Showtime (Dizzee Rascal album)
Showtime is the second studio album by British grime artist Dizzee Rascal, released on September 6, 2004, on XL Recordings. Following the critical acclaim and commercial success of his debut album, Boy in da Corner, Showtime continues to explore themes of inner-city life, violence, and social commentary, but with a generally more upbeat and experimental sound.
The album features production from a variety of sources, including Dizzee Rascal himself, as well as collaborations with other producers such as DJ Wonder and the Nextmen. Musically, Showtime incorporates elements of grime, hip-hop, garage, and electronic music. Lyrically, it is characterized by Dizzee Rascal's distinctive flow, often focusing on observational storytelling and vivid depictions of East London life.
Singles released from the album include "Dreaming", "Off 2 Work", and "Stand Up Tall". Showtime was generally well-received by critics upon release, though some commentators noted a shift in tone from the darker, more aggressive sound of Boy in da Corner. The album charted within the top ten of the UK Albums Chart and helped to solidify Dizzee Rascal's position as a leading figure in the grime scene and British music more broadly.