Album Review: Self Titled by Kae Tempest

Instinctive and raw, yet tender to the touch, his most powerful statement yet demands to be heard Self-titled albums are usually seen as a statement of intent, proclaiming exactly how an artist sees themselves. So it is with Kae Tempest, five albums in and releasing a work that proves his strongest statement yet. The instinctively delivered lyrics reflect Tempest's prowess as a poet, becoming a celebration of identity as a trans man while dealing with the resultant push-pull for body and mind.

Full Review >>

Multi-hyphenate South Londoner Kae Tempest formerly focused squarely at painting the rich inner lives of others. With ‘Self-Titled’, the rapper and spoken word performer turns inwards, resulting in a record overflowing with vivid interiority though sonically inconsistent. Their exploration into their own gender identity and rediscovery is front and centre on ‘Self-Titled’, and the poetic wordsmith Tempest weaves lexical motifs throughout.

Full Review >>

There's something utterly vital and captivating about 'Self Titled' that feels new - even moreso considering it comes from an artist whose back catalogue is already in an enviable state. Easily Kae Tempest's most personal album to date, the core of the record is formed around his gender transition, existence as a trans person in the UK today - in an increasingly hostile climate - and the bridges between his past and present selves. "We've been here from the start and we ain't going nowhere," he raps on the invigorating and anthemic 'Statue In The Square', a track that feels like a call-to-arms to his community to live authentically and with passionate purpose.

Full Review >>