Review

After a decade-long hiatus, Rizzle Kicks are back with Competition Is For Losers, an album that blends nostalgia with a fresh perspective. The Brighton-born duo—Jordan Stephens and Harley Alexander-Sule—made their name in the early 2010s with their cheeky lyricism and genre-bending hip-hop, and this latest effort proves they’ve lost none of their charm. From the outset, the album delivers a high-energy mix of infectious beats, witty wordplay, and a uniquely British swagger. Lead single Javelin sets the tone with a brass-heavy hook reminiscent of their early hits, while Gumdrops leans into funk-driven grooves that wouldn’t feel out of place in a mid-2000s Pharrell production. The duo’s ability to effortlessly weave between hip-hop, indie, and jazz influences remains a defining strength. Lyrically, Competition Is For Losers sees Rizzle Kicks embracing maturity without losing their signature playfulness. Tracks like New Sport offer tongue-in-cheek social commentary on modern hustle culture, while Still Running delivers a reflective look at their journey through the music industry. There’s a self-awareness here, an understanding that their audience has grown up alongside them, yet they never take themselves too seriously. Production-wise, the album is slick but retains a DIY charm. Collaborations with emerging UK producers bring a contemporary edge, while their trademark horn sections and bouncy beats keep things feeling distinctly "Rizzle Kicks." It’s a record brimming with personality, proving that time away has only sharpened their craft. Does it break new ground? Not particularly. But that’s not really the point. Competition Is For Losers is a celebration of everything that made Rizzle Kicks great in the first place: sharp humour, genre-fluidity, and an irrepressible sense of fun. In a world increasingly obsessed with taking itself too seriously, this album is a breath of fresh air. Welcome back, lads—competition may be for losers, but this comeback is a definite win.