Let’s be honest, female rappers aren’t always repping, right? Sure, Missy Elliott can spit just about as well as anyone out there, but she is a rare breed. It’s not fair to compare Speech Debelle, one of 12 acts nominated for the Mercury Prize this year, to Missy, but her rhymes are definitely up there. Debelle makes me proud to be British. She has excellent flow, and matches it with a throw-back jazz instrumental, full of skatty drum breaks and muted brass.

Her debut album, Speech Therapy has picked up column inches in numerous UK tabloids, resulting in the much deserved nomination earlier this week. A win looks unlikely, but the resultant press has caused a U.S. release of the album on August 18, through Dada Records. Guest artists include Roots Manuva, Micachu, and more.

Yes, kids, this is one album worth checking out.

Speech Therapy Tracklist:
01. Searching
02. The Key
03. Better Days
04. Spinnin’
05. Go Then, Bye
06. Daddy’s Little Girl
07. Bad Boy
08. Wheels In Motion
09. Live And Learn
10. Working Weak
11. Buddy Love
12. Finish This Album
13. Speech Therapy

Categories: News
Tags: Mercury Prize, Speech Debelle, Speech Therapy