Jan 25
Selfish by Slowthai | Song Review
A brief look at the Brit-rapper’s latest single to his upcoming album UGLY
British rapper Slowthai returns with his latest song titled “Selfish”, the lead single to his upcoming album UGLY which is set to drop on March 3rd. This new track sees Slowthai move away from his grime roots and into the punk rock/alternative scene. Granted this isn’t the first time Tyron has hopped on a punk track (“Doorman” feat. Mura Masa comes to mind) and his chaotic energy is quite fitting for this sound. Naturally, Slowthai rides the song's dark bassline incredibly well. Switching back and forth between muted singing, and his signature yelping style of rap occasionally.
Based on the single alone, I have high hopes that Slowthai’s upcoming album will be a more rock-inspired, post-punk ordeal, which has me all the more intrigued about UGLY. I also imagine that this album will be another look at the mirror for the artist, similar to his last album TYRON, as evident by his most recent Instagram post announcing this new album:
At a time when I hated myself, creating this album saved me and taught me how to love myself.
Lyrically “Selfish” is focused on Slowthai’s own selfishness. Repeating to listeners that he’s “simply thinking for myself” in the song’s chorus. Perhaps Tyron’s in a state of mind where he believes selfishness and keeping to himself will keep him in check mentally. I’m excited to see how this song will play within the context of the full album.
Overall “Selfish” is a solid teaser to what’s to come from Slowthai this March, the punk direction of the new single works well for Slowthai’s aesthetic and overall character. At the time of writing, the artist just finished doing a 24-hour live stream of himself in a room full of mirrors, safe to say the marketing for UGLY is well underway as of now. We can definitely expect another single or two prior to the March 3rd drop, fingers crossed.
UGLY will be Slowthai’s first release in 2 years following 2021’s TYRON, you can check out my review for his last album here.
Listen to Selfish by Slowthai: Apple Music | Spotify
