Top tracks — play these first
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Oh My Gosh — This track exemplifies Skepta's unique flow and lyrical dexterity, showcasing his ability to merge catchy hooks with hard-hitting verses.
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Too Many Man — Featuring strong collaborations, this track highlights the camaraderie within the grime community while delivering an infectious energy that resonates with fans.
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Madness — With its pulsating beat and sharp lyricism, 'Madness' encapsulates the raw emotion and intensity central to Skepta's artistry.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Skepta's sharp lyrics and energetic production define this album as a strong entry in the grime genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken word track that sets a reflective tone before transitioning into high-energy beats.
- Tracks feature rapid-fire verses with intricate rhyme schemes, often layered over minimalist yet aggressive production.
- Several tracks incorporate skits that break up the flow, adding context and humor to the overall narrative of the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- steady mid-tempo listening experience
- energetic tracks for party vibes
- sharp lyricism with playful irreverence
- quick bursts of relatable emotion
- engaging skits for comic relief
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, introspective music
- seek lengthy, immersive pieces
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Skepta's reputation in the UK grime scene.
- Career context
- Released in 2009, 'Microphone Champion' marked Skepta's emergence as a leading figure in the UK grime scene, following his earlier mixtapes. This album came after his breakthrough with 'Doin' It Again' and solidified his reputation as a pioneering artist during a crucial time when grime was gaining wider recognition beyond underground circles.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Reflecting 3:16
- 2 Are You Ready? 2:21
- 3 Oh My Gosh 2:32
- 4 Looking Out 4:17
- 5 Sticks and Stones 3:19
- 6 Too Many Man 3:33
- 7 Lush 2:46
- 8 My Emotions 2:42
- 9 Skepta 2:26
- 10 Amsterdam (skit) 0:59
- 11 Disguise 3:20
- 12 Gingerbread Man 3:03
- 13 Ed Hardy Party 2:51
- 14 Madness 3:54
- 15 Over the Top 2:49
- 16 Dark 3:23
- 17 Sunglasses at Night 2:20
- 18 Rolex Sweep 2:34
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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