ArrDee ‎– Pier Pressure (Cassette) / Aitch

Now it’s time for his aptly-named debut mixtape ‘Pier Pressure’, which, as the Lola Young-featuring track ‘Who Woulda Thought’ explores, largely serves to chronicle the coming-of-age tale of its dispensable delinquent-turned-rap superstar creator.

On ‘Late Night Driving’, ArrDee reflects on the personal consequences of his strong work ethic. “It’s 5AM on the m’way / I been all booth all night, giving my all,” he raps with contemplative conviction over a guitar-laden, hi-hat-heavy instrumental. “Ain’t seen mum in a month, and I miss her.” He switches tack with the throwback UK garage single ‘Flowers (Say My Name)’, which sees ArrDee interpolate Destiny’s Child’s ‘Say My Name’ and Sweet Female Attitude’s ‘Flowers’ to deliver some cheeky and confident bars. “There’s no way I’mma stand in the rain,” he tells one love interest in the hook. “I can still make you say my name, say my name, say my name / Life without me might drive you insane.”

‘No Biggie’, meanwhile, sees ArrDee deploy a 2000s-like flow that’s reminiscent of the party rap earworms of yesterday, while ‘War’ sees him go back and forth with Manchester rapper Aitch over a cinematic yet somewhat over-produced track.

Although some of the tracks on this mixtape lack the rapper’s usual lyrical dexterity (‘Fruitella’, ‘Come & Go’), this concise 11-track project thankfully isn’t overloaded with guest features that come across like contractual obligations. Instead, ArrDee plasters the record with radio-friendly drill beats, quality rhymes and nightclub belters befitting of his character, ensuring that ‘Pier Pressure’ provides a clear snapshot of a rapper very much on the rise.

Label: Island Records

Country: UK

Media Condition: Mint (M)
Sleeve Condition: Mint (M)

Sealed