All great artists have their obsessions, and these passions often seep into their creations. Andy Warhol had a fascination for soup cans, while Van Gogh was enamored with sunflowers. Aitch, also known as Harrison Armstrong, has a fixation on cunnilingus. No judgment here, but let’s be clear – for Aitch, cunnilingus is as significant as waterlilies were for Monet.
His second LP offers an in-depth exploration of the Manchester area where Aitch was raised. You’ve likely seen him in photos gesturing ‘the four’, much like how Drake constantly represents ‘the six’ – his own Toronto area code.
Make no mistake, this record isn't a sober, conscious hip-hop critique, though it has its thoughtful moments – particularly on the standout track ‘M40’, which samples Nas and pays homage to Manc legends the Stone Roses, cleverly caricaturing Liam Gallagher as a bucket-hatted dealer “selling rock” in northern council estates.
Perhaps aware that his recent works – like his last album ‘Close To Home’ and that collaboration with Ed Sheeran – have painted him in a somewhat sentimental light, Aitch returns with a bold approach. Thankfully, he presents an impressive collection of energetic songs filled with raw confidence, frenetic hi-hats, and basslines that shake the dashboard. It’s also entertaining and enjoyable; I’d even describe it as joyful.
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And let's discuss the wordplay. Say what you will, the guy has some clever lines. “I’ve been in the pocket / like keys and a wallet” on ‘Bounce’. The rapid-fire stream of Manchester United references on ‘Business’, a dynamic duet with Avelino. At one point, he invites a girl over to his place to watch a movie – naturally, she insists on “Aitch-D”.
‘Locked In’ is the closest Aitch gets to a romantic ballad. He gets sentimental but can’t resist delivering laugh-out-loud lines like “head so good / never doubt your intelligence.”
Your reaction to that punchline – along with countless other clever and risky couplets – will likely influence your view on whether this album is sharp, witty, crude, or simply offensive and misogynistic.
Regardless, Aitch remains a generational talent, the poet laureate of outspoken youths. ‘Straight Rhymes 2’ is remarkable, a challenge to every other UK rapper. Like Aitch, it’s ready to make an impact.
8/10
Words: Andy Hill
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Every great artist possesses obsessions, and these fixations often manifest in their creations. Andy Warhol had a fascination with soup cans, while Van Gogh was drawn to