UNKNOWN T’S BLOODY DEBUT
Born Daniel Richie Lena, Unknown T shot to fame in 2018 with his crossover hit 'Homerton B' which became a landmark in the UK drill industry and marked the beginning of a journey that would ultimately lead to the release of his much-awaited debut album, 'Blood Diamond’.
‘Homerton B' redefined the drill genre by defying expectations and bringing back the dynamic flow of golden-age hip hop. Just a few weeks before Carni 2018, the tune introduced an unexpected playfulness to the typically intense realm of UK drill, propelling the song into the mainstream.
In 2019, Unknown T faced legal issues; his post-prison songs conveyed a heightened sense of unease and anxiety. Influenced by artists like Skepta, his lyrics, reflecting an underdog mindset, acquired a unique tone.
T’s mixtapes, 'Rise Above Hate' and 'Adolescence' served as reflections of his surroundings, imparting a uniquely Unknown T twist to themes of love, drugs, and violence. This enhanced the dystopian feel of UK drill music at the time, while also alluding to a wider sonic range.
Blood Diamond' defies expectations by experimenting with genres and focusing on themes of prosperity, heritage, and justice. It showcases a diverse soundscape while maintaining the unmistakable drill mastery of Unknown T.
From drill track ‘2023’ to the gospel-infused ‘Rain’ and standout ‘Adolescence’ the album uses a range of musical techniques to examine themes of pain, love, and loss. In keeping with the passing of the mantle, tributes to Skepta, Drake, and Stormzy highlight Unknown T's trademark flow, recognisable ad-libs, and rich tone.
The album's diverse sound design, incorporating synthesizers, sweeping piano, seductive sax, and bursts of ammunition, is what makes it so captivating. Adrenaline-pumping moments juxtapose with introspective ones, transforming hopelessness into beauty. Unknown T’s self-proclaimed 'elegant drill' is evident in songs like 'Bon Appétit' while 'Wisdom & Smoke' and 'Still In The Mud' showcase his mastery of classical drill.
To celebrate the album’s release, T launched a limited series of 500 vinyl records in collaboration with Nigerian painter Slawn and re-released his sunglasses collaboration with Places + Faces. The album's release date featured an album signing and a cypher at Slawn’s café, BeauBeaus. The cypher included performances from Slawn, Unknown T himself, and regulars at the café, underscoring the significance of community in UK music, with BeauBeaus’ own Dripset on the decks. The event drew people from all walks of life who patiently waited in the cold for over 2 hours, eager to meet Unknown T and collectively celebrate his latest work, highlighting the album’s widespread appeal.
Within the broader UK rap genre, 'Blood Diamond' stands out as a serious, sophisticated, and exciting album, instantly establishing itself as a classic. Listeners can’t help but draw comparisons to other significant UK rap albums, such as Skepta's 'Konnichiwa' and last year's 'Real Back In Style' emphasizing Unknown T's commitment to evolution and avoidance of trend hopping. 'Blood Diamond' demonstrates Unknown T's crucial role in the global music landscape, showcasing his sonic flexibility. This masterful debut solidifies his position as a dynamic and enduring performer in the ever-changing UK rap industry.