When it comes to UK grime, Ghetts has long been a pillar of the genre, continuously proving himself as a lyrical powerhouse. His latest release, On Purpose, With Purpose, arrives with much anticipation, and boy, does it deliver. Following the success of his critically acclaimed Conflict of Interest, this album proves Ghetts is still at the top of his game, blending political commentary, personal reflection, and a dash of genre experimentation to create one of the most compelling UK rap albums of the year.
A Journey of Purpose and Reinvention
Released in February 2024, On Purpose, With Purpose marks Ghetts’ fourth studio album, and it’s evident that every track was crafted with intention. This project feels like a true evolution, as Ghetts steps beyond the fiery grime persona fans have known for years. The album still carries that signature aggression and energy, but it also explores new sonic territories and more introspective themes, showing a matured artist reflecting on his life, career, and the world around him.
From the opening track, Ghetts sets a contemplative tone with an excerpt from Martin Luther King Jr.’s final speech. The inclusion of this civil rights leader’s words immediately underscores the weight of the album’s subject matter—this is a project about purpose, struggle, and societal imbalances, which Ghetts deftly addresses throughout.
The Lyrical Firepower We Expect
Don’t let the introspection fool you—Ghetts is still spitting with the kind of razor-sharp precision that earned him his place as a UK rap legend. Tracks like “Mount Rushmore,” featuring UK giants Kano and Wretch 32, are a lyrical masterclass. The trio trades verses in a track that feels like a battle of the titans, each bringing their A-game. Ghetts doesn’t hold back as he reflects on family, growth, and the sometimes painful journey to becoming an elder statesman of UK rap. Wretch 32 steals the show with his impeccable wordplay, but Ghetts and Kano match him punch for punch, delivering one of the album’s standout moments.
On Anakin (Red Saber), Ghetts returns to his rawer, grittier style, delivering bars that are equal parts violent and poetic. The track is filled with Ghetts’ characteristic dark lyricism, painting visceral images of survival in London’s streets. Lines like “Woke up with a dry throat and a blade in my hand, I’m too bloodthirsty” show Ghetts at his most menacing, while still maintaining the lyrical complexity that has made him such a respected figure in UK rap.
Genre-Blending and Experimentation
While grime and UK hip-hop form the backbone of On Purpose, With Purpose, Ghetts ventures far beyond his usual sonic territory. The latter half of the album sees the rapper embracing Afrobeat, Amapiano, and even dancehall influences. Hallelujah, featuring Dexta Daps, is a shining example of this genre-blending approach, with Ghetts sounding comfortable over the soulful, reggae-inspired production. It’s a refreshing departure from his harder-edged tracks, and Daps’ smooth vocals provide a perfect contrast to Ghetts’ reflective lyrics on family and faith.
Gbedu, featuring Harry Aye, taps into Afrobeat, with Ghetts flowing effortlessly over the upbeat production. These tracks highlight the rapper’s willingness to take risks and his ability to adapt to different styles without sacrificing the integrity of his lyrics. “Blessings,” featuring South African artist Muzi, takes a similar approach, where Ghetts flexes his melodic skills over an amapiano beat—an unexpected but welcome addition to his repertoire.
Social and Political Commentary
As much as On Purpose, With Purpose is about Ghetts’ personal journey, it’s also a sharp critique of the world around him. The rapper delves into politics on tracks like Double Standards, featuring the hauntingly beautiful vocals of Sampha. Here, Ghetts skewers societal hypocrisy with cutting bars like, “A hero if I kill for my country, and a villain if I kill for my postcode.” Sampha’s chorus adds a weighty emotional layer, making this one of the album’s most profound tracks.
Later in the album, Ghetts addresses the harsh realities of street life on Street Politics, where he explores issues of violence, systemic inequality, and police profiling. His storytelling on this track is poignant and powerful, underscoring the grim reality for many young men in inner-city London.
A Few Flaws, but Nothing Major
While the album is packed with standout tracks, it’s not without its minor flaws. At 18 tracks long, the album can feel a bit overstuffed at times, with a few moments where the momentum dips. Tumbi, for example, while an interesting experiment with amapiano, doesn’t quite hit the same heights as other genre-blending tracks on the album. Similarly, some choruses, particularly on the more laid-back tracks, feel repetitive.
That said, these are small quibbles in an otherwise stellar project. The cohesiveness of the album’s sound, aided by the production work of TenBillion Dreams and Splurgeboys, keeps the listener engaged throughout, with enough sonic variety to keep things interesting. Ghetts balances the album’s heavier themes with lighter moments, allowing for reflection and celebration in equal measure.
Collaborations That Elevate the Album
One of the most impressive aspects of On Purpose, With Purpose is how well Ghetts utilizes his collaborators. Unlike some albums that rely heavily on features to carry weaker tracks, Ghetts’ guests serve to elevate the project even further. Wretch 32 and Kano shine on Mount Rushmore, but other artists, like Unknown T on Blood On My Hands and Lancey Foux on Stylish Nxxxa, also deliver memorable performances that complement Ghetts’ style.
Even the more experimental tracks, such as Laps featuring Moonchild Sanelly, feel cohesive, thanks to Ghetts’ ability to adapt his flow to different beats and genres. Whether it’s trading verses with younger drill artists or collaborating with more established names, Ghetts proves he can stand toe-to-toe with anyone in the game.
A Purposeful Conclusion
In many ways, On Purpose, With Purpose feels like a culmination of Ghetts’ two-decade career. It’s an album that looks both inward and outward, reflecting on personal growth while also making powerful statements about society. Ghetts has always been known for his lyrical prowess, but on this album, he takes it a step further by incorporating new sounds and pushing his creative boundaries.
While Conflict of Interest solidified Ghetts’ place among UK rap royalty, On Purpose, With Purpose sees him stepping confidently into his role as a mentor and elder statesman of the genre. It’s an album filled with purpose, both musically and thematically, and it’s a project that cements Ghetts as one of the most important voices in UK rap today.
Final Verdict: 9/10
On Purpose, With Purpose is a must-listen for fans of Ghetts and UK rap. It’s a powerful statement from an artist who continues to evolve while staying true to his roots. With its blend of hard-hitting grime, introspective storytelling, and genre experimentation, this album stands as one of the strongest releases of 2024 so far.
