Ghetts – On Purpose, With Purpose Review

Everything that is done should be carried out how Ghetts sees it. On purpose, with purpose. A beautiful mantra to take hold of and to perform on the day to day. Sometimes it is not enough to journal down the same thought week after week, the fear of falling behind with work compiled into the haunting passage of time and death around every corner. A third way through the life crisis. Not a quarter-life crisis, it implies getting to triple digits. No. Twenty-four and a fear of the afters. Strip back your fears and leap, then, into the unknown depths of On Purpose, With Purpose, an action-packed and necessary encounter with inspiration. Throw off the shackles of fear and introduce yourself to an artist whose guest-laden feature is a remarkable comfort in a time of crisis. 

As in-touch and autobiographical as it can be, Ghetts’ work here on Intro and beyond recalls the rage and experiences of the last two and a half years. Kano and Wretch 32 makes for an exceptional double bill of collaboration on Mount Rushmore and the spillover of refined collaboration continues for On Purpose, With Purpose. Almost every track features another voice – an exceptional unity from many who hope to improve the standard of living in London. It feels inherently centralised to the capital city and for those in the quieter parts of the north, taking a glimpse into the trap-oriented stylings is an exceptional way to learn of the real trouble bubbling underneath the already imposing city.  

This is not the big shot approach to Ed Sheeran and Emelie Sandé as made on previous album Conflict of Interest but a stripped-back and fundamental record which gets back in touch with the realities which follow the high. Doomed and dull pop culture references on Anakin (Red Saber) flutter through but the Unknown T-led Blood On My Hands is a harsh and uncomfortable listen. Ghetts crafts these moments consistently enough to mark On Purpose, With Purpose, as a lived-in record. Sampling and weighty words come through once more on Stylish Nxxxa with Lancey Foux holding it all together. Prayer, thought and purpose all flow through and hit their high with Blessings, the Muzi-featuring track which lays out the clear needs of those hoping to live their lives with clarity. 

Two exceptional album covers and an hour of hard-hitting work mark Ghetts as a voice to listen to. Ghetts presents much of his personal life as an intense struggle against the warring waves of life in the capital city but finds much love in the influences of his past and those he is surrounded with. Those simple notions, the good friends and good experiences of life, are presented as unyielding and necessary experiences. On Purpose, With Purpose details this with such wonderful skill. Strong and contemporary commentary was never in doubt for this one though it is the pace and tone which Ghetts strikes for which makes this latest effort so moving. Exceptional direction from the likes of Street Politics hit the obvious gong of justice but it is sometimes the clear message which needs repeating most of all.