UGLY – Slowthai ★★★½

Year	Album	Artist	Stars	Score	Genre
2023	UGLY	Slowthai	★★★½	78	Hip-Hop	Post Punk

Subsections of hip-hop continue to inch closer to traditional rock and punk music — using elements like live guitars and drums, sung passages and screaming choruses. British rapper Slowthai’s 2023 album UGLY is essentially a rock record, with heavy doses of modern post punk and hints of late 2000s alternative and indie rock. 

Vocally, Slowthai still leans on rapping, but his varying inflection usually matches the aggression of the music perfectly. Some spoken word or shouted sections on “Selfish,” “HAPPY” and “UGLY” fit in with the punk instrumentals that feature buzzing guitars, quick drum runs, building musical bridges and repetitive choruses. “UGLY” in particular, which is performed by Fontaines D.C., really has some raw, unhinged emotion that pairs seamlessly with the slow, droning guitars and blaring synths. He sounds carefree on “Sooner” and “Feel Good,” while his reflective delivery on “Never Again” matches the song’s jazzy, hip-hop drums and soft, repeating piano chords. And his sad, more intimate performance on “Falling” and others are reminiscent of a King Krule stoner blues track. 

Unfortunately, two months after the record was released to high praise, Slowthai was charged with rape. A trial is set for 2024. UGLY a very good, interesting album, but while I could easily dig into the details of the songs and the messages more, I don’t really feel the need to at this point. Listen to it (and avoid it)  at your own risk.