Speech Debelle returns to the fray with the third single from her critically-acclaimed second album, “Freedom Of Speech.” One of the standout tracks from the album, “Live For The Message” was produced by Kwes and features a softly-spoken but defiant vocal from Speech in which she outlines why it’s more important to be heard saying the right thing than to be heard – a message not just for the contemporary rap community but for a world obsessed with form over content.
Joining Speech for an epic refix are some of the cream of the UK hip hop community – Akala, DELS, Genesis Elijah, Jaja Soze, CONFUCIUS MC, Aks, Rain Freedom and Kasha Rae, as well as longtime collaborator Realism. Each of the artists takes the opportunity to deliver a message, making a kind of collage which gels their voices into a whole. Self Taught, meanwhile, hardens the beat a little and gives it a bit more hip hop snap.
Speech rose to fame with one of the most inspirational debut albums of the last few years, the Mercury Music Prize winning ‘Speech Therapy,’ and her forthright and outspoken personality has endeared her to a worldwide audience. Aside from her musically compelling albums, her haunting lyrics feature on Bonobo’s ‘Sun Will Rise,’ (from Ninja Tune’s 20th anniversary XX boxset). She also hints at a playful relationship with the mainstream in her track ‘Spinnin’,’ which was adapted by Tinchy Stryder to become the first Olympic song of 2012. After a busy year in which Speech has released an album, toured all over Europe and fronted an acclaimed documentary on homelessness for the BBC, what better way could there to round things off than with a reminder of what a compelling presence the “Queen of UK Rap” (Clash) can be.
‘Live for the Message’ (Refix)
Released 10 December on Big Dada.
Buy at the Ninjashop: http://bit.ly/QMi3Iw
PRESS FOR “FREEDOM OF SPEECH”:
“One of the sturdiest, most rounded hip hop albums to emerge from these shores.” – Mojo, 4/5 (Lead review)
‘An ideas-laden statement of intent. Impeccable.” – Evening Standard 4/5
“Lyrically lucid and thoughtful” – The Times, 4/5
“The most interesting and… exciting British MC on the scene.” – All-Music Guide
“So real, so steeped in love and anger… It makes the glossy, flashily produced output of more commercial British rap artists seem utterly naff.” – The Sun 4/5
“Explosive… refreshingly outspoken and… musically daring” – Observer
“Social commentary, emotional nudity and confessional bravery illuminate a warm, honest album. A valuable, innovative voice with plenty to say.” – The Fly, 4/5
“A truly great hip-hop album” – MTV Iggy 5/5
“Absorbing, epic, heartfelt and delicately nuanced – a marvellous album” – The Skinny, 5/5
“Explosively ambitious… emotionally coherent and forward-looking.” – The Sunday Times
NEW UK TOUR DATES IN DECEMBER.
Tue 11 Dec 2012 : UK : Brighton : The Haunt http://kililive.
Wed 12 Dec 2012 France : Paris-Fontenay Sous Bois : Festival des Adventuriers http://www.
Thu 13 Dec 2012 : UK : London : Jazz Cafe http://www.ticketmaster.
Fri 14 Dec 2012 : UK : Bristol : Start The Bus http://www.ents24.com/web/
Sat 15 Dec 2012 : UK : Birmingham : Institute http://