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Rizzle Kicks are a British hip-hop duo from Brighton, England, consisting of Jordan Stephens (born 25 January 1992) and Harley "Sylvester" Alexander-Sule (born 1991). Their debut album, Stereo Typical, was released in 2011. As of May 2012, Rizzle Kicks had sold over one million singles and over 600,000 albums in the UK.[1]

Key Information

Since 2015, Alexander-Sule has released music under the stage name Jimi Charles Moody, and since 2016, Stephens has released music under the stage names Wildhood and Al, the Native, as well as under his own name.[2]

History

[edit]

2006–2011: Formation and career beginnings

[edit]

In 2006, Stephens began attending rap and performance workshops with the Brighton-based charity AudioActive, joined a year later by Alexander-Sule. The pair attended AudioActive's Hip Hop Foundation project and Stephens continued attending workshops and performances until 2010. Stephens is quoted as saying this work helped the duo "hone our skills and build a passion towards the career that we're in now. AudioActive did us a lot of good and without them we wouldn't be here!"[3]

Stephens and Alexander-Sule both attended the BRIT School, where Stephens studied media and Alexander-Sule studied theatre. Stephens was in the process of making his mixtape Minor Breaches of Discipline where he rapped over samples of some of their favourite artists (Gorillaz, Lily Allen, Arctic Monkeys) and asked Alexander-Sule to sing over some of the tracks. Realising how well their styles fitted together, they formed Rizzle Kicks in 2008.[4] The name stems from 'Green Rizla', an early nickname given to Stephens by a football teammate after a crew of the same name from the school that he attended at the time. That nickname evolved into 'Rizzle', and the duo decided on the suffix 'kicks' due to their shared love of football.[5]

As a newly formed duo, they hustled for beats from local producers, honing their sound, and created several bedroom demos, three of which ended up on their debut album. They also created a presence online; blogging on their website "Your Daily Kicks" as well as posting lo-fi music videos to their YouTube channel.[6] The videos were co-directed by the band and made by Toby Lockerbie, a wedding photographer they met at a party. A video was made for a demo of "Down with the Trumpets" in the summer of 2010, closely followed by the video for "Miss Cigarette". During that time, they had finished college and Alexander-Sule went on to work as an assistant drama teacher, whilst Stephens was flipping burgers at the Corals Greyhound Stadium in Hove.

Their YouTube videos caught the attention of several record labels and in November 2010, they signed to Island Records, part of Universal Music. They continued work on their debut album and worked with several producers including Ant Whiting, Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim), The Rural, Future Cut, and Craigie Dodds.

2011–2012: Stereo Typical and commercial success

[edit]

In June 2011, the duo released a promotional single, "Prophet (Better Watch It)" accompanied by a stop motion style video made up of 960 photographic stills. The track was initially offered as a free download, before being released on iTunes. In July 2011, they learnt they had an unlikely fan, in Stephen Fry who proclaimed over Twitter that he was "unexpectedly loving the old school hip hop sounds of Rizzle Kicks."[7] Over the summer, Rizzle Kicks played a number of festivals; they supported Dizzee Rascal at Ibiza Rocks in June and were invited back to support The Streets. They also headlined the BBC Introducing stage at Reading and Leeds 2011 after having played Radio 1's Big Weekend in May.

Their first official single, "Down with the Trumpets", was released on 12 June 2011, in the manner of on air on sale, entering the UK Singles Chart at #84 and going on to eventually peak at #8 in September 2011, having been certified gold. The single spent a total of 13 weeks in the Official Top 40.[8] On 23 October, they released their second official single "When I Was a Youngster" which peaked at #8. Their debut album Stereo Typical was released a week later on 31 October 2011, entering the chart at #9, peaking at #5 and was certified platinum in May 2012. Their third single "Mama Do the Hump", which was produced by Norman Cook, a.k.a. Fatboy Slim, was released on 16 December, eventually peaking at #2 and has been certified platinum. The lo-fi video features a cameo from James Corden. The track spawned a dance craze known as 'The Hump' which infiltrated parties across the UK and generated many YouTube videos of members of the public doing the dance.

