Central Cee centres his career with debut studio album ‘CAN'T RUSH GREATNESS’
The album reflects on his rise, the currency of success and life’s pain.
Photo: Sony Music
“I kind of prolonged my come-up,” Central Cee told Apple Music. The rapper — real name Oakley Caesar-Su — has made a mark in the British hip-hop scene, collaborating with artists like Jorja Smith and Dave. Now, after a series of EPs, he has released his debut album.
The album carries a recurring theme of money, exploring how it can propel you forward but also bring complications. Central Cee reflects on questions like “Does that woman want me for me?” and addresses loneliness at the top and the people who hope to see him fail.
The opening track, No Introduction, sets the tone with Central Cee confidently stating he no longer needs an introduction as an artist. While his music can sometimes be hit or miss for me, this track immediately grabbed my attention with the raw vulnerability in lines like, “The things that I see make me question God / I’m feeling pain, but I can’t complain / My life was harder before the fame.”
I appreciate music that tells a story, and Central Cee delivers here. He reflects on how his hard work has paved the way for British artists to break into America, making it easier for others to follow.
The album moves into 5 Star, which features a subtle drill-inspired beat. Central Cee talks about feeling stressed and claustrophobic, saying, “I can’t find the exit, life’s a maze.” Yet, he balances this with gratitude and motivation, reflecting on his journey from humble beginnings: “Remember the meals were microwaved, now my private chef is asking how do I like my steak.”
Central Cee’s debut album also demonstrates his evolving versatility. He experiments with collaborations, such as Gata with Puerto Rican reggaeton artist Young Miko, where he raps about whether women are interested in him or the wealth he’s accumulated.
In Must Be, Central Cee poses thought-provoking questions about authenticity, including, “What is your definition of real?” and contrasts it with moments of frustration: “If she don’t wanna fuck, then she must be gay.” He also touches on personal goals, saying, “Retire your mum, that’s what I call real,” and addresses fake personas in the industry: “Live a life that your music doesn’t portray, that’s what I call fake.” He closes the track with imagery of stepping off the train at Shepherd’s Bush station, symbolising his journey and roots.
Elsewhere, Walk In Wardrobe stands out with a melodic quality, as Central Cee delves into his struggles with anxiety and trust, admitting to the difficulty of asking for help.
The album also pays homage to American hip-hop legends Wu-Tang Clan, as seen in the line, “Cash rules everything around me, CREAM, get the money, dollar, dollar bill y’all.” This nod underlines how money influences life and decisions — a central theme throughout the album.
Don’t Know Anymore closes the album with a haunting piano intro and angelic vocals. Central Cee reflects on growing up with school meals and sharing a bath with his two siblings because his mum couldn’t afford to shower them. His father left when he was six and later suffered a stroke, resulting in him being paralysed. These struggles led Central Cee to lose faith in God and doubt his music career when he wasn’t getting views. The track ends with the refrain: “I don’t need nobody else; I just want you to myself,” evoking a sense of longing and vulnerability.
CAN’T RUSH GREATNESS is out now via Columbia Records.