7/10

Grime has obviously been back in the spotlight over the last few years and it can all be traced back to Skepta's 2014 single 'That's Not Me'. Since its release over two years ago, the scene has been thrust back into the mainstream with Skepta himself proving to be the movement's figurehead name. And while 'That's Not Me' features on this new record, the album itself seems to include almost everything the MC has released since then, making this more a compilation of work that completely realised full-length.

The main thing that stands out when you first listen to 'Konnichiwa' is its sheer diversity within the tracks. Having been made over the process of two years has meant that Skepta's direction and intentions have changed dramatically along the way, and in places can be quite jarring. The tracks 'Ladies Hit Squad' and the Pharrell-produced 'Numbers' see him take on a more US rap sound which doesn't really fit together with the earthy roots sound of 'Man' or 'Detox'.

While most of the record is massive and engaging, its lack of a cohesive sound lets it down as you'll find yourself skipping through the filler to find the true bangers. 'Konnichiwa' plays with positive intent if not a little flaky in places.