Album Review: Ashley Walters by Ashley Walters

Since his release from prison in 2002, former So Solid Crew member Ashley Walters has been known more for a burgeoning and acclaimed acting career than for his music, accompanied by countless stories on how his life has turned around. In a bid to capitalise on this newfound respectability, his return to his first career finds his MC name, Asher D, ditched in favour of his full name, and a selection of polished, eclectic tracks assembled. Walters switches between loping hip-hop beats, frenetic grime tracks and thoughtful, downtempo reflections with impressive dexterity and, as he casually tosses in descriptions such as "fighting like white boys pissed in the pub" along the way, his mix of gruffness and smoothness is appealing enough.

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