Wretch 32 has announced details of a new album called ‘Home?’. Check out the latest single ‘Like Home’ below.
The new record marks the highly anticipated sixth album from the singer, songwriter and rapper, and is set for release on May 2.
The record will see Wretch 32 venture on a profound exploration into identity and belonging, as well as the Black British experience. It is comprised of 15 songs, and set to meticulously blend inspiration from across Afrobeat, grime, dancehall and reggae.
“The album is a powerful reflection on the strains, joys, and injustices experienced by Black British people, offering a poignant commentary on the broader social and political landscape,” reads a new press description.
“But more than that, the record is universal, a powerful and relatable story of place and identity, one that cuts across the many intersections of society, from hurricane Beryl that has devastated Grenada and other places in the Caribbean, the increasing widespread homelessness in Britain, refugees seeking solace from wars in countries like Ukraine, Afghanistan, Palestine, Congo, many things make people question the concept of home.”
As well as announcing the LP, the artist has also shared the latest single from the project. This comes in the form of a new collaboration with Teni called ‘Like Home’.
The single follows on from the lead single ‘Black And British’, which arrived in October last year and saw Wretch 32 team up with Little Simz and Benjamin A.D.
With the latest offering, the artist showcases a different side to the record and captures a stripped-back, rhythmic Afro-beat shuffle. It also comes alongside a new music video that mirrors the reflective, tranquil energy captured in the song. Check it out above.
It ties in with the overarching theme of the record, which sees Wretch 32 put forward a “generational story told in sound, spanning from the experiences and trials of the Windrush generation to the social, political and musical upheavals of today.”
As well as the new material, the British artist has also partnered with BIMM and the Black Music Coalition. In doing so, they have launched a dedicated scholarship supporting Black music industry professionals.
Wretch 32 ‘Home?’ artwork. CREDIT: Press
“Music has always served as a lifeline to me and opened up a world that I may not have come to know otherwise,” he said when announcing the partnership last November.
“Understanding that power, and finding ways to pass that to future generations is crucial to legacy building and purpose. It is needed from all of us to sustain the art – a part of building is making sure it’s left in safe hands.”
Find out more about that here, and visit here to pre-order the new album.
‘Home?’ will follow Wretch’s 2019 album Upon Reflection’ – which NME awarded full marks, saying it was “one of the best UK rap records of the year” and “prove[d] his pen is mightier than most.”