AJ Tracey has produced something truly special with his latest instalment Don’t Die Before You Are Dead, showing exactly why the Ladbroke Grove star continues to be a standout in the UK rap scene. Though the album boasts features from Headie One, Aitch, Big Zuu and Jorja Smith, it’s AJ who constantly brings the listener back for more—each feature a supporting cast member in the West Londoner’s spectacle.
Flu Game, AJ’s last major project, saw the emcee explore a more mainstream sound—T- Pain, Nav and Kehlani all made appearances. Though it had some standout tracks, it didn’t quite fit the rapper’s core aesthetic or sound and was met with mixed responses. From the first track of this new instalment, we sense that AJ is back home—in sounds and spirit.
“Outta Sight” sets the scene early on: a strong yet subtle threat as to who AJ is, and a stark reminder that, despite not releasing a major project in four years, he is still the main man in the rap scene. The opener creates the atmosphere of a late-night drive through the streets of Ladbroke Grove: retrospective and delicate in its delivery, yet all the more ominous as AJ’s sharp tongue delivers venom with every bar. It’s raw and marks a return to a less commercial, more authentic direction that truly embodies who AJ is.
The transition from “Outta Sight” to “Second Nature” is night and day. AJ pulls the listener out of the melancholic night cruise and into an all-guns-blazing road anthem. From the jump, the kick drums announce themselves—‘it’s that time’—with cut-up samples disillusioning the listener before the emcee drives the narrative forward with braggadocios lyricism:“I weren’t in the UK sittin’ in traffic, I was out in Tokyo cartin’ The GLE logo’s a B, no parkin’ I just called Aitch ’cause “Rain” went viral again, and we laughed in rich”.
“Second Nature” is the first in a line of tracks that carry a central sonic thread—what I’d call ‘The AJ Tracey Special’. It continues with “Crush” feat. Jorja Smith (the hit single, and for good reason), “Paid In Full” feat. Big Zuu, Wax, Ets & D7, and “Joga Bonita”.
While AJ explores his versatility across the project via darker instrumentals, the ‘special’ is spread throughout the album to bring the listener back to where the West Londoner thrives: high tempo, punchlines and strong hooks to keep us listening on repeat.
The third track, “3rd Time Lucky”, sees AJ pull away from throwing quick jabs and takes a moment to provide an ode to his mother. Here, the West London rapper showcases his storytelling capabilities, delving into themes of sickness, the grim reality of growing up and what it was like for his family to live life in “hard mode”. “It’s like our life started on hard mode, I pray to God to restart on novice They say it’s the strongest people that God chooses for the hardest wars That’s why the first time she was ill, she was shinin’ bright on the darkest ward,” the rapper explains.
The emcee’s ability to craft hits and club bangers is perfectly complemented by the vivid storytelling in his third track, again showcasing his versatility. It puts to bed any doubt that AJ isn’t a multifaceted rapper that has one of the sharpest pens in the game.
“Chat Rooms”, “Prem Proven” and “West Life” all land as solid entries, touching on AJ’s usual themes of the London lifestyle, romantic happenings and his signature football one-liners. “I’m a casual guy, don’t rush things, if you wrong me, I’ma slide in Crocs Through ball to my shooters, nickname’s Tottie, I know you won’t sky this shot”, AJ raps. At least this year the Spurs fan can finally celebrate winning a trophy.
Before the close, we are blessed with a track that deserves attention—”Jeff Hardy”. Named after the WWE icon, the song is of superstar quality. Similar to the album opener, the listener is pulled back into the shadows—synth-heavy and ominous, it sets a cinematic mood before AJ glides enters with cut-throat road rap bars. There’s a nostalgic grit to the track, reminiscent of the raw energy of groups like 67, yet it remains distinctly modern: “This ain’t UFC but promise I’ll weigh him in Like my opps got Covid-19, they’re stayin’ in Diss my mumma, on my mumma, I’m sprayin’ him”. The rhyme scheme isn’t overly complex, but it doesn’t need to be—his impeccable delivery does all the work.
Don’t Die Before You Are Dead was well worth the four-year wait, AJ Tracey delivered on every front and continues to solidify his reputation as one of the best rappers in the UK scene. The Ladbroke Grove native serves up versatility, delivery and a refined pen. There is no doubt that he will continue to shine.