Introspective And Real: South London Rap Tactician Skeamer's Debut Album ‘Black Roses’

Boasting obtuse, rattling hi-hats and thumping 808 drum patterns, ‘Black Roses’ is one of the finest drill records to grace the UK rap pantheon In recent history. Backed by his collective OJB, Skeamer pulls from an eclectic range of soundscapes ranging from chilling soul samples to reverberating basslines. Skeamer’s 15-track epic is the crystallisation of his prolific, self-reflective lyricism and soul-bound introspection.

Hailing from Battersea, South London, Skeamer was raised by the old stomping ground of UK garage legends So Solid Crew: which proved instrumental to Skeamer’s musical inspiration. Paired alongside the hardships of growing up on the notorious Winstanley estate in Clapham Junction, Skeamer’s music reads like a deep, perilous character study.

The album opens with the ominous, piano-soaked and soul-laden ‘When It Rains It Pours’. Anchoring itself as the album’s core thesis, Skeamer reflects on fatherhood, poverty, religion and hood economics over an eerie backdrop. ‘ME vs ME’ sees the rapper chronicle the next chapter of his journey, recounting his quest for redemption whilst he battles himself internally.

With millions of views behind him, Skeamer approaches drill with a pensive slant, separating himself from his contemporaries. ‘Black Roses’ isn’t a solo affair, either the South Londoner recruits OJB members Skore Beezy, Wrecker and Sai So, as well as rising rap polymath Potter Payper and legends Ard Adz and Scorcher, amongst a slew of other guests.

The Skore Beezy and Potter Payper collaboration ‘Cold Night’ probably resembles the dark, grim reaper-themed album cover the most. The concrete-laden romp details the cutthroat street code: with the three MCs adding a new layer to the story with each verse. Album closer ‘Black Roses’ is the perfect bookend to the LP, with a gospel and R&B-tinged chorus to counterbalance the trauma-ridden qualms woven into his inward-looking verses that promotes the dual feelings of confession and healing which you feel throughout the album.

The project contains the Battersea spitter Ard Adz-assisted ‘Pride’, amassing millions of views on GRM Daily, as well as street anthem ‘Stay Real’ ft Snap Capone and Tottenham’s very own Scorcher. ‘Fastlane’ is a hidden gem on the project, hard pure rap verses and a smooth R&B chorus to tie it together.

Keeping his foot off the gas fans were also blessed with the reflective ‘We Had Nothing’ where he revisits the past, whilst looking forward simultaneously, Skeamer’s ode to liberty ‘Freedom’s Priceless’ and the struggle-imbued anthem ‘Pain Is Temporary’.

Outside of his releases, Skeamer has graced the world-renowned YouTube platform ‘No Jumper’. Throughout his appearance, Skeamer and the rest of OJB gave viewers a tour of his local neighbourhood, fueling the hype around his name and character.

Skeamer has also received major co-signs from industry tastemakers and radio personalities such as BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ’s including Target, Sian Anderson, Snoochie Shy and Kenny Allstar as well as Kiss FM’s Ellie Prohan and Capital Xtra’s Shayna Marie. The overwhelming support around Skeamer’s artistry all predates his album, poising it as the embodiment of his creativity.