BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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Central Cee has spent the past few years ascending to the pinnacle of UK rap and breaking boundaries with his unique blend of authenticity and global appeal. With the release of his debut album, Can’t Rush Greatness, on January 24, 2025, the West London rapper proves that his meteoric rise is no fluke. This 17-track project, released under CC4L and Columbia Records, is more than just an album–it’s a bold statement of intent from an artist determined to leave an indelible mark on the global music scene.
The album’s title, Can’t Rush Greatness, embodies the journey Central Cee has taken to reach this point. Known for his drill roots, the rapper doesn’t shy away from experimenting with new sounds while staying true to his British identity. Across the album, he delves into themes of pre- and post-fame life, balancing braggadocious confidence with moments of vulnerability as he grapples with newfound wealth and responsibility.
In the months leading up to the release, Central Cee built anticipation with a series of singles, including the chart-topping “Band4Band” featuring Lil Baby, and the exciting “GBP” with 21 Savage, which dropped alongside a striking music video directed by Cole Bennett. These tracks teased the album’s sonic diversity and reinforced Central Cee’s ability to collaborate seamlessly with international heavyweights. The star-studded feature list also includes Skepta, Dave, Lil Durk and Young Miko, reflecting his cross-genre and transatlantic versatility.
The production across Can’t Rush Greatness is just as noteworthy, with contributions from some of the best producers in the game like; Einer Bankz, Eight8, Kendox, Fraxille, Albert Hype, Frank Rio, Jester Beats, R14, LIOHN, Gino Nano, Mason Beats, Arthur Bean, PALE1080, blindforlove, Gabe Lucas, Kid Hazel, ianobeatz, Harley Arsenault, Scott Styles, Nofuk, Ghana Beats, Geenaro, Ambessa, Peter Iskander, Santan, Synthetic, Flowrency and Lily Kaplan, amongst several others.
The album’s soundscape is a testament to its ambition. Central Cee also pays homage to his influences with a clever sampling of Ne-Yo’s R&B classic “So Sick” on his track with Lil Durk, “Truth In The Lies” as well as a Wu-Tang Clan, East Coast hip hop anthem, “C.R.E.A.M.” which he infused into the fourth track “St Patrick’s.” The samples are expertly and creatively woven into the tracks, creating an auditory bridge between eras and genres.
The album opens with “No Introduction”, an aptly titled track that sets the stage for the journey ahead. The message is clear; he’s a global star whose music is heard in Sweden, Norway, New Zealand, Australia, Asia, Indonesia…everywhere. So why would he need an introduction? He further toots his horn with phrases like, “stepped in the room and they feel my aura, that was before I had music money,” “All of the moves I make in America’s making it easier for them…” “If it weren’t for the work that I put in in Paris, none of these guys would’ve gone to Europe…” Cench knows he’s been taking the drill and grime genre international with his massive success and he’s not in any way hesitant in taking his credit–even if everyone else chooses to stay silent about it.
Crafted with a hard drill backdrop, “5 Star” has listeners enjoying a satisfying grass to grace story as Central Cee reflectively weaves lyrics that aptly contrast his past to his present. From riding his bike in the rain to taking private jets, just for a change in climate and environment. From microwaved food to specially cooked meals by private chefs. From struggling to find shelter and spending nights on the train to owning a house so big he needs a housekeeper. His lyrics paint a vivid picture–life got better, so much better and he’s going to keep grinding hard cuz he’s reaching for so much more.
In “Gata,” Central Cee teams up with Puerto Rican rapper Young Miko, creating a dynamic fusion of Latin rhythms and UK drill. The track stands out for its bilingual verses and absolutely thrilling energy that pulls listeners in from the get-go, with Young Miko delivering stellar lines in Spanish, complementing Central Cee’s English bars. This collaboration not only broadens the album’s appeal but also highlights Central Cee’s willingness to experiment with international sounds. It is an amazing track and it stands out beautifully.
“St. Patrick’s” is a track that indulges in familiar flagrant flexes, delivering an instantly gratifying experience. The song showcases Central Cee’s energetic verses and drill-influenced beats, maintaining the momentum that fans have come to expect from his music. Of course, sampling the famous Wu Tang Clan’s “C.R.E.A.M” means fans of the legendary group immediately enjoy the familiarity of the classic on the track. With the appeal of the old tune beautifully refined and combined with Cench’s fluid, rap style, you just must enjoy the vibe.
