Release: 8/03/19

Debut album Psychodrama by David Orobosa Omoregie (Dave) must be regarded as one of the most thoughtful and moving albums of 2019. With emotionally raw lyrics and expert production, Dave has raised the bar for British rap.

Much of the album is formatted as a therapy session, with Dave venting his pressures, anxiety and struggles with society. This lends to Psychodrama becoming a somewhat dark journey of fear and anger. Dave’s mellow side is borne in the second half of the album with tracks including Psycho, Purple Heart, Location and Voices, but even these tracks echo the previous mentions of mental illness, paranoia, and hate.

Each track is a story, from Streatham’s coverage of Dave’s youth to Lesley, a haunting tale of the survivor of domestic abuse. Backed by poignant piano instrumentals and commendable production from industry giant Fraser T. Smith, this album was not produced to for classic bops or radio hits, but to be a statement. While some of these songs stick close to modern UK rap, they offer a way for new fans to gain access to the British rap scene.

I enjoyed this album from beginning to end. I won’t be playing some of these songs to bump up the mood, but they definitely moved me. Big fan of Psycho, Disaster and Black the most.

Overall: 8/10

Written By: Maheen Chowdhury