Review

Four years on from 'Flu Game', West London's finest returns with a lean, mean assertion of his credentials that cuts straight to the bone of what makes him brilliant. There's something rather satisfying about watching AJ Tracey strip away the excess. Where his 2021 effort occasionally felt weighed down by its own eclecticism—admirable though that genre-hopping ambition was—'Don't Die Before You're Dead' finds the Ladbroke Grove wordsmith operating with surgical precision. This isn't an artist second-guessing himself; it's a confident statement from someone who's remembered exactly why he fell in love with rap in the first place. The album opens with 'Outta Sight', a low-slung rocker that immediately signals intent. "By foregrounding AJ Tracey's skills as a rapper", the track establishes the template for what follows: bars first, everything else secondary. It's a refreshing approach in an era where UK rap often feels bogged down by considerations of crossover appeal or streaming algorithms. The Jorja Smith collaboration 'Crush'—built around a well-deployed Brandy sample—provides one of the album's most immediate pleasures. Smith's soulful contributions complement rather than overshadow AJ's flows, creating the sort of effortless chemistry that feels increasingly rare in an age of manufactured features. It's precisely the kind of track that demonstrates why AJ has remained such a compelling figure in British music: he understands the art of collaboration without sacrificing his own identity. Perhaps more impressive still is 'Talking Stage', where Manchester's Nemzzz proves himself a worthy sparring partner. The young MC's energy pushes AJ to elevate his own performance, resulting in one of those magical studio moments where competition breeds excellence. It's a reminder that the best hip-hop collaborations aren't just about bringing together big names—they're about finding artists who genuinely challenge each other. The album's most intriguing moments come when AJ allows himself brief detours from the rap-first approach. 'Friday Prayer', featuring Headie One and Aitch, finds him in more contemplative mood, whilst the grime throwback 'Paid In Full' offers what amounts to fan service for those who've followed his journey from the underground. These tracks work precisely because they feel earned rather than obligatory—brief nods to his versatility rather than desperate attempts to please everyone. The record's boldest gambit arrives with closer 'Red Wine', where Master Peace's riot-inducing production provides the backdrop for AJ to unleash some of his most ferocious bars. It's the sort of mosh pit banger that could feel gratuitous in lesser hands, but here it serves as a fitting full stop to an album that's consistently prioritised impact over polish. What emerges across these 39 minutes is a portrait of an artist who's found his sweet spot. 'Don't Die Before You're Dead' doesn't reinvent the wheel, nor does it need to. Instead, it serves as a potent reminder of why AJ Tracey became such an essential voice in British music: his technical prowess, his ear for a killer hook, and his refusal to be boxed into any single lane. This is AJ Tracey at his most focused and, crucially, his most fun. After years of experimentation, he's returned to what he does best—and the results speak for themselves. **Essential tracks:** 'Crush', 'Talking Stage', 'Red Wine'

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