BDL Bipolar cover

BDL Bipolar

Big Narstie · 2018

82 min · 26 tracks

A vibrant blend of grime beats and witty lyricism laced with skits that reflect Big Narstie's unique personality.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Woah — This track stands out with its infectious hook and energetic beat, showcasing Big Narstie's ability to blend catchy melodies with sharp lyrics.
  • →
    5am — A reflective piece where Big Narstie delves into his thoughts during the early hours, balancing vulnerability with his signature bravado.
  • →
    Help — In this standout track, he addresses mental health issues directly, creating a powerful moment of transparency that resonates deeply with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends humor and serious themes through skits and varied lyrical styles, reflecting Big Narstie's unique voice.

What we noticed

  • The album features a series of skits interspersed between tracks, creating a narrative flow that reflects Big Narstie's personality.
  • Tracks like 'Woah' and '5am' showcase rapid-fire lyricism over heavy grime beats, while others like 'Love Is a Game' introduce melodic elements.
  • Several tracks incorporate contrasting themes, balancing humor with serious commentary on personal and societal issues.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • witty skits enhancing storytelling
  • vibrant energy for celebrations
  • pacing shifts keep engagement
  • early morning motivational vibe
  • introspective moments amidst humor

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, no frills
  • dislike interludes and skits

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on July 6, 2018, BDL Bipolar is Big Narstie's third album, following his 2016 project, Beyond Bars. At this point in his career, he had established himself as a prominent figure in the UK grime scene and was expanding his influence across various media, including television.
Stylistic neighbors
Jme· Skepta· Giggs

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Help

    The verses shift from introspection to a plea for understanding shows a profound vulnerability.

    This transition emphasizes the struggle between pride and the need for support, revealing layers of complexity in his character.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 BDL Protest Intro (skit) 0:57
  • 2 Woah 2:34
  • 3 Hello Hi 2 3:48
  • 4 5am 4:03
  • 5 Hell No 3:44
  • 6 Love Is a Game 3:46
  • 7 BDL Radical Speech (skit) 2:54
  • 8 Grime Battle of Hastings 3:26
  • 9 Charlie Sheen 4:33
  • 10 Sunshine 4:21
  • 11 Taxi to Brixton (skit) 1:16
  • 12 Celebrate 3:14
  • 13 Chabuddy G (skit) 0:11
  • 14 Asian BDL (skit) 0:33
  • 15 How You Dance 3:37
  • 16 Help 5:40
  • 17 Daddy Go Hard 5:05
  • 18 Keith Lemon (skit) 0:27
  • 19 Sloosha 3:27
  • 20 Lonely Road 5:38
  • 21 What Is It Now 3:09
  • 22 Big Bro (skit) 2:43
  • 23 Sinners 4:05
  • 24 Control 3:43
  • 25 Mae Mae (skit) 0:50
  • 26 Blood 5:03

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata