After a five-year hiatus, the Croydon duo Krept & Konan are back with their long-anticipated second album, ‘Young Kingz II’. With a star-studded feature list including UK grime legends Chip and Ghetts and a sonic fusion of drill, grime, afro beats, and dancehall, Krept & Konan prove once again why they remain a dominant force in the UK rap scene.
Photo Credit: @mrtmorgan & @will_ainsworth
Krept & Konan return with ‘Young Kingz II’, an album that seamlessly balances vulnerability and boastfulness. Across the project, the duo reflects on London street life, fatherhood, relationships, and their evolving place in UK rap. With their signature storytelling and stylistic flows, reminiscent of their debut Young Kingz, the pair showcase their artistic growth while cementing their status as cultural leaders. Beyond music, their impact extends to the community, as seen with the recent opening of Croydon’s largest supermarket tailored to South Asian and Afro Caribbean communities.
The album opens with ‘100 Mistakes (Konan Solo)’, a deeply introspective track over a Jhene Aiko-inspired R&B beat. Konan lays bare his personal and artistic evolution following a five-year hiatus, setting the tone for the album's depth and authenticity. His storytelling is raw, weaving themes of regret, resilience, and self discovery, offering fans an unfiltered glimpse into his journey. A clear standout is ‘Low Vibrations.’ As one of the lead singles, this infectious blend of Jersey and drill commands a head nod with its uplifting beat and lyrics. Krept and Konan feed off each other’s energy, bouncing back and forth with ayered bars reminiscent of their 2019 hit ‘I-Spy.’ Their chemistry is undeniable, showcasing their ability to elevate each other’s performances while embodying the camaraderie and competition that defines UK rap.
At the album’s emotional core lies in ‘Nala’s Song’ and ‘Delroy’s Son.’ The former is an open letter from Krept to his three-year-old daughter, offering love, guidance, and a lasting testament to his role as her father. His lyrics carry the weight of responsibility as he grapples with the challenge of balancing his career with fatherhood. In contrast, ‘Delroy’s Son’ sees Konan confront the loss of his father with raw honesty. Over angelic gospel choirs and melodic pianos, he reflects on their complex relationship, touching on themes of grief, abandonment, and forgiveness. His delivery is deeply personal, making the listener feel as though they are witnessing a private conversation between a son and his late father.
‘Kilimanjaro’ featuring Oxlade and ‘Smooth Lovin’ featuring Popcaan bring an infectious, summer-ready vibe. The former blends Afrobeats and hip-hop, with Oxlade’s layered vocals enhancing the song’s dreamy aesthetic. The track radiates escapism, transporting listeners to sun-soaked nights and carefree moments. Meanwhile, Popcaan delivers an unforgettable hook on ‘Smooth Lovin,’ setting the stage for Krept & Konan’s signature wordplay over an upbeat dancehall rhythm. This track, in particular, highlights their ability to craft club anthems while maintaining lyrical depth.
A standout Easter egg in the tracklist is ‘Last Night in Kingston (Konan Solo),’ a sequel to ‘Last Night in LA’ from the 7 Days LP. While the original was a hard hitting drill anthem, this follow-up showcases Konan’s artistic growth. His shift in flow and delivery mirrors his evolution, maintaining his relentless hunger for the craft while incorporating new influences and perspectives. It’s a lyrical exercise in self-reflection, as he revisits his past with the wisdom of experience.
With a stacked feature list, ‘Young Kingz II’ boasts some of UK rap’s finest. ‘Rage’ featuring Ghetts is a masterclass in lyricism, as Ghetts delivers razor-sharp bars over a haunting beat, proving why he remains an unstoppable force after two decades. His verse is packed with complex rhyme schemes and double entendres, challenging listeners to catch every layered reference. ‘Street Therapy’ featuring Potter Payper and Matt Lansky leans into a trap-infused sound, combining gritty punchlines with introspective storytelling. The track captures the duality of success in UK rap where triumph is often shadowed by the struggles that preceded it. Meanwhile, ‘New Snap’ featuring Chip is a lyrical standout, as the trio reflects on street life and success over a smooth R&B instrumental. Chip’s verse is particularly commanding, reaffirming his position as one of UK rap’s most consistent voices. His sharp cadence and poignant reflections solidify his reputation as a veteran who still outshines many of his peers.
‘Young Kingz II’ is more than just a comeback, it’s a statement. Krept & Konan reaffirm their dominance and versatility, crafting an album that resonates with longtime fans while introducing new listeners to their artistry. This project serves as both a retrospective and a blueprint for the future of UK rap, proving that Krept & Konan are not just maintaining their legacy — they are actively shaping it.
Check out the full album below.
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