Wretch 32's 'Home?': A Soulful Journey of Belonging and Healing

Explore Wretch 32's latest album 'Home?', a deep reflection on belonging and identity, offering soul food for those seeking connection.

An Evolution of Talent

For over twenty years, Wretch 32 has been a significant figure in the UK rap scene. Originating from Tottenham, this talented wordsmith has grown from a promising artist to a cornerstone of the genre, continuously pushing boundaries. Since his last album, ‘Upon Reflection’, released six years ago, he has taken on numerous roles including a creative director for 0207 Def Jam, writing a poem for Stormzy’s cinematic return with ‘Mel Made Me Do It’, and even publishing his first book, Rapthology: Lessons in Life and Lyrics. Now, he is back with his sixth album, ‘Home?’, which offers a profound exploration of philosophical themes.

A Message of Healing and Growth

Despite the pivotal role of the Windrush generation in shaping British culture, their descendants often struggle with a sense of belonging. Wretch, as a second-generation British-Jamaican, seeks to address this restlessness. He promises that ‘Home?’ is crafted for those who require “soul food and something to fulfil them.” This nourishment is not just for him but for everyone grappling with their notion of home.

Exploring Identity Through Music

On the energetic track ‘Seven Seater’, Wretch asserts that he’s not in competition; instead, he delivers his enlightening messages about heritage and self-identity. The song expands on the complex relationship between Blackness and belonging. This exploration deepens further on ‘Like Home’, featuring Nigeria’s Temi, where Wretch honors his ancestral roots. He recalls the words of Bob Marley: “Every Black man in the West is what he want to be when he goes to Africa.”

A Call for Unity

Wretch continues his quest for connection in the track ‘Nesta Marley’. This emotionally charged song, featuring Skip Marley, portrays a moment of healing for the diaspora as Wretch expresses his longing for a deeper bond with his homeland. He yearns for a world where “we all can live as one,” showcasing a universal appeal that transcends beyond the diaspora. He beautifully intertwines Dido’s ‘Thank You’ melody into the refrain, echoing his desire for peace and acceptance: “Roots and culture in my system, di I-dem big and strong / People fighting out my window, cyant they see da sun?” The track concludes with vinyl crackles, reminiscent of a burning chalice, as Wretch’s poignant spoken words elevate the listening experience.

Mourning and Reclamation

‘Bridge Is Burning’, featuring Chronixx, laments the loss and cultural disconnection that migration can bring. As adopted cultures overshadow inherited values, the connection to their motherland begins to fade. This theme flows seamlessly into ‘Me & Mine’, a bright, island-infused anthem with WSTRN, which highlights what has been built from the ashes. The hook combines Wretch’s raw vocals with slick lines from Akelle and Louis Rei’s distinctive style, nostalgically referencing Sanchez’s reggae classic ‘Frenzy’. This sound isn’t about escaping; it’s about reclaiming a heritage where the spirit of home echoes loudly.

Voices of the Diaspora

As ‘Home?’ progresses, Wretch collaborates with numerous Black British artists, including Little Simz, Benjamin AD, Angel, Skrapz, and Tiggs Da Author, to delve into themes of love, survival, and legacy within Britain’s diaspora. In ‘Seven Seater’, he reunites with his fellow The Movement members Mercston and Ghetts, celebrating the roots of grime and the camaraderie essential to the Black British experience. Kano’s contribution on ‘Home Sweet Home’ dissects the complexities of Black British identity, mingling Jamaican heritage with football culture to reveal society’s indifference towards race and nationality.

Generational Betrayal

The resonant themes of dislocation continue on ‘Windrush’, featuring Cashh, a rapper who faced deportation by the UK Home Office in 2014 and fought for five long years to return. This track exposes the betrayal felt by generations. However, the brief interlude ‘Home Is Where The Heart Is’ succinctly conveys Wretch’s sentiments: “They call me all of the names, under the sun, still I rise, morning come / Home is where the heart is, why do you stay where you are?”

A Journey of Belonging

Ultimately, Wretch 32’s quest for belonging is both touching and heart-wrenching, resonating deeply with those who understand the struggles of feeling caught between worlds. Still, through this loss, he creates a sense of homecoming—an invitation for Black Britons to mourn, heal, and celebrate their shared heritage. When Wretch described ‘Home?’ as “soul food,” he truly meant it. The album transcends mere nourishment, serving as a testament to the enduring strength of roots and a promise that no matter where you are in the world, you can always find a piece of home within its melodies.

Album Details

• Record label: AWAL
• Release date: May 2, 2025

FAQs

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