Single Review: 'Sittin' Here'- Dizzee Rascal ft. Fezzy (Universal Records- 21/08/2003)

Even after getting kicked out of four schools, losing his dad at a young age, Dylan Mills always had a knack for songwriting and music production and was encouraged by a school teacher to produce his music on the school computers. Dizzee Rascal was just 18 years old when 'Sittin' Here'  hit the shelves as the opening track on 'Boy In Da Corner'. He was also just 15 when he self-produced and released his debut track 'I Luv U'.   

'Sittin'  Here'  has a bouncy, almost Oriental, twinkling opening with a dark Grime vibe acting as a back-bet throughout the track even as a strong and steady thump comes into the mix. Fekky adds to
the gloomy allure with his rapping input and brings Dizzee Rascal's originality to light.

Lyrically, he makes an effort to try to connect with fans by reminiscing about his childhood with sharp-tongued lyrics such as, 'Only yesterday life was a touch more sweet.' It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but 'Sittin' Here'  illustrates modern youth life in East London with the bitterness of brutal honesty and integrity as a songwriter. In fact, little of what Dizzee Rascal describes is positive, from harsh Police, teenage pregnancy, choosing between living on the dole or going to university to losing a friend to a life of cash and crime. He really captures the fragility and danger of life for many people. Throughout the song, he is an observer watching ruefully as gunshots rattle and sirens blast through the East end.

Exploding with anger and disappointment, Dizzee Rascal's gutter-garage, raw edge is incredibly vigorous. It's also easy to tell that he is a rapper/MC-producer as he really knows his stuff; he really knows how he wants his work to sound and really knows what works well at each stage of creation and production.

Dizzee Rascal's voice seems to explode like a firecracker through the song, and his music and message are widely unique, particularly his lyrical mix of the hardships of life and lust for the innocence of childhood. His music is born in isolation; it sounds like nothing else. At times, however, the song becomes a little repetitive, especially for a grime artist who's become so mainstream and has recently collaborated with the likes of Robbie Williams and Calvin Harris.   

Since the rise of Garage, many MCs have become stars in their own right and Dizzee Rascal is no exception; he hits you right between the eyes with lyrics such as, 'Sittin' here thinkin' wagwan'. Lyrics such as this also make listeners feel they are part of London culture and the fabric of the track. His blends if rhythms, sound effects (such as Police sirens) and lyrics are liquid; effortlessly put together.

It's only right that over the last seven or eight years, Dizzee Rascal has deservedly carved his own name in rap, and his production skill throughout 'Sittin' Here'. A multi-talented MC with a sharp,  honest and witty tongue, it's no wonder Dizzee Rascal has come so far from producing his work on school computers.

4/5