bonus tracks, and save some serious cash (this should retail for less than half the price of the import).

Dizzee's latest album is definitely more polished than it's predecessors, but this by no means reduces it's quality. Grime has never sounded so easy to listen to.

This album is a must have for all hip-hip fans. I don't think it came to the States this time around, but for fans of his last records, it should definitely be checked out. Every song on this album had my head bobbing, and while he may have become a tad more mainstream, every last bit of Dizzee is still in this album, and his amazingly well thought out lyrics and addictive beats will have everyone nodding away.

Back in 2004, when MTV2 actually played videos from TALENTED rappers, they were all about an explosion of grime artists (for further information on what exactly that entails, refer to my review for Lady Sovereign's album); one of which was Dizzee Rascal. Back then I couldn't really get into him, but I still decided to check out his latest offering, Maths + English.

One good thing about this album is that the production is much more accessible than what was found on Boy in da Corner. But the thing is, this album isn't for everyone not only because it's grime, but because Dizzee's accent is so thick that even his speaking voice has an acquired taste. Speaking of that, he has the habit of talking for about twenty to thirty seconds at the end and/or between the second and third verses of songs, which tends to get a little annoying after a while.

There are still some good songs on here though, like "Temptation", "Hardback (Industry)" and "U Can't Tell Me Nuffin'" (the song that inspired the album's title). Also stellar is "Wanna Be", which features help from fellow Brit Lily Allen. However, another guest spot, UGK on "Where's da G's", is ironic because everyone sounds dope EXCEPT Dizzee (and it's not because it's hard to measure up to Bun and Pimp C; Dizzee's verse is confusing anyway).

And there are a few additional missteps, like the failed club-rocker "Flex", the childish "Suk My D", and the obligatory sound about bling, "Bubbles". I also wonder what version of the album I have because I don't see "P***yole" on here (but I'm not sure I want to know what that means). Maths + English isn't a bad album, but as I said before, it's definitely not for the average listener. You might want to stream it first -- in fact, that's probably the ONLY way to get it, as it doesn't seem to be available anywhere.

Anthony Rupert

1. This is one of those albums that you have to listen to TWICE the first listen -- meaning, you have to listen once for the beats and once for the lyrics....barely any hip-hop albums have that quality anymore.
2. That leads me to the beats -- holy crap. That is all. "Brand New Day" is the only instance of tremolo in any hip-hop track I've heard that actually works. Not to mention the whole album BANGS. I and don't mean "bangs" like a random club track from 50 Cent...I mean this will quite literally break your speakers if you play this too loud.
3. This is not only like any other hip-hop album you will ever hear, it is unlike any other GRIME album, meaning that this is one of the very few instances (along with Wiley's full-length projects) where grime can actually succeed in an album format rather than 12" singles.
4. The lyrics are sincere, raw, and unpretentious. Enough said. Where else are you going to hear an MC scream in a chipmunk voice "I'm your fitness instructor!"
5. I am not a hipster following this pitchfork "oh, north london is so exotic" trend -- I can tell you I'm a hip-hop head to fullest, and this is something that every hip-hop fan should hear, period.

Dizzee's style will baffle you at 1st because he is so articulate and so quick with his vocal delivery. I would like to remind you that this is Grime which is British and should not be confused with rap music, there is a difference! I know you Americans have been dissing this album because you can't understand Dizzee's accent and the British slang and yet Chris Rock your most famous black comedian put this in his 25 greatest rap albums of all time!! There are too many haters out there with one track minds who like to listen to the same crap over and over, I think rap these days is so dull and repetitive and I am sick of every rapper trying to sell his gangsta image!! Buy this if you want something different! Peace all over the world..

Once again, Europe proofs that American music sucks. Dizzee's innovative ideas using grime step, old school hip hop & double time flows definitely bring something new to the table. The electronica elements create a unique, catchy sound. Really diggin' the wobbly/grimey bass which only comes to life on a good sub. Dizzee should not lose his accent. This would kill the originality of his style. I wouldn't want to hear another 50 cent, Eminem or Jay-Z dupe. The british accent is perfect for the type of music he creates. Pick this up if you're into experimental music and need something fresh. I dig every unique track on this cd so, no dissapointments here.

I'm an American chick and I LOVE Boy in da corner, but it wasn't always that way. When I first got the album and popped it in my CD player, I spat it right out, I couldn't understand it AT ALL. I put it on my shelf for like 6 months, then I went back to it because I was feeling guilty for have buying it and not really listening. I tried again, went through the tracks, still no spark, until I got to "Round We Go" is was the only track I could understand (accent wise) and then something clicked, it grew on me, then I played it like 3 times on repeat. Once I caught the bug I went to the next track "Jus a Rascal" loved that shit, and then end up listening to the whole thing. The funniest things that now "round we go" is my least favorite song. I tend like to hard ones like "Stop Dat" "Hold ya Mouf" and "Fix up Look Sharp". All the tracks are gems. *listening to "Cut em off" now*

I guess I had to train myself into understanding his accent, then I learned to appreciate the production/beats especially no rapper I've ever heard had the sound. Needless to say, this album is definitely one of my favorites of all time, maybe top 10, that's how much I love it and him.

