Hip-hop

The latest releases reviewed.

DIZZEE RASCAL Maths & English XL ****

The commercial breakthrough never happened, yet that doesn't seem to bother Dylan Mills. In fact, you could say that his third album is as big and broad as hip-hop albums come because the young Rascal has taken a huge, deep breath between records and started to live a little. Instead of the claustrophobia and grime (in every sense) that cloaked Showtime, there's a different kind of front to Maths & English. This time out, Mills is still a contender, but he knows he can also have a little fun by sampling Bugsy Malone tunes, getting Lily Allen round for a duet on Wanna Be or by throwing down a wicked old-school bounce for Pussy'ole. While his lyrical battering-ram is always by his side (just cop a load of his manifesto on World Outside), Mills is also prepared to loosen up a little, which means there's a lot more sweetness and light here than has ever been the case on a Rascal joint before now. www.dizzeerascal.co.uk JIM CARROLL

Download tracks: Pussy'ole, Sirens, World Outside