Hull may not be the first location you think of when considering UK rap, but Chiedu Oraka is determined to change that perception. In recent years, he has established himself as one of the North's most unyielding voices, and his EP 'Undeniable' is a testament to that: it's impossible to overlook. Throughout these tracks, Chiedu showcases the rawness and rapid-fire lyricism that has garnered him endorsements from Skepta to Coldplay, with his verses serving as unfiltered glimpses into Northern, Black, working-class life—centered around wit and emotion.
Across the five tracks of the record, he traces his journey from humble beginnings to the resilience that shapes him today, transitioning from underground fame to broader recognition. 'Last Laugh' responds to skeptics with sharp humor, transforming rejection into a source of motivation, while 'Story of A Pauper' depicts his ascent as a contemporary Dickensian narrative, filled with struggle yet propelled by defiance and resolve. The final track, 'ACRA Freestyle,' unifies the themes: a bold declaration of creative freedom that pays homage to his roots while highlighting how far he has come. It feels like a shared triumph, representing the community of Black creatives from his hometown.
With powerful production from long-time partner Deezkid, alongside Dot Inc and Shadow On The Beat, 'Undeniable' resonates strongly throughout, merging garage-inspired energy with darker, reflective pieces. However, it is Chiedu’s lyrics that leave the most lasting impact: filled with anger but never without direction, political yet not preachy, and always grounded in real-life experiences. If the upcoming 2024 mixtape 'Misfit' was about establishing his presence, then 'Undeniable' serves as a well-deserved victory lap—illustrating the complete journey of a young man from a council estate in Hull who, against all odds, has risen to become one of the most formidable figures in UK rap.
Through the blending of time and genre conventions, this record feels like it has always been a part of existence.
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It makes a significant impact overall, blending garage-driven energy with more somber, reflective tracks.