10 Best UK Albums Of 2019

Slowthai has had an absolutely astounding 2019. He's worked with the likes of Tyler, The Creator, Brockhampton, Skepta and Denzel Curry. And yet what still stands out as his shining moment is the release of his debut album, Nothing Great About Britain. This is easily the rawest and most unapologetic album to come out of the UK for a number of years now. Despite being a rapper, Slowthai is also carrying the torch for everything the punk movement stood for. After all, what is more punk than performing at the Mercury awards holding a fake severed head of the sitting Prime Minister?

Slowthai's squawking and creaking voice is immediately recognisable alongside his choice of gritty and rough instrumentals. But make no mistake, the toughest part of his music is his lyrics. He does not shy away from taking a political stance, most notably against the current Conservative government and Theresa May on this album in particular. On North Nights he raps "Theresa May wanna be like Branson/ Making P from airplane traffic", a perfect example of him taking the political sphere straight back down to earth.

His ability to combine humour and brutal reality is another standout, particularly on tracks like Northampton's Child and the title track. It's that level of self awareness coupled with his choice to not take himself too seriously that makes him such a captivating songwriter.

Slowthai is an artist that refuses to be categorised. He dwells in the crevices between hip-hop, grime and punk. And it makes for an awfully powerful listening experience.