Dizzee Rascal – Tongue ‘N’ Cheek

The man who Jeremy Paxman is known to call “Mr Rascal”

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Over three albums, Dizzee Rascal and his co-producer Cage pioneered a spooky, minimalist and brutal brand of electronica that enthused critics but never really translated into sales.

Now Dizzee has finally become a bona fide pop star by guesting on other producer’s tracks. Alongside his two chart-topping singles – Calvin Harris’ housed-up “Dance Wiv Me” and Armand Van Helden’s thumping electro anthem “Bonkers” – album number four also features another cheesy team-up with Harris (“Holiday”), and a splendid dancehall collaboration with Shy FX (“Can’t Tek No More”).

The best tracks, however, see him revert to his grimier, Steve Reich-plays-Nintendo roots, like the roughneck “Road Rage” and the bleepy, toytown minimalism of “Money Money”.

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Inevitably, youthful anger has been replaced by pettier bourgeois concerns (traffic wardens, the congestion charge), but there’s a sensitivity and playfulness that’s still hugely endearing.

JOHN LEWIS

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Over three albums, Dizzee Rascal and his co-producer Cage pioneered a spooky, minimalist and brutal brand of electronica that enthused critics but never really translated into sales. Now Dizzee has finally become a bona fide pop star by guesting on other producer’s tracks. Alongside...Dizzee Rascal - Tongue 'N' Cheek