After more than 10 years away, Rizzle Kicks are finally back, and it feels long overdue. Their music was a huge part of my childhood – soundtracking summer days, parties, and just about any time I needed a pick-me-up.
Thankfully, Competition Is for Losers brings back everything that made Rizzle Kicks great while pushing things forward in a really solid way. The album keeps the brass-heavy sound they’re known for, but it doesn’t feel stuck in the past. It also has a message of taking a step back, using confrontation as a last resort in any context. In politics, personal life and the world, sometimes we all need to look at the bigger picture and stop one upping each other.
The album kicks off with "Bad Tattoo," which immediately sets the mood with a laid-back but confident vibe. From there, tracks like “Javelin” and “New Sport” bring back their signature cheeky energy, packed with catchy hooks and upbeat production. "New Sport," in particular, is a standout - funky, fresh, and impossible to sit still to.
They’ve also roped in some great collaborations. Maverick Sabre adds his smooth vocals to “Pleasure & Pain”, Mick Jenkins brings a cool, laid-back flow to “New Energy” and “Undefeated” features the legendary DJ Premier. Each one adds something different, making the album feel varied without losing its identity. That said, there are moments where the lyrics fall a bit flat but the production is top tier throughout, with each track feeling carefully crafted to sound both nostalgic and fresh. In fact, their ability to mix different genres and sounds into something completely their own is something the UK music scene has been lacking while they’ve been away.
Overall, Competition Is for Losers is a strong return for Rizzle Kicks. It feels like they’ve never really been gone, yet they’ve grown and adapted in all the right ways. While the lyrics might not always be the most impressive, the energy, the production, and the sheer fun of it all make this album a winner.
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