EP Review: Skepta, Ryder — 48 Hours
A marked change in direction, the BBK frontman teams up with production prodigy Ryder to deliver a reposeful yet uncompromising refix project.
Nearly half a decade has passed since the release of Ignorance Is Bliss - arguably Skepta’s most ambitious and experimental project to date. With a number of fans making clear their longing for a return to the left-field following a period of radio-friendly releases (see: All In, Insomnia), it was only a matter of time before the apparatus of 808s and plinky synthesisers rife throughout UK rap was bound to be razed in favour of a fresh approach. This is not to say that the wheel has been reinvented here - this is not Skepta’s ‘KID A’ - but the project perfectly encapsulates his penchant not only as an artist for ruminative and engrossing bars, but also as a label founder, willing to take a chance on fresh faces capable of bringing contemporary sonic contributions into the fold.
Ryder’s contribution to this record cannot be understated. In many ways it is as much - if not more - an offering from him than it is from Skepta; with the project comprised of two originals and three Skeptacore ‘refixes’ of previous tracks. Beautiful Ambient soundscapes comprised of gushing guitars and thoughtfully curated undulating synthesisers frame these refixes in an entirely different light to their previous mixes, even occasionally adding to them in a such a way that their original production (despite its often stellar quality) sounds second-best. #skeptacore pt.1, is a perfect example of this, the track delivers ‘Bullet From A Gun’ with Ryder’s signature formula, and it feels as though every bar carries more emotional weight than it did on the original. Think Beach House’s ‘Bloom’ meets ‘Ignorance Is Bliss’, an unlikely yet perfect symphony which showcases the value of a “less is more” approach, succinctly encapsulating Ryder’s penchant for the creation of ambient soundscapes; which on its own is not necessarily remarkable, but considering the musical context, shows a great deal of talent.
Similar formulae are used in the production of #Skeptacore pt.2 & pt.3, though this is not to imply that Ryder is a one-trick-pony. Each track incorporates subtle new elements which it is clear have been carefully selected to complement their originals. With pt.2 & pt.3 incorporating sparse, reverb-soaked percussion, boosting the low-end and acting as an anchor to Skepta’s more complex and fast-paced flows. Despite careful curation, however, it does occasionally feel as though there is a subtle yet awkward ‘sparring’ between the refix production and the vocals on these tracks. An ambient mix awash with reverb is bound to present challenges on any rap project given the importance placed upon timing and staying on beat (particularly in Grime, considering its garage and jungle influences) and when the percussion goes missing in these tracks, it is certainly noticeable. Despite this issue, a dearth of percussion is ultimately (and very obviously) a deliberate stylistic choice from Ryder, and one might just as quickly argue that it is a features that defines his production style and makes some of the other tracks (such as pt.1) so remarkable.
The two originals on the EP: “All Alone” and “For You” are strong offerings, though they don’t necessarily shine in the same way that the refixes do. Skepta delivers his strongest vocal performance on the EP on opener ‘All Alone’ in a heartfelt verse reciting stories from his youth. In fact, this would probably be the best track on the project were it not marred by a markedly unsuitable Dré Six vocal feature, that tonally seems to clash with the rest of the album “In the T I’m all alone (yeah-yeah) / On the streets I’m with my bros”.
All in all, the duo have put out a solid offering with 48 Hours. It represents a significant departure from Skepta’s previous work, and for a first-time offering from Ryder's, it looks particularly impressive. While the originals "All Alone" and "For You" are solid, the refixes steal the spotlight, with #skeptacore pt.1 standing out as a perfect symphony of rap/ambient genre-blending. Despite occasional challenges in rhythmic cohesion, the EP's unique sonic landscape ultimately makes this collaboration a noteworthy exploration in the musical evolution of both artists.