This month, Wretch 32’s seminal debut mixtape ‘Learn From My Mixtape’ turns 10 years old. It was a real moment for the culture, as it showcased him as the lyrical monster that he really is. From that point he’s never looked back, cementing himself with fans, critics and the charts as one of the greatest MC’s from our country to ever pick up a microphone.
With the anniversary looming, we wanted to celebrate the project, as well as celebrate the man behind it. Below are 5 of our favourite moments from Wretch 32, that we think have helped cement his place in the upper echelons of hip-hop and everything in between. Here’s to another 10 years.
When he dropped “Used To Be”
It was one of the first times that Wretch, Scorcher, Ghetts and Mercston united as The Movement in a really prominent way and my lard was it one to remember. The track was a part of ‘Learn From My Mixtape’, but it took on a life of it’s own in 2006. The high pitched sample set the stage for the four of them to drop some serious bars and has remained a firm fan favourite ever since.
When he took over the charts
Wretch 32 wasn’t the first MC to chart and he certainly wasn’t the last. But that’s not to downplay the massive achievement of impacting the charts like he did. His consecutive singles “Traktor” and “Unorthodox” went to number 5 and number 2 respectively on the UK charts, before “Don’t Go” put the cherry on the top and got Wretch his first number 1 record. When the album ‘Black and White’ dropped, it went straight to number 4, selling 1 million copies in the process, and although the music was palatable enough for the masses, he never toned down his trademark lyricism.
When he was the torchbearer for the UK
Not only did he lead the pack on home turf, he also waved the flag overseas. In 2012, Wretch was named as the Best International Act at the BET Awards in 2012, one of many accolades the Tottenham man has collected. Not only that, but he topped the MTV Best Of The Best MC’s list two years running, won Artist of the Year at the UMA’s and plenty more. What’s a MOBO anyway…
When he was LITERALLY the torchbearer
The Olympics in 2012 turned the spotlight onto London in a globally gigantic way. Before the games began, the Olympic torch was carried around the country, touring a full 8000 miles. Many huge A-listers and national treasures were honored to carry the iconic flame, from Bruce Forsyth to Dr Who. Repping the ends was Wretch 32, who carried the torch for a mile during the historical relay. Now that’s how you know you’ve impacted.
When he released the best freestyles in existence
More time these days, freestyles from rappers can be lazy or throwaway verses. Not with Wretch 32. Back in Season 3 of our very own Daily Duppy series, he stepped up to the mic and delivered some of the wittiest and most clever lyrics we’ve heard from a freestyle. “Tottenham’s mans city, but I got Arsenal faith/Got an Ox in the Chamber don’t make me blast away”, he raps. In more recent times he’s formed a bond with young fire Avelino, the two of who arguably dropped the best Fire In The Booth too. Now that’s a legacy.
Words: Alex Griffin