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Central Cee appears to be gearing up for the release of his forthcoming debut studio album, Can’t Rush Greatness, teasing fans with a brand new collaboration featuring Atlanta rapper 21 Savage.
In an enticing US x UK music collaboration, Cench and 21 put on an electric vocal performance over the gritty trap production GBP. From hard-hitting bars to referencing personal achievements, the record's anthemic lyricism is being applauded by fans online.
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The latest single arrives alongside a very entertaining visual directed by Cole Bennett's Lyrical Lemonade. The music video also features interesting scenes, including both rappers performing against the backdrop of the UK's national flag.
21 Savage, who was born in London but raised in Atlanta, being included on the record, draws listeners into a blend of UK drill and Atlanta trap culture. Their partnership provides a unique listening experience similar to Central Cee's 2024 viral collaboration with Lil Baby, BAND4BAND.
Prior to the record's release today (January 17), Cee uploaded a teaser to TikTok where he previewed GBP to his fanbase. DJ Akademiks reposted the clip to his official Instagram handle leading to a flurry of reactions from fans and critics.
While several seemingly praised the record, one individual was even found calling back to 21 Savage's UK heritage when they stated:
"Greatest UK rapper ever right next to 21 Savage"
More reactions followed from fans and individuals referencing Savage's ties to the UK with humourous one-liners.
"21 going back to his roots," an individual stated.
"Bro the UK doesn't even have .22s let alone an AK with a hunnid rounds," another chimed in.
"Perfect opportunity for 21 Savage to use his bloody accent," a fan added.
More comments followed from individuals reacting to the latest collaboration, sharing their opinions on the sonic and visual direction of GBP.
"That Money spread was too cold," a fan stated.
"CC never disappoints," added another Central Cee supporter.
"BEST RAPPER IN THE WORLD RN... on everyone soul," claimed another.
"Central Cee better than Lil Baby now," another individual claimed.
Bar-For-Bar: Breaking down Central Cee and 21 Savage's latest collaboration 'GBP'
Cench's latest single, GBP, is his first single for 2025, following up on the success of his previous UK x US collaboration with Lil Baby on BAND4BAND, released to all streaming platforms on May 23, 2024.
Central Cee collaborating with 21 Savage also alludes to the direction of his upcoming debut studio album, Can't Rush Greatness, which is currently scheduled to be delivered to all major DSPs on January 24, 2025.
The visuals also mark his second collaboration with Cole Bennett, founder of media production house Lyrical Lemonade, who first connected with the UK rapper to shoot and direct his breakout single Doja in 2022.
With an explorative production credited to producers LIOHN, Gino Nano, Pontus Persson, Harry Beech, Eight8, and Jonny Leslie, notable themes both rappers delve into on GBP are listed below:
Loyalty
- Brotherhood
- Wealth
- Status
- Fame
- Success
- Violence
- Affiliations
Disclaimer: This review is rated explicit. Reader discretion is advised.
(Chorus)
"If it weren’t the UK, would've had a AK-47 with a hundred rounds / Red carpet in my trackie and Air Max, they want a boy with a London style / We ain't got generational wealth, got a couple of mill’ for my unborn child / If I pay a man a hundred thousand pounds, I could get man bun right in front of a crowd, uh"
Central Cee opens on GBP's hook flexing his UK street style and the success he's attained as his career has grown over the years, before ending the bar with a bold statement on the power of wealth and status.
He even seems to address the UK's gun strict laws, which appears to be a recurring theme in Cench's music as seen on records like Meme Page and One By One.
"That's GBP, the price go up if it's USD / Better watch your words, I'll get you X'd 'bout the sh*t you tweet (On God) / I told lil' bro if it's personal, he better jump out and do it on feet / We got somethin’ in common with scuba divers, why? ’Cause the guys in deep"
21 Savage closes out the record's chorus by delivering the final bar where he makes slight comparisons between the United States and the United Kingdom. Fueled by slang and references, the Atlanta rapper explores the similarities between himself and Cee, especially when it comes to themes like status, violence, and drama.
(Verse 1)
"If it weren't the UK, would’ve had an AK, gang outside with a samurai sword / Nike Tech fleece with the Air Force 1, my ski mask on, but we don't snowboard / Go on a glide, leave your phone at home, what's wrong with these guys? They go and record"
Central Cee then introduces listeners to GBP's first verse where he once again addresses the U.K.'s gun laws, with underlying themes of brotherhood and camaraderie.
The bar ends with him suggesting his intention of "going on a glide," which is UK slang for "sliding on opps" or "entering enemy territory". This is explored deeper with the final line that suggests communication and recording devices are left at home in an attempt to conceal unlawful activity.
"Sold a stroke, we was broke as hell, well, until we broke the law / If I lived in Harlem, I would've been Mitch, them man would’ve been like Ace and snitched / If it was Oakland, I would've been a pimp"
Central Cee doubles down on his gang affiliations, citing that before he amassed massive fame and success, he used to "sell a stroke," which is a reference to pushing drugs.
He then references the 2002 movie Paid In Full, citing similarities between himself and the lead character Mitch, a drug dealer, to signify his intention to stay loyal to his people and "not snitch".
"If it was 1930 North Carolina, I would've been Frank with the mink / If the opps got nominated for the BRITs, would've went to the ceremony with sticks / And the G-17 woulda came with a switch"
Central Cee ends his verse by referencing the BRIT Annual Music Award Ceremony, for which he's been nominated multiple times including Song Of The Year and Best New Artist, when addressing his opposition within hip-hop.
(Verse 2)
"Latex gloves, I'm on the drill, watch 'em fall, Jack and Jill / Up on the opps, seven to nil, Premier League, I'm in the field / Two things that you'll never see is me run from an opp or a b***h in my will / Got day ones and I'm with 'em still, fighting demons, swallowin' pills"
21 Savage opens on GBP with an aggressive performance fueled by violent bars and pop culture references, with a few lines praising the loyalty of his inner circle who stuck by his side throughout all these years.
"I still wanna deal with Nike (On God) / I can't get caught on no ring, so I'm inside out in the sheisty (Straight up) / We go through the front door, 'cause they gon' tell when that back door sh*t get spicy (Racks) / Internet beef, if I catch you in traffic, the fu*k you gon' do, n***a, type me? (Pussy)"
Continuing with themes set, 21 Savage speaks on concealing himself with a mask to avoid being captured or identified when dealing with suspecting activities, before violently addressing online critics by calling them out for being internet keyboard warriors.
"I put this on God, I hit the b***h once, she already tryna be wifey (Damn) / I'm from the street and I got opps, I don't got time to go sightseein' (Gang) / Wake me up with head, put this in your purse and shut the fu*k up if you like me (21) / I fill up your closet with Birkins, buy you a wagon and make sure you icy (Alright)"
21 Savage ends his verse by seemingly speaking to a love interest, highlighting his intent to shower her with wealth and luxury as long as she stays loyal to him and his choices.
Listeners are then reintroduced to one final playthrough of Central Cee and 21's hook before GBP closes out.
While the official tracklist for Central Cee's upcoming debut studio album is yet to be revealed, several fans expect to see massive industry collaborations on Can't Rush Greatness similar to what was delivered on GBP.