“GBP”, one of the album’s most anticipated collaborations, pairs Central Cee with 21 Savage. With a menacing, bass-heavy beat that underscores the rappers’ hot and hard verses, the track is a celebration of cross-cultural exchange that showcases Central Cee and 21 Savage exploring the differences and similarities between their respective worlds. Central Cee’s verses highlight the nuances of UK street culture, while 21 Savage brings an Atlanta perspective with his signature laid-back yet incisive delivery. Their lyrics highlight the distinct differences between the UK and the US in terms of street culture, nuances in currency value, gang life and even prevalent streetwear fashion styles.
“CRG” sees Central Cee and his fellow UK rapper Dave, trading lyrics with as much rhythmic precision as snipers. Both artists showcase their lyrical prowess and chemistry and it’s utterly jaw dropping. As stellar as the rap is, the lyrics are introspective and they paint a picture of the strife, the strenuous effort and the scars that they get in the process of climbing out of the trenches. Yes, they made it big. Yes they’ve got riches and houses and oh-so-much money now. It cost a lot though–a path to THE good life, paved in blood, sweat and tears. A truly outstanding track indeed.
“Limitless” is a plaintive track where Central Cee struggles with resonant pain. He bares his pain out for all to see as he speaks on the burning hurt of the loss of close friends–to jail and to death. He sheds light on the rough aspects of life– the struggles of dealing with betrayal, coping with suicidal thoughts and battling hard drug habits while staying ambitious and hungry through it all. The song showcases his ability to convey deep emotion through his music, adding a layer of vulnerability to the album.
“Now We’re Strangers” is a standout track that shines with an exceptional downtempo vocal over R&B guitar. The song features singer-songwriter Kamal‘s velvety vocals and a featherlight guitar strum, making it easily the rapper’s most earnest ode to love…lost. His lyrics portray wistful regret as he reflects on this lover in the past. He broke her heart and hurt her badly but wishes that he hadn’t. He misses her and hopes…prays she comes back. This track offers a more introspective and melodic approach compared to other drill-influenced tracks.
In “Truth in The Lies,” Central Cee partners with Chicago rapper Lil Durk. Cench taps into a sound we never knew existed. It’s a smooth and melodic flow that’s so far off his usual drill and rap style that on first listen, you’re not even certain he’s the one singing. Unlike in, “Now We’re Strangers,” where the melody is supplied by Kamal while Cench raps, he’s dropping some sweet tunes in this one. Coupled with a well-constructed flip of Ne-Yo’s “So Sick,” the collaboration adds a layer of versatility to the album.
“Ten” featuring Skepta, is a bold and gritty anthem that embodies the spirit of resilience, ambition, and the unrelenting grind that defines their journeys to success. Both artists trade hard rap bars on the broody, hard hitting beat and their fiery chemistry is undeniable. With clever wordplay, they talk about big wins, money moves and being at the top of the musical food chain.
On “Band4Band”, Central Cee joins forces with Lil Baby for a transatlantic celebration of rap dominance. The track is a masterclass in balancing melody and rhythm, with a hook that’s impossible to forget. Lil Baby’s smooth delivery contrasts with Central Cee’s sharper cadence, creating a dynamic interplay that showcases the best of both worlds.
Another highlight, “Gen Z Luv,” showcases Central Cee’s ability to connect with a younger audience–his generation. With witty and relatable lines and many social media references, the track dives into the quirks of modern relationships and the new age trend of relationships getting built on the internet. Its catchy hook and unique beat have made it a viral hit and some of the terms Cench uses, reflect the rapper’s keen understanding of contemporary culture.
Concluding the album beautifully, Central Cee delivers “Don’t Know Anymore,” a reflective closer that ties the project together. It’s a deeply introspective track that showcases the rapper’s vulnerable side, peeling back the layers of his public persona to reveal his internal struggles, just like any other man. He reflects on the weight of success and how he’s come to the realization that more money doesn’t necessarily mean less problems. He talks about traumatic experiences, growing pains, sleepless nights and broken friendships–a raw and heartfelt confessional that stands out for its emotional depth.
Beyond its individual tracks, Can’t Rush Greatness is a cohesive body of work that cements Central Cee’s place as one of the most exciting voices in rap today. The album’s tracks highlight his versatility and global appeal, while the contributions from such a wide array of outstanding producers, ensures that the project sounds fresh and innovative. Each track seamlessly flows into the next and so, once you begin to listen, you’re done with the album in no time at all. You can’t get enough and so it’s right back to the start so you can hear it all again. Every single song stands out and its made very clear now why Central Cee took his time with the album. You can’t rush greatness indeed and while listeners had to wait for so long, every second, every moment of patience was sooo worth it.
With Can’t Rush Greatness, Central Cee has crafted more than just an album. He has delivered a cultural moment, a celebration of British rap’s global potential, and a declaration of his own artistic identity. This is the sound of a star stepping into his own, and it’s safe to say that greatness has, indeed, arrived.
