SXSW Records

Dizzee Rascal

Boy in da Corner (Matador) Proclaiming, "I do the fuck what I want," Dizzee Rascal discards the American rap template and disseminates hip-hop indigenous to his East London locale. Fusing "rudeboy, Don Gorgon raps" with post-garage rhythms, the 19-year-old MC and producer has distilled the clashing chaos of South London's So Solid Crew into a one-man assault. Enamored of the hooliganism that characterizes his home scene, Dizzee's "Cut 'Em Off" announces, "I ain't got a .44, I'll have to settle for a long metal bar." Whether tormenting women by way of "I Luv U" and "Jezebel" or entertaining suicidal thoughts on "Do It!" Dizzee emphatically stays true to his edict that "being a celebrity don't mean shit to me." In fact, his beats may be even more uncompromising than his lyrics, as accelerated tempos and techno sensibilities abound. While Dizzee himself has likened his music to that made by Lil Jon, Cash Money, and UGK, Boy in da Corner may well exude too much on the electronic tip for the Stateside. Meanwhile in Britain, the album has already earned the 2003 Mercury Music Prize over such favorites as Radiohead's Hail to the Thief. Considering Dizzee's unique vision and fiery reputation, expect more and more hip-hop fans to reiterate the female perspective from "Seems 2 Be" – "I am totally and completely on his dick." (Saturday, March 20, 1am @ Aussies)