Oscar #Worldpeace - Sporadic [Album Review]
Oscar #Worldpeace
Sporadic, the latest album from London artist Oscar #Worldpeace, is appropriately named. From songs lyrically brimming with melancholic introspection to beat-heavy earworms, the rapper’s second full length release boasts a diversity of sound and mood that stands as a testament to the artist’s impressive creative range and distinctive imagination.
Growing up in Tottenham, Oscar’s musical leanings were largely shaped by the same forces that inspired grime and rap artists like Skepta, Wretch 32 and Headie One, who also call the North London borough their home. It was family however, that set him on his way. After getting involved with the grime sets a cousin regularly held in his kitchen, Oscar was inspired to put time into making his own music.
‘Sporadic’ Album artwork
In terms of musicality, Sporadic follows Oscar’s first album’s winning formula, combining grime, hip-hop and R&B to create the artist’s compelling sound. Released in 2017, Recluse is a staggeringly impressive debut which pairs brooding, hypnotic hip-hop beats with intensely poignant lyrics about social issues important to the rapper, revealing a clued-up, passionate artist with a lot to say. Lyrically speaking, Sporadic is markedly different. It’s a far more personal endeavour, with Oscar taking most of his inspiration from friends and family, especially his wife and his new-born son. Where Recluse is ironic and gritty, his latest album is sincere and full of gratitude.
At the beginning of ‘Shine’ for example, we hear a baby crying and Oscar later raps “You and your mum saved my life.” Even the album’s cover reflects a newfound sense of contentment, with Oscar and his baby son beaming out at us, joyful together in matching hoodies. That’s not to say Oscar has lost his edge. Songs like ‘Mmm’ and ‘Evening Time,’ show the artist in his element, rapping lustful lyrics with a self-assured coolness over catchy, sexy beats bolstered by contributions from up and coming UK artists, including Knucks, Etta Bond, Ragz Originale and BenjiFlow. Then there’s ‘Relocate,’ which introduces itself by way of a hilarious cockney voice announcing, “very steam she is; it’s like she was boiling in a kettle, absolute STEAM MATE.” Sporadic is right, and we’re here for it.
One of the album’s best songs is ‘Leave the Devil Outside’ which features The Streets’ Mike Skinner. Skinner spotted Oscar’s unique talent early on and became his mentor. The duo meld well together in this melancholic yet powerful track; both are given the space to shine separately, strengthening one another through the contrast of their distinctive lyricism.
Speaking about the album, Oscar describes how “from production, to structure, lyrics, skits and features, everything about the project is sporadic. It feels limitless.” At nine songs long, Sporadic packs a punch and leaves you curious for more. But London’s music scene should expect more to come, as Oscar #Worldpeace will undoubtedly continue to intrigue and enchant us with his seemingly limitless creative potential.
‘Sporadic’ by Oscar #Worldpeace is available to stream on Spotify below.