This May, Wretch 32 – who has cultivated a career lasting nearly two decades since his initial mixtapes were released in 2006 – unveiled his most reflective album to date. Entitled ‘HOME?’, the 15-track project showcases collaborations with established names in the UK rap scene, such as Kano, Little Simz, and Ghetts, and explores themes of place, identity, and belonging from the viewpoint of a second-generation Jamaican immigrant.
Five months later, the North London rapper will make his debut at the National Theatre with a one-night-only live adaptation of ‘HOME?’ at the Olivier Theatre. This performance will blend live drama, dance, and music to investigate Black British identity. “At this point in my career, I want to push the boundaries and try something a bit different,” he comments on this new creative endeavor. “What spaces have I not entered? What spaces hasn't my show been in? We don't often step into the theatre world, so it would be amazing to see if we could bring it to life there. I believe we are onto something extraordinary.”
In addition to its expansive themes, the album and its accompanying show specifically address the destructive effects of Hurricane Beryl on the Caribbean, homelessness in Britain, and the refugee crisis. “My father and my uncles are all dedicated activists. Growing up, if there was an injustice reported on the news, I would always hear discussions about it in the living room, in the hallway, and in my bedroom,” he shares. “Injustices were major conversation topics at home, so I have naturally been surrounded by this environment, which probably explains why I feel compelled to discuss these issues.”
He adds: “The Windrush scandal deeply affected me. I was appalled at how people were treated. As artists, we are meant to leave impressions. You should be able to listen to a record and understand that it was created during a significant time, and I feel this serves as an excellent soundtrack to not just the last few years but also the past thirty, even the past sixty years. I wanted anyone who has ever felt displaced to find a sense of home in this album.”
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The album’s lead single, ‘Black And British’, released last year during Black History Month, features Wretch 32, Benjamin AD, and Little Simz delivering their verses over a smooth, jazz-inflected instrumental. Wretch commends Simz, who recently completed her largest headline performances at The O2 in London and Co-op Live in Manchester.
“I’ve always tweeted and posted about how Little Simz is exceptional,” he remarks. “I’ve been saying that from the beginning. I’ve always believed she’s the little unicorn. She was so young, but her potential was palpable. She would dedicate herself to the craft, touring Europe, hitting smaller venues, and continuously evolving. Now she’s performing at The O2. She didn't just put in ten thousand hours; she put in ten thousand hours multiplied by ten.
“I’m so proud of her,” Wretch continues. “It’s a combination of talent and determination. She never stopped. Since she was young, I’d see her in the studio, rucksack on her back and wearing her Vans, putting in the work. It shows that while it may take some longer to achieve success, once they do, they tend to last much longer.”
Additionally, the rapper reminisces about collaborating with Ed Sheeran during the early phases of the chart-topping artist’s career. In the late 2000s and early 2010s, Sheeran frequently worked with both emerging and established UK rappers. “Good musicians have always sought ways to enhance their songs. We dabble in various genres because we excel at tempo, but discovering someone like him who could create catchy hooks felt like striking gold,” Wretch explains. “He understands the distinctions between Wretch and JME. He’s always been a true student of music. He’s a massive music enthusiast, just as I am, which allowed us to exchange a plethora of questions.”
The track in focus was Wretch 32’s ‘Welcome To My World’, which Sheeran later sampled for his 2014 hit ‘Nina’. “They say iron sharpens iron, right? Musicians gravitate towards one another. If you swim, you also appreciate divers and scuba divers. When water is in your DNA, you grasp its intricacies. So, when you see someone dive and land it flawlessly, you realize the skill involved because you know the waters yourself. It’s similar with musicians; we inhabit the studio. Seeing Ed with his loop pedal is captivating; you admire it greatly. In return, he observes us rapping and freestyling on the spot and recognizes the challenge in that. So, we hold mutual respect for each other,” Wretch explains enthusiastically.
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This May, Wretch 32, who has established a career over nearly twenty years since his initial mixtapes were released in 2006, unveiled his most reflective album.