AJ Tracey

Released in early 2019, 'AJ Tracey' served as the definitive transition from the artist's underground grime roots to mainstream dominance. Following the massive success of the single 'Butterflies' in 2018, the album was designed to showcase Tracey's versatility across fifteen tracks. Produced by heavyweights like Swifta Beater and Nyge, the project notably revitalized the UK garage sound for a new generation, particularly through the hit 'Ladbroke Grove,' which became a cultural phenomenon in the UK. The album peaked at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart and received significant critical praise for its ability to balance different genres - ranging from the trap-heavy 'Doing It' to the experimental 'Country Star' - without feeling disjointed. It stands as a landmark for 2010s British rap, proving that a grime artist could achieve commercial success while maintaining their regional identity and technical credibility.