Tottenham driller Irving Adeji, better known as ‘Headie One’ has finally arrived with his debut album ‘Edna’ . The album serves as a tribute to Irving’s late mother who passed away when he was just three. Edna is the album many Headie fans have been anticipating after his genre defying project ‘Music X Road’ and his experimental collaborative mixtape ‘GANG’ with producer Fred Again. Edna continues on the continuous crossroad between music and street life but from a perspective of a newly-turned rap superstar as well as a son’s yearning for his mother’s guidance in his tumultuous life.
‘Teach Me’ couldn’t have been a better way to start the album as it perfectly sums up the message we are about to receive throughout. Headie raps over a drill infused piano instrumental showing us a side of his vulnerability we typically never get the chance to see. As Headie raps “Ask Edna to teach me forgiveness”, we start to understand the root of Headie’s struggles; a boy longing for his mother’s love . Headie continues “Yo, somebody call God for me, tell him this is daylight robbery”, displaying Headie’s inability to accept his loss, but still seeks answers as to why God put him through this path. Similarly ‘Psalm 35’ shares the same sentiments. Recently in his Apple Music interview, Headie revealed during his incarceration that the Bible was one of the only things that brought him peace. “God, thank the Lord for my freedom, I’m livin’ proof that prayer is needed”. These words serve as a reflection of Irving’s past mistakes and his gratefulness to God. Headie feels that his past experience may stop him from moving forward but as his mother continues to watch over him, he soon realises anything is possible.
‘The light’ which samples Kanye’s 2010 hit ‘All Of The Lights’ finds Headie breakaway from his dark past and finally see the light; the bigger picture. Headie has admitted that he was once at a crossroad between music and street life but it looks like Irving is now maturing. ‘Mainstream’ is the perfect example of Headie’s continued growth. The track features afro-swing drums throughout as Headie raps about still being involved in the streets despite being a ‘Mainstream’ artist. Just because Headie is an established musician it doesn’t mean his past cannot still catch up with him as he critiques new government legislation on sentencing length. The Boogie B assisted chorus ‘Breathing’ recites “N***a, I ain’t livin’, I’m just fuckin’ breathin”, which captures the current climate for many men who find themselves in the same shoes as Headie. Headie’s reality is his only means to make a name for himself yet society would put them in the same boat as rapist; how does that make sense ?
To close the album the Quincy Tellem and Nyge produced track ‘Therapy’ uncovers Headie’s continued struggles with mental health. The drugs nor the alcohol can no longer subdue Irving pains so his only option is therapy. However, Edna watching over her son is what motivates Headie to overcome his battle. There is no greater love than that of a mother for her son.
One of Edna’s highlights can be found on ‘Bumpy Ride’ featuring trap-wave rapper M Huncho, the track explores Headie’s past life as a drug dealer as well as how he made ends meet. Both Headie and Huncho perfectly encapsulate their ‘Bumpy Ride’ to the top on the track. Moreover, ‘Triple Science’ is another strong point as it reminds of why Headie is the undisputed king of drill. Headie’s juxtaposition between science and drug dealing is quite unique; some of the bars may go over your head but we all know the track is unrelated to Bunsen burners.
Headie continues to spoil us on ‘Princess cuts’ with production from iO and TSB as well as a feature from rap duo Young T & Bugsey. The smooth production culminated with the summer vibes are definitely one for the summer BBQ’s, Headie has found the formula with consistent summer jams.
One of the most surprising features comes from Future on ‘Hear No Evil’. The pair go back-to-back as they recount their experiences of being involved in the streets in an unexpected crossover. Future is the latest US rapper to venture into the growing drill movement and he certainly reached deep into his multiple bags of flow to conjure up verses we haven’t heard since earlier on in his career. Continuing on Headie’s US crossover, the biggest feature on the entire album is Drake; two solid features from US elites, what an amazing feat. Headie’s ability to crossover could see him become the first UK rapper to break mainstream USA.
The chemistry between Skepta and Headie at this point is understated, whenever the two collaborate it ends in perfect harmony. ‘Try Me’ like the 2019 ‘Back to Basics’ finds the two take turns showing off their bravado. I would like to think Headie and Skepta could possibly release a collaborative project in the near future, as both artist bring out the best in one another.
‘F U Pay Me’ may have shocked many as the production is reminiscent of any Megan Thee Stallion track with its hard hitting 808s. Ivorian Doll is a newcomer on the scene but she comfortably outshines Headie. Ivorian Dolls lyrical ability as well as her boss bitch attitude ooze throughout the track to make the perfect stripper anthem.
Conversely, criticism of Edna follows on ‘Ain’t It Different’. AJ Tracey and Stormzy as features is an obvious attempt at a chart topping single. The track was a half-hearted attempt at a pop record. Headie should realise that after his success from ‘Music X Road’ he does not need to compromise his authenticity in order to be a success. Furthermore, ‘21 Gun Salute’ is another lacklustre song. The trap friendly record was stagnant throughout, not even Young Adz’ charisma could give any more life to the track. In addition, the Pretty Ricky sample on the Haile assisted ‘Everything Nice’ was executed poorly. Headie is a man of many talents but R&B is one field he is yet to conquer, until then the perfect R&B crossover still awaits Headie.
Edna is a solid debut from the North-London rapper and continues on Headie’s journey from a life of crime to the mainstream. The future is looking bright for Irving as he continues to mature both in mind state and his artistry. However, Edna was a step back from 2019 ‘Music X Road’. The 2019 mixtape defined what drill is, in addition to exploring new fuses and sounds within the genre, but Edna is a more concise project. Headie has the most potential amongst his contemporaries and often sells himself short with following trends. The best artist pave their own wave and Headie must realise this in order to stand the test of time.
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