Almost
a decade since dropping his debut, top 10 album ‘No Point In Wasting
Tears’, Ironik releases his second studio album ‘Truth Be Told’. Making a
serious opening statement about the record via the release of the first
single ‘Tuff’, featuring Rap Royalty Snoop Dogg, and premiering with
Mistajam on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Ironik says of ‘Truth Be Told’, "it's
definitely my best work to date. I’ve been all over the world in the
last two years DJ’ing in countries like Dubai, Japan and all over Europe
and its undoubtedly inspired my music but there’s no place like home
and whilst I reflect the influences I’ve had, the album remains a
testament to being UK and homegrown.''
Revealing the tracklist via his Instagram account, fans and critics were teased with the forthcoming release and an impressive array of featured artists. Artists including Fekky and Big Tobz point towards tougher, rap laced tracks with deeper lyricism and thought provocation, whilst the inclusion of Paigey Cakey on ‘Wanna Know’ angles at a sweeter R&B vibe that Ironik has always twisted his influences around. Talented rapper/producer Ayo Beatz features twice providing both production and vocals on the party track Watch Nuttin and again on the final track of the album, ‘Mercy’, whilst newcomer Gambimi lays down a soulful vocal on the smooth and sexy ‘Dancing’.
As the project provides an exploration into Ironik’s growth and maturity as an artist, it also conveys a very honest and open account to his years and battles within the music scene. Ironik shot to fame as a 19 year old, initially as a DJ and producer where he worked closely with the likes of Tinie Tempah and Chip, going on to debut as an artist when he released the video for ‘So Nice’ on seminal music station Channel U. The video remained in the top 3 most requested records for a huge 20 weeks indicating big things were to come for the North London rapper. Whilst being taken under the wing of the grime scene, his music often portrayed a softer edge to other acts, tinged with R&B, Hip-Hop and UK Garage, something which clearly resonated well with music lovers and those discovering Ironik. His second release, ‘Stay With Me’ landed him a number 5 official chart position and from there on in his successes grew, resulting in a further top 5 single, one top 10 single, a top 10 album, and over a million record sales. As with many of his peers, his early success came at both a personal cost and a professional one too. The young star was stabbed close to his home forcing Ironik to withdraw from the scene and the limelight and it is only now, through his music, that he has found his solace and is now able to openly look back on, and share, his journey.
Revealing the tracklist via his Instagram account, fans and critics were teased with the forthcoming release and an impressive array of featured artists. Artists including Fekky and Big Tobz point towards tougher, rap laced tracks with deeper lyricism and thought provocation, whilst the inclusion of Paigey Cakey on ‘Wanna Know’ angles at a sweeter R&B vibe that Ironik has always twisted his influences around. Talented rapper/producer Ayo Beatz features twice providing both production and vocals on the party track Watch Nuttin and again on the final track of the album, ‘Mercy’, whilst newcomer Gambimi lays down a soulful vocal on the smooth and sexy ‘Dancing’.
As the project provides an exploration into Ironik’s growth and maturity as an artist, it also conveys a very honest and open account to his years and battles within the music scene. Ironik shot to fame as a 19 year old, initially as a DJ and producer where he worked closely with the likes of Tinie Tempah and Chip, going on to debut as an artist when he released the video for ‘So Nice’ on seminal music station Channel U. The video remained in the top 3 most requested records for a huge 20 weeks indicating big things were to come for the North London rapper. Whilst being taken under the wing of the grime scene, his music often portrayed a softer edge to other acts, tinged with R&B, Hip-Hop and UK Garage, something which clearly resonated well with music lovers and those discovering Ironik. His second release, ‘Stay With Me’ landed him a number 5 official chart position and from there on in his successes grew, resulting in a further top 5 single, one top 10 single, a top 10 album, and over a million record sales. As with many of his peers, his early success came at both a personal cost and a professional one too. The young star was stabbed close to his home forcing Ironik to withdraw from the scene and the limelight and it is only now, through his music, that he has found his solace and is now able to openly look back on, and share, his journey.
IRONIK – "TRUTH BE TOLD" AVAILABLE BELOW:
Spotify: Here
Apple Music: Here
CONNECT WITH IRONIK
TWITTER: @DJironik
INSTAGRAM: @DJIronik
TWITTER: @DJironik
INSTAGRAM: @DJIronik