Some songs just never fade; they evolve and somehow live forever. With the latest release Blue Notes, Beats and Rhymes, UK Jazz hop artist Born 2 B proves that timelessness is about renewal. Released via Bandcamp on July 31, 2025, this album fuses the spirit of Blue Note era Jazz with the golden age boom bap. The result is a vibrant, matured body of work that feels like a homecoming and a rebirth.
If you’re familiar with Born 2 B’s legacy, his groundbreaking contribution to Ninja Tune Records and the platinum selling US3 project Hand on the Torch, this album is not just an awaited solo debut but a manifesto for cultural preservation through reinvention.
The album kicks off with Born 2 B’s Riddim, a reintroduction to his identity. The track channels the essence of 1990s Jazz hop and with it’s groove and grit in perfect harmony, real and alive. Born 2 B carries both mastery and humility. He is not just an artist returning to form but one who refines the form itself.
The second track on the album “Getting Blue” delivers an emotionally striking moment. It is one of the most soulful tracks in the album. Featuring Byron Byrd, a legend of Chio Funk, there’s a blend of American funk roots with London’s Hip Hop sensibility. The old and new converse seamlessly and the interplay is effortless. You can feel the rebellion here, a proof that sometimes the most powerful statements are made through restraints.
If the song Gettin Blue was emotional, “U Don’t Know” is a strong confrontational contrast. The track is defined by it’s classic boom bap style: Powerful drums, simple but raw sound design and direct lyrics. Born 2 B criticizes the dishonesty of political systems, excessive corporate ambition and manipulation by the media. The song is a standout moment where the powerful message and the compelling music are in sync which makes it even more enjoyable.
In middle of the album, Blue Notes, Beats and Rhymes shifts focus to a detailed narration. “A story to tell” develops like a musical score for a movie with a very evolving lyrical narrative. Born 2 B adopts the role of a contemporary storyteller creating detailed pictures of city life, personal strength and deep thought. There’s intentionality in every verse and every word is insightful.
The final song is a perfect summary of the album. Born 2 B takes charge of his voice and owns it. His artistic skill is unmatched. This track “Who am I” is one way to announce that true, authentic art will always remain relevant.
Born 2 B asserts his confident position in this track as he transitions from self-affirmation to a boastful display of lyrical dexterity and status. It’s an anthem of arrival and persistence with a sense of self awareness and he answers his own question: he is an artist who is fully aware of his legacy, ensuring the listeners understand that he is exactly who he is Born 2 B.
Blue Notes, Beats and Rhymes proves that the partnership of Jazz and Hip Hop still thrives. In a world where music focuses on short lived trends, this album is a reminder that energy and protest can co-exist alongside emotion and high quality. Blue Notes, Beats and Rhymes is not just a comeback, it is a brilliant discovery.
SOCIAL LINKS
English