I really thought after Dizzee there was going to be some sort of British Hip Hop invasion, but I guess I was wrong. Most of the main stream US Hip Hop fans are really one dimensional, aren't opened minded and like things that are easy too listen to. Dizzee in my opinion is better a lyricist than any US rapper at this moment, even Jay (gag) Z. I'm not giving up on the dream of some new hip hop imports, and I hope he has a new chance with "Maths and English" to spark change in American urban music, because we need help badly. I haven't heard the radio in over a year and this album is still in heavy rotation in my stereo.

I got the chance to see Dizzee in the US and his live show was just as good as the album. I got to meet afterwards, he was real cool and is all about his music, which I love.

If you don't like this album, just try it again, listen with new ears. Hear the innovation, the talent, the rhymes, and his stories they are worth listening to. I now find myself understanding every word he says even rapping along and understanding the slang, so...

I love Dizze Rascal. I think his sound is great, and if he continues on the path he is on, he could be big and this sound of music will become worldwide. Fave songs- I luv u (underrated; this should have gotten the recognition like a Jay-Z or 50 cent song would), Jezebel Jus a rascal, Brand new day. I think this music is underrated, hopefully it won't be for long!

This is a revew for people in the U.S. (or anywhere else) who are new to grime or who have the album and want to get their hands on some similer stuff.
Grime is a music that stemed from garage, a combanation of dancehall, drum n bass, hip-hop and bashment but it has it's own feel. It's a very underground scene that relies mostly on raves, pirate radio and white label releases.
If you liked this album or "Boy in da corner" then you should check out the following classic garage and grime tracks and albums: (you will have to download most of the individual tracks listed)

More fire crew: More fire crew c.v (album)
Fire camp: No
Roll deep: When i'm ere, candy, boogy man
Wiley kat: Eskimo, Igloo, wot do u call it?, pies, golly gosh, ice rink
Lethal B (Lethal bizzle): Against all oddz(album), forward riddim "pow", Forward 2,
Kano: Boys luv girls, Home sweet home (album)
Nasty crew: Nasty bonanza
SLK: Hype Hype
Shystie: Diamonds In the Dirt (album)
Sway: This is my Demo (album), This my promo Vol 1 and 2 (album),
Riko: Dead, Dead that
Various: Roll wid us
Lady sovereign: Random

If you get this album thinking your going to hear rap somewhat like Slick Rick's then you are very far from it. Dizzee is bringing to us american hip hop heads Grime and I'm all for it. The Grime production is sick and very creative something new that will give you a break from the bubblegum rap that's being released over here right now. These aren't your average beats and if your wondering yes this is somethin that will knock in your sytem. To really get use to Dizzee It's probably a good idea to get his first album Boy in da corner or go on ebay and get the stuff you can't get on Amazon. For a lot of people it will take time before you get every word of what Dizzee says due to his accent but when you finally understand you will begin to respect his lyrical talent and his potential to be a great lyricist. Not everyone is going to be able to get with Grime and if you can't then something is wrong because this is some of the hottest production I've heard this year. Straight play threw album and I can't wait till his next release.

If you were coming here looking for a rap album turn around right now unless you have an open mind when it comes to music. Dizzee makes what they call Grime music over their across the pond. It is an interesting amalgam of rap, garage, & house. Lyrically Dizzee is a trip. He has a lot to say and the fact that he can flow to these beats is really impressive. His accent adds that extra touch to his songs that make them sound good. He addresses a lot of topics ranging from partying to growing up in the hood's in London (the LD as he calls it). While he is rapping, his beats are like nothing you have heard over here, unless you are a major techno fan. They definitely have the electronic edge to them. While I enjoy the sounds I find it hard to listen to at times because they are so sporadic and jumpy. There are the mellow tracks which are a nice break but overall this album is a straight up party from start to finish so if you are wanted to just chill throw something else on, but if you want to get wild then let Dizzee Rascal pump out of your speakers!

After listening to it several times through on a car ride, I can honostly say that this is one of the best rap albums I have ever listened to. Grime is soon becoming my favorite style. His lyrics actually mean something too. They aren't just the "typical" lyrics about sex, women, and money with no real meaning behind them. All his songs seem to have some sort of meaning to them too. "Stand Up Tall" is probably my favorite song from him from both albums.

I can't wait til he comes out with another album. He seems to be sticking to his roots, so I can expect another great album coming.

The pure britishness of this album makes me proud to come from England. Dizzee comes out of the UK grime scene leaving artists like Kano and Crazy Titch only hoping to one day and maybe with their potential be as good as Dizzee. With The UK grime scene exploding now Dizzee is still on top and this album just shows why he has the edge.

Thank You Dizzee. I salute you!