Get the latest gossip

K-Trap: Smile? review – terse, punchy raps-to-riches flow

The Brit-nominated south Londoner’s not quite debut album of trap and drill showboating flies by

With successful bands at a historic low, the industry is reduced to nominating rap duos to fill the best British group category. Drill’s lack of bigger beats lets vocals become a substitute for percussion, and Perkins has always been brilliant at landing end syllables with a fighter’s flourish while precisely conveying meaning. Mostly it’s “where I’ve come from” (estates, traps, jail) and “look where I am now” (Harrods, hotels, Surrey), as our hero bravely puts up with being showered with cash and female attention.

Get the Android app