North London Grime emcee Row D returns with what is surprisingly his debut album. A surprise in that Row D has been around for some time now, at least the past ten years, and has been working the Grime circuit, shelling radio sets, and involved in clashes, including Who’s Da Boss, Lord of the Mics and BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Lyrical Master competition. Row D’s lengthy CV includes the impressive, album-worthy ‘White Rhino’, ‘More Than Shouting’, ‘Dont Get Bitter, Get Better’, and various EP’s such as ‘Elevation’, ‘Riddim dim dim’ and ‘Re-Up’.

‘Growth’ marks a significant milestone in Row D’s journey, and the aptly named debut album resembles that, as he moves on to the next phase in his career. ‘Growth’ consists of ten impressive tracks and features South London Grime emcee’s Shannon Parkes and Ten Dixon, repping W.A.V.E. The project opens with the Dubzta-produced ‘All Different Now’, a sombre reflection on how far Row D has come to get to this moment, pointing out differences, some for the worst, but mostly for the best. This is not the first track to explore relationships, both work and love orientated.

‘Hear All That’ features Row D expressing his thoughts on certain people that need to fix up, take care of business in both the work and personal sense, and he makes it clear in the hook that he only wants positive energy around him. Produced by LEVLZ, this grandiose, trapesque Grime track sounds very much like Row D elevating to a higher plateau.

‘Your Type’, produced by Majix is a mellow, Drill-influenced love song of sorts, with Row D in a pensive mood, rhyming about one girl that he is attracted to, yet she doesn’t appreciate him and always tries playing him. To be with him, she’s got to earn the right, earn his trust. Dubzta links up with Row D on ‘No Other’, a solemn love song in which he rhymes about both the good and bad in one particular relationship, that he is willing to overcome any obstacles to have a better future. A relationship built on accepting each other’s perfect imperfections. ‘Family First’ sums up Row D’s character as a family man. Produced by Filthy Gears, this one is a rhythmic Grime-come-Drill banger with a salsa vibe, on which Row D expresses his hunger and motivation to have a real go at pursuing his dreams and ambitions, putting his family first and doing it for them.

Row D caters to the Grime purists with ‘Tea In China’, produced by A.T, a rightfully boastful tirade of bars about his superior skills on the mic. A switch up in his approach to life, Row D is a family man that values relationships and honest graft, rather than quick fame. Row D is comfortable in his own ability. Row D links up with Shannon Parkes and Ten Dixon (Nasty Bros) on a hot grime track produced by Shannon Parkes, as they put the state of the scene under the microscope, observing certain guys that have no backbone, or can’t back their talk. All three emcee’s deliver bars with flair and energy, the chorus cutting to the chase. ‘Fuck Em’ is a heavyweight Dubzta-produced track in the same vein, Row D throwing up a metaphorical middle finger to those that have wronged him, and not staying one hundred. Row D keeps it real by throwing up the middle finger, the hook as blunt as possible. Row D comes through with energy and aggression on this one.

Quality over quantity, and keeping his circle small and close-knit, the Owly Beats-produced ‘Elephant Memory’ is a lyrical embodiment of Row D’s growth mentally, refusing to forget those who crossed him, gaining knowledge and wealth. Row D’s path is clear, and nobody is standing in his way. Row D closes out the album with ‘The Truth’, which is about his undying love for his daughter, and his commitment to her. Row D expresses that there is no end to what he will do for her, admiring her perfections and the beauty in her potential and life in general. The ideology in this track could be applied to music too, and really intertwines with the whole project, the notion that Row D is a family man, focused on music and his family.

‘Growth’ encompasses Row D’s journey up until now, and each track features deep, thought-provoking lyrics that personify the spiritual and mental growth that he has undertaken. Whether intentional or not, ‘Growth’ is a personal account of Row D’s past experiences, his emotions, feelings, and ambitions. There will be at least one song that will resonate with the listener, and there is really no denying Row D’s lyrical prowess, progressive style and delivery.

Stream and purchase ‘Growth’, the debut album from Row D, and leave your feedback in the comments.

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