Stand Up Tall (2004) – Dizzee Rascal

“Stand Up Tall” employs an uncluttered yet irresistible arrangement: a frenetic 909 beat with handclaps, a simple sequenced line with occasional modulation, pseudo-pizzicato strings impishly peppering the refrain. However, it’s the rate at which Rascit expectorates the lyrics that stupefies (giving Busta Rhymes’ “Gimme Some More” a run for the money). To the uninitiated ear, Dizzee Rascal’s volubility coupled with his heavy cockney accent is another language. It purports to be English, at least colloquially. But even reading a lyric sheet, it’s hard to follow his flow, particularly because of his pronunciation. While this may be off-putting to some, the preferred etiquette is to sit back and marvel at his talent simply in relaying the words from his brain to his mouth in such a nimble manner. In the most discernible section, Dizzee wishes his cohorts fortune, but dismisses his critics: “To my Southside crew get paper / I tell da playa hater c u later. . . .” There’s wit and humor to be found here; the more formidable task is hearing it.

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