Album Review: Central Cee- CAN'T RUSH GREATNESS

Central Cee finds himself in the upper echelons of rap music, rubbing elbows and collabing with the likes of Drake, 21 Savage, and Lil Baby, but his first full-length album CAN’T RUSH GREATNESS shows the extent of Cench’s shortcomings. 

The album opens with the track “No Introduction,” where Cench details his lavish lifestyle, full of money, women, and influence, along with his difficult upbringing in the hood of West London. This track, while being named the exact opposite, is a fitting introduction to Central Cee’s entire character and artistic persona. 

The third track (and my personal favorite) “Gata” features Puerto Rican singer and rapper, Young Miko. It’s a fun bilingual track, employing U.K. drill’s signature percussive triplets mixed with Latin funk-inspired instrumentation. Cench uses a nicer flow, bouncing with the sparkling beat, but Young Miko shines. She’s vibrant and relaxed, while still keeping up with Cench’s flexing.

The album’s singles, “GBP” featuring 21 Savage and “BAND4BAND” featuring Lil Baby, are decent, but they serve as a continual reminder of how Central Cee falls flat. When he’s collaborating with other artists, you’re reminded of how dynamic every other artist sounds in comparison to Cench. 

He uses the same flow for Every. Single. Song. The flow is so monotonous, coupled with the repetitive beats, that it honestly resembles drone music more than hip-hop. 

Other standout tracks included “Gen Z Luv” and “Now We’re Strangers,” Central Cee’s attempts at being heartfelt. In case you couldn’t guess, the attempts failed. 

“Gen Z Luv” has some of the most ridiculous lines I’ve ever heard, including “She liked my post, I liked her post / Love at first sight, love at first scroll.” It sounds like a meet-cute story from my most annoying friend. 

“Now We’re Strangers” is allegedly about his relationship, and then break up, with influencer Madeline Argy. The song immediately starts with a chorus sung by guest artist Kamal., but it feels so out of place, it’s almost comical. The lines are surface-level, and Cench continues his dull, one-note flow. If I were Madeline, I would not want him back.

This album is far from perfect (or even good), but it does have my favorite line I’ve ever heard in a rap song: “I don't know how to make a song, I just rhyme on the beat and say how I feel.”

Powerful stuff.

Always and forever,

-DJ Ford Fiesta AKA Lalou Ratsimihah