Krept & Konan – Young Kingz II
Young Kingz II, the long-awaited second album from Krept & Konan, lives up to the promise of their debut
What’s the longest you’ve ever waited for a sequel? Croydon duo Krept & Konan have kept fans waiting 12 years for the follow-up to their debut album, Young Kingz. In the intervening decade they’ve gone from rising stars to rap game royalty while continuing to make hits, blending grime, rap and dancehall for that signature UK sound.
Singles Low Vibrations and New Snap City showcase the pair’s breezy beats and cheeky bars, before Konan ups the pace on the seething, drill-influenced Last Night in Kingston. And as they settle into the album, both artists take a moment for introspection. Nala’s Song is Krept’s message to his three-year-old daughter, followed by Delroy’s Son, a beautiful and cathartic address to Konan’s late father, flanked by soaring gospel vocals. These slow-burners are some of the album’s best tracks and infuse the latter half with a fresh energy. Highlights here include Smooth Lovin’ featuring dancehall legend Popcaan, the sombre bars of Street Therapy that reflect on darker times, and the thumping beats of Rage with grime veteran Ghetts.
Young Kingz II delivers on all fronts, drawing from a wide range of influences, full of personal touches and boasting accomplished features. The result is, for once, a sequel that lives up to the original.
Listen to: Delroy’s Son, Last Night in Kingston (Konan Solo), Low Vibrations