Project Black & Red (Deluxe)

Quick-fire freestyles have established CJ Brooks as one of the UK’s sharpest rappers but this mixtape is more contemplative. With chest-out defiance (“Ain’t On Nuttin”) and careful optimism (“The Moment”), he ruminates on life’s trials and twists using dazzling wordplay. Features from Wretch 32 and Krept & Konan bring star wattage, while the blend of introspection, syncopated beats and soulful hooks occasionally suggests Drake (“Friends”, “Life of Sin”), but Yungen’s conviction and skilful rhymes render *Project Black & Red* distinctly his.