Album Review

Dappy – Bad Intentions

• 19th Oct 2012

Dappy first found national fame as the confident and slick chullo wearing front man of hip hop trio N-Dubz alongside his fellow band mates Fazer and X-Factor judge Tulisa. With a string of hits including ‘Best Behaviour’, ‘Girls’ and the groups Top 5 hit ‘I Need You’ as well as sold out arena tours firmly under his belt, Dappy branched out following the bands greatest hits release to focus on his solo material.

His first taste of solo success away from his N-dubz co-stars came on the track ‘Spaceship’, a Top 5 hit which paired him with fellow hip hop success Tinchy Stryder. His first solo record, ‘Bad Intentions’, is now about to be released and the unveiling of this debut has been a long time coming. Four singles have already been released from ‘Bad Intentions’ starting with the lead single from the album, ‘No Regrets’. The single was released way back in September of last year so it is slightly odd that it has taken Dappy over a year to offer a parent record for the track but what he has finally offered us will prove well worth the wait.

Always the performer with a strong opinion, Dappy doesn’t shy away from the controversial side to the rapper image. No sooner than pressing play on the new record is Dappy quick to point out the wrongdoings of the media claiming that ‘they don’t know a thing’ about the star. A slightly cynical and harshly frank album opening, ‘Intro’ sees the musician unleash a tirade of lyrical angst towards what Dappy views as the media’s misconception of the extrovert performer.

His collaboration with iconic Queen guitarist Brian May seemed at first to be a less than exciting project but the pairing went down well with critics and fans as ‘Rockstar’, with its well-produced vocal arrangement and intense guitar work, thanks to the legendary music veteran, helped propel this solo star into the big league. The track is one of the notables to listen out for here coming early on in the record.

Another odd choice of pairing finds itself on ‘Bring It Home’ which finds its place in the latter half of the record. Here Dappy joins forces with boy band The Wanted and the result is a catchy, memorable inclusion on ‘Bad Intentions’. I guess even the most peculiar duets can work and what better way to show that than with a loud mouthed, bad boy of rap and a glossy boy band. The end product is a memorable pop hit with a unique hip hop edge.

‘Fuck Them’ is another notable number on the record and, in my opinion, the standout track on ‘Bad Intentions’. Its energetic vocal lickings offer one of the more lyrically intense inclusions to’ Bad Intentions’ allowing Dappy’s vocabulary to get a proper workout while the following ‘Come With Me’ begs for Nicki Minaj to jump in at some point (though she doesn’t) and is another key track on the record. The track is another dance orientated hit within the album with its semi David Duetta feel and Rihanna nod and one that would easily appeal to the US market.

‘Good Intentions’ is haunting balladry as its finest, casting Dappy into vulnerable waters as he unleashes a softer version of the quick lipped grime superstar we have come to know over the past few years.

Balancing the record nicely with a good dosage of slow paced numbers like the charming, piano led ‘Good Intentions’ his best work, however, is heard on the up-tempo hits. When allowed to let loose with his flawless rap skills, Dappy shines and is clearly in his element. ‘Bad intentions’ also displays Dappy dabbling in multiple genres as he dips his toes into the dance pool with tracks like ‘Fuck Them’ before nailing inclusions like ‘Yin Yang’ which is brimming over with heavy R&B influences.

For avid followers of the livewire performer the deluxe version of the record is the more appropriate purchase. Including the collaborative hit ‘Spaceship’ with Tinchy Stryder along with a cover of the Queen hit ‘We Will Rock You’ the second disc also features songs where Dappy provided guest vocals including the Cover Drive track ‘Explode’ and Benny Banks’ ‘Who’s The Daddy’ along with some acoustic renditions of ‘Rockstar’ and ‘No Regrets’.

All in all ‘Bad Intentions’ proves to be quite a good debut effort for Dappy. Though it has its dipping points with inclusions like ‘IOU’, Dappy’s stripped back acoustic attempt, and Tarzan not really holding my attention here, the record features a few surprises and an array of left field collaborations and is a record that shows Dappy, as a solo performer, being more than capable of holding his own.