The pair featured on "Heart Skips a Beat" by Olly Murs, which was released on 21 August 2011, entering the chart at #1 on 28 August 2011.[9] They have recorded remixes for artists including Ed Sheeran, Jessie J, Foster the People and Olly Murs. They made a remix video for close friend Ed Sheeran's song "You Need Me, I Don't Need You" which features Sheeran himself, and was filmed in the band's back garden in one take.[10]

In the summer of 2012, Rizzle Kicks helped to launch the 2012–13 Arsenal away kit under the theme of Purple Reign.

Rizzle Kicks' played their first headline tour from March to May 2012, a sellout, including two nights at London's Shepherds Bush Empire. A second headline tour took place in winter 2012; they played 26 dates across the UK including O2 Academy Brixton and The Roundhouse in London. The live set up currently consists of a band including a guitarist, drummer, bass player, trumpet player with Alexander-Sule on second guitar for some songs. Their shows are characterised by high energy, dancing and bra throwing from female members of the audience.[11] Throughout the summer of 2012, Rizzle Kicks played many major festivals across the UK, including Wakestock, T in the Park, Wireless Festival and T4 on the Beach, along with headlining the Bestival and V Festival. In July, they played a series of shows across the Southern coast of the UK as part of the Olympic Torch relay and carried the torch in Hastings. In May and late October 2012, they embarked on mini tours around Europe as well as a stint in Australia for the festival Park Life in early October.

2013: Touring and Roaring 20s

[edit]

Rizzle Kicks embarked on a US tour from January to February 2013, supporting Ed Sheeran and Foy Vance. In March, they performed alongside Labrinth at the Royal Albert Hall in March 2013 as part of the Teenage Cancer Trust shows.[12]

Rizzle Kicks announced their second studio album Roaring 20s in June. Released on 2 September 2013 and reaching #5 on the UK Albums Chart, the album saw the return of Norman Cook and Ant Whiting as producers.[13] The album's lead single, "Lost Generation" debuted at a peak of number 6 on the UK Singles Chart, while follow-up "Skip to the Good Bit" reached number 16.

On 4 December 2013, Rizzle Kicks released a new song, "Happy That You're Here", to their YouTube channel.[14]

2014–2021: Different projects

[edit]

On 9 May 2014, the duo headlined the May Ball at Aberystwyth University,[15] and the Summer Ball on 6 June 2014 at Royal Holloway, University of London. In April, Stephens (credited as Rizzle Kicks) rapped a verse on the remix of the grime track "German Whip" by Meridian Dan, which also featured Skepta, Bossman Birdie and Professor Green.

The duo diverisifed into acting in 2014, with Alexander-Sule appearing as a gang leader in the thriller The Guvnors[16] and Stephens starring in E4 drama series Glue, broadcast 15 September to 3 November 2014.

In 2014, Rizzle Kicks released a new single "Tell Her" as part of a collaboration with Evian for the 2014 Wimbledon Championships.[17] Reaching #14, it is the band's final chart hit to date. In October 2014, Rizzle Kicks performed Meghan Trainor's "All About That Bass" in a special music collaboration with James Corden for Channel 4's "The Feeling Nuts Comedy Night" raising awareness of testicular cancer.[18]

In 2015, the duo performed the closing theme tune to the Shaun the Sheep Movie with Vic Reeves. They appear in an animated version of the song, viewable on YouTube.[19] On 10 August 2015 they released a cover of Summertime by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince on Spotify.[20]

Stephens and Alexander-Sule have continued to make appearances in film and television. In March 2015, Alexander-Sule played Jimmy Sullivan in the ITV crime drama Unforgotten. Stephens appeared as a Rebel soldier in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, released December 2016.[21] In 2016, Stephens appeared on the second Robot Wars celebrity special. His robot Dee, a pink axlebot made in collaboration with the Terrorhurtz drivers, lost two of its fights by knockout but won the third by a split decision. In 2018, Stephens starred alongside Derren Nesbitt in Tucked, a film about a young drag queen taken in by an older drag queen who is dying of cancer. In 2021, Stephens had a recurring role in the second series of Mae Martin's sitcom Feel Good on Netflix.

Stephens has released music under the stage name Wildhood, and released his debut solo EP Vert on 16 March 2016 following the singles "Psycho Jam" and "Double Dark".[22] He had previously released two collaborations with Mikill Pane; one, "Check", under the pseudonym of Gnarly Ventura, and the other, "Hold My Crown", under his real name. In April 2017, he used the stage name Al, the Native when featuring on The Last Skeptik's "Drumroll, Please". Since 2019, Stephens has been releasing music as Jordan Stephens, having released an EP titled P.I.G (standing for 'Pain Is Good') and his 2022 debut solo album "Let Me Die Inside You", as well as a number of non-album singles.

From 2015-2018, Alexander-Sulé released music under the stage name Jimi Charles Moody, and has released several singles.[23] His debut single, Blue Honey, had over ninety thousand plays on SoundCloud in its first month.[24] That song, as well as singles Other Man, Death Row and The Woman have over fifty thousand SoundCloud plays.[25] His song House of Moody was featured in a Lexus ad and also the Madden NFL 16 soundtrack.[26] Sulé has also released three singles as Harley Sulé, the most recent being "The Revenant" in 2021.[27]

2024–present: Reunion and Competition is for Losers

[edit]

On 2 May 2024, the duo announced that they were reuniting as Rizzle Kicks and recording together.[28][29] On 30 August 2024, they released a new single, "Javelin", their first release after putting the duo on hiatus eight years prior. On 8 November the duo confirmed on their socials the release of their third studio album Competition is for Losers to be released on February 14, 2025.[30] On 11 July 2025, they released the single Follow Excitement, featuring Rachel Chinouriri. On 12 November 2025, Green Party leader Zack Polanski made an appearance at their concert in Bristol[31].

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Rizzle Kicks discography

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Rizzle Kicks

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Rizzle Kicks are an English hip hop duo from , consisting of rappers "Rizzle" Stephens (born 25 January 1992) and Harley "" Alexander-Sule (born 23 November 1991), formed in 2008 after the pair met as teenagers at a hip hop project and later attended the together. Known for their jovial, lighthearted style drawing comparisons to early and Dream Warriors, they blend upbeat rap with pop sensibilities, gaining initial fame by supporting acts like and . The duo achieved commercial success in the early 2010s with their debut album Stereo Typical (2011), which peaked at number 5 on the and included the top 10 singles "Down with the Trumpets" (number 8) and "Mama Do the Hump" (number 2), the latter earning a Brit Award nomination for Best British Single. Their follow-up, Roaring 20s (2013), reached number 3 and featured additional hits, while a collaboration with on "" topped the UK Singles Chart for one week in 2011. Stereo Typical was certified platinum and Roaring 20s silver in the UK, solidifying their status as a fresh voice in British hip hop with over seven top 40 singles. After a hiatus beginning in 2016—stemming from personal challenges including for Stephens and anxiety for Alexander-Sule—the reunited and released their third album, Is for Losers, on 14 February 2025 via BMG, which peaked at number 33 on the . The comeback included the single "New Sport," nominated for Best Colour Grading in a Video at the 2025 UK Music Video Awards, and live performances such as their headline show at London's in 2026, marking a reflective return focused on themes of hope and friendship.

Background

Formation

Jordan Stephens and Harley Alexander-Sule first reconnected in Brighton, England, in 2006 after their families relocated from North London, where they had been childhood friends but had lost touch during their early years. Stephens began attending rap, performance, and drama workshops at the Brighton-based charity AudioActive that year, with Alexander-Sule joining the following year through AudioActive's Hip Hop Foundation project. These sessions fostered their creative partnership, building on their shared background in music and performance. By 2008, while attending the in together, Stephens and Alexander-Sule began early joint performances and recordings, marking the start of their collaborative work. Stephens was producing his debut , Minor Breaches of Discipline, which featured raps over samples from artists like and , and he invited Alexander-Sule to contribute vocals. Recognizing the synergy in their styles—Stephens' energetic complemented by Alexander-Sule's melodic hooks—they officially formed Rizzle Kicks that year, independently releasing the to showcase their sound. The duo decided to center their music on hip-hop infused with live , drawing from their workshop experiences and a desire to blend raw rap with organic, band-like elements rather than purely electronic production. This approach emphasized live feels through sampled live instruments, setting them apart in the UK hip-hop scene. Early exposure came via Channel 4's music programming, including appearances on 4Music's Presents... series, which helped build their initial audience through TV performances and features.

Members

Rizzle Kicks is a British hip hop duo consisting of Jordan "Rizzle" Stephens and Harley "Sylvester" Alexander-Sule, who met as teenagers in Brighton and have collaborated since 2006.

Jordan Stephens

Jordan "Rizzle" Stephens was born on 25 January 1992 in Brighton, England. In the duo, Stephens serves as the primary rapper, singer, guitarist, and trumpeter, contributing to their energetic and eclectic sound. He attended the BRIT School in Croydon, where he honed his musical skills alongside future collaborators. Stephens launched a solo career with the Wildhood EP in 2016, followed by his debut album Let Me Die Inside You in 2022, exploring introspective themes. Beyond music, he is a prominent activist for mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights, having publicly discussed his own experiences with anxiety and sexuality. In 2025, Stephens announced National Lottery funding for an arts project in Stoke-on-Trent aimed at youth creative development.

Harley Alexander-Sule

Harley "Sylvester" Alexander-Sule was born on 23 November 1991 in , . As a core member of Rizzle Kicks, Alexander-Sule acts as the rapper and primary producer, often handling beats and instrumentation to underpin the group's hip hop foundation. He received early training at AudioActive, a Brighton-based program, and later studied at the . Alexander-Sule pursued solo endeavors under the alias Jimi Charles Moody from 2015 to 2018, releasing singles and EPs, before adopting the name Harley Sulé and issuing the single "The Revenant" in 2021, which emphasized his songwriting and production prowess. His work highlights a focus on crafting layered tracks through songwriting and multi-instrumental contributions. The duo's chemistry stems from a longstanding friendship forged in their youth, with Stephens' high-energy, charismatic delivery contrasting Alexander-Sule's more relaxed, melodic flow, creating a balanced and dynamic interplay that defines Rizzle Kicks' appeal.

History

2006–2010: Early career beginnings

Rizzle Kicks began their musical journey through participation in youth music programs in , particularly AudioActive's Hip Hop Foundation project, where Jordan Stephens joined in 2006 and Harley Alexander-Sule enrolled the following year. This charity initiative provided workshops for songwriting, , and skills, fostering their and leading to the duo's official formation in 2008. From 2006 to 2008, they honed their craft through early live shows at local clubs and community events, including showcases organized by AudioActive such as the Brighton Hip-Hop Festival, building a presence in the UK's underground hip-hop scene. Their performances emphasized energetic, witty indie-hop style, blending rap with pop and indie samples, which helped cultivate a dedicated local following. In 2009, the duo released their debut independent mixtape, Minor Breaches of Discipline, a self-released project with 14 tracks that showcased their playful lyricism and production experimentation, though it received limited distribution primarily through local networks and online platforms. This mixtape marked their first substantial output, capturing their youthful energy and influences from Brighton’s vibrant music community. The following year, they followed up with additional independent material, including tracks shared via YouTube and SoundCloud, which began generating buzz in the UK underground scene. Early singles like "Down with the Trumpets," uploaded in late 2010, gained traction through online shares and earned airplay on BBC Radio 1's Introducing stage, highlighting their cheeky, upbeat sound. During this period, they also engaged in collaborations with local Brighton artists facilitated by AudioActive programs, strengthening ties within the regional hip-hop circuit. The duo's rising profile led to performances at key festivals, including the in 2009, where they competed and won opportunities to showcase on the Youth Music stage. These appearances caught the attention of industry scouts, culminating in their signing to in November 2010 after a series of viral videos and live sets demonstrated their potential. Post-signing, Rizzle Kicks transitioned to major-label preparation, entering studios to refine material for their debut album under producers like Ant Whiting, focusing on polished tracks that retained their raw, fun essence while expanding production scope. This phase solidified their shift from local underground acts to poised mainstream contenders, setting the stage for broader recognition.

2011–2012: Stereo Typical and breakthrough

Rizzle Kicks achieved their breakthrough with the release of their debut studio , Stereo Typical, on 28 October 2011. The debuted at number 9 on the before peaking at number 5 and remaining in the top 100 for a total of 53 weeks, marking a significant commercial milestone for the duo. Leading up to the album, Rizzle Kicks issued several key singles that propelled their rise. "Down with the Trumpets," released in June 2011, became their first top-ten hit, reaching number 8 on the UK Singles Chart and spending 41 weeks there; its energetic , featuring the duo in playful, trumpet-themed antics, amplified its viral appeal on platforms like . The re-release of "When I Was a Youngster" in October 2011 also peaked at number 8, with 14 weeks on the chart, its nostalgic video capturing youthful escapades that resonated with audiences. Following the album's launch, "Mama Do the Hump" arrived in December 2011, climbing to number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and charting for 43 weeks; produced by and featuring a quirky routine in its video, it showcased their blend of hip-hop and pop sensibilities. The duo's momentum earned them a nomination for the BRIT Award for British Single in 2012 for their collaboration with on "." They gained exposure through support slots on major tours, including Professor Green's rescheduled headline run starting in November 2011, where they performed across venues like Liverpool's O2 Academy and Glasgow's Barrowland. Internationally, their singles began charting in , with releases like "Down with the Trumpets" and "" (featuring ) entering the market and contributing to early overseas recognition. This period solidified Rizzle Kicks' mainstream popularity in the while laying groundwork for broader European promotion through festival appearances and mini-tours in 2012.

2013: Roaring 20s and international touring

In early 2013, Rizzle Kicks began work on their sophomore album, Roaring 20s, collaborating closely with producer Ant Whiting in to craft a sound that evolved from their debut's playful energy toward more introspective themes of adulthood, relationships, and social pressures. The album incorporated guest features from artists like , Murs, and comedian , as well as a spoken-word contribution from actor , adding layers of maturity while retaining the duo's signature upbeat hip-hop style. Recording sessions emphasized live instrumentation and horn sections to enhance the tracks' vibrant feel. Roaring 20s was released on 2 September 2013 via , debuting at number 3 on the and selling over 23,000 copies in its first week. The lead single "Skip to the Good Bit" followed on 25 October 2013, peaking at number 8 on the UK Singles Chart and earning a certification for over 400,000 units sold. Another single, "Right Now" featuring , was released on 17 November 2013, blending the duo's rap verses with Haze's dynamic contribution, though it charted lower at number 48. Throughout 2013, Rizzle Kicks intensified their live presence, embarking on a headline arena tour in October and November that included sold-out shows at venues like London's O2 Academy , showcasing tracks from the new album alongside fan favorites. Earlier in the year, from to February, they supported on his tour, performing across cities like New York and to expand their international fanbase. They also headlined stages at the in August, delivering high-energy sets that highlighted their crowd-engaging performance style, and later that year undertook their first Australian headline tour, including dates in and . Critics offered mixed responses to Roaring 20s, praising its infectious energy and sharp production but critiquing the lyrical depth as occasionally superficial compared to the duo's earlier work. The album ultimately achieved sales of approximately 100,000 copies in the UK by year's end, solidifying their commercial standing.

2014–2023: Hiatus and solo endeavors

In 2014, Rizzle Kicks scaled back group activities following the release of their single "Tell Her," which marked their last collaborative chart entry, amid growing personal challenges including creative exhaustion and a desire for individual development. The duo's final major performance together during this phase came at the in August 2014, where they played to large crowds at both and sites, delivering high-energy sets of their hits. By 2016, they entered an indefinite hiatus, primarily driven by Jordan ' struggles with drug addiction and issues, which he later described as having severely impacted the partnership and necessitated a break for recovery and . No formal announcement was made at the time, but the absence of new group material underscored their separation, allowing both members to pursue independent paths. Jordan Stephens channeled his experiences into solo music and advocacy, first under the alias Wildhood, releasing the EP Vert in March 2016, a raw collection of eight tracks exploring themes of rebellion and introspection, including singles like "Psycho Jam" and "Double Dark." He expanded into acting, taking on roles such as a stormtrooper in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), appearances in the TV series Glue (2014) and Catastrophe (2015), and films like Alleycats (2016) and Teen Spirit (2018). In 2022, Stephens debuted under his own name with the album Let Me Die Inside You, a 14-track project blending hip-hop and R&B that delved into vulnerability and emotional turmoil. Parallel to his music, he became a prominent mental health advocate, launching the #IAMWHOLE campaign in 2016 to combat stigma around emotional well-being, which garnered over 120 million online impressions and parliamentary recognition; this work extended to authoring the children's book The Missing Piece (2022) on self-acceptance and the memoir Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak and Dogs (2024), addressing ADHD, addiction, and masculinity. Harley Alexander-Sule, meanwhile, adopted the pseudonym Jimi Charles Moody for his initial solo releases, starting with the single "House of Moody" in 2015, followed by albums and EPs such as Gold Lining (not directly confirmed, but aligned with early output including "Turns to Gold" in 2016), (2017), and the EP (2018), which shifted toward soulful, introspective songwriting