A decade in the making, Central Cee says you Can't Rush Greatness

Central Cee, a talented rapper from West London, has finally released his debut album after spending over a decade in the music industry. Known for his catchy singles, he has achieved remarkable success with eight songs that have made it into the top ten of the UK charts. The title of his album, 'You Can't Rush Greatness,' reflects his belief that true artistry takes time and cannot be rushed. Central Cee has been patient, waiting for the right moment to share his music with the world. DJ Kenny Allstar, a long-time supporter of Central Cee, believes that the rapper has always had the potential to become a major star. Kenny has followed Central Cee's journey closely and has seen how he has evolved as an artist. 'He studied the game before he entered it,' Kenny told BBC Newsbeat. 'Now, he is producing one of the most highly anticipated UK rap projects of all time. ' Central Cee's impressive track record includes hit songs like 'Sprinter,' which was named the song of the summer in 2023. He has also received multiple Mobo awards and has been nominated for the prestigious Ivor Novello prize. In addition to his solo work, Central Cee has collaborated with well-known artists such as Brit Award winner Raye, 21 Savage, and US star Gunna. Despite his success, he has kept fans waiting for an album, choosing to focus on singles and two top ten mixtapes instead. Kenny Allstar believes that this decision was a wise one. 'He understood that we are in a singles market,' he explained. 'Let's call it 'fast food music. ' The younger generation often prefers quick, catchy songs rather than sitting down to listen to a full album. ' Central Cee's singles are designed to grab attention quickly, and he has kept his mixtapes short to maintain fan engagement. 'Why would you release a project if the audience isn't ready to absorb it? ' Kenny asked. Instead, Central Cee has been building anticipation for his album, creating a buzz around his hits until fans are eager for the full project. Jessica Mosses, a dedicated fan, expressed her excitement about the new album. 'I'm thrilled to finally have so many brand new songs to listen to,' she said. 'I plan to spend the whole day just enjoying the music. ' Jessica acknowledges that the way artists release music is changing, and she believes that fans are more interested in new content than the format of the release. 'Central Cee has reached this point by focusing on singles and mixtapes,' she noted. 'I think people care more about getting new music than how it is released. ' While Central Cee has found success without an album, many believe that creating one was always part of his plan. Music journalist Daisy Carter commented on the importance of albums for artists. 'Releasing an album helps create a stronger bond between the listener and the artist,' she said. 'It allows fans to connect more deeply with the artist's work. ' Kenny agreed, emphasizing that albums are not just about hit records but also about revealing more about the artist's personality through their music. In 2024, artists like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish have also been focusing on album releases. Daisy pointed out that with the rise of streaming, listeners can easily switch between individual songs, but albums provide a platform for artists to share their artistic vision and tell a cohesive story. Kenny highlighted that Central Cee has been working hard to connect with his fans in various ways, especially through social media and his involvement in the fashion industry. 'You don't need to release an album if everything you do is impactful,' he said. 'Marketing is crucial in today's world where everyone is on TikTok and Instagram. ' The title of Central Cee's album, 'You Can't Rush Greatness,' not only reflects the time he has taken to reach this point in his career but also carries a personal meaning. Kenny shared a memory of a freestyle they released together in 2020, where Central Cee mentioned that good things take time. 'That lyric was created five years ago,' Kenny recalled. He was overjoyed when Central Cee asked him to feature on a track in the album, something he initially thought was a joke. 'I'm so excited,' he said. 'I am passionate about UK rap music, and this is a significant moment for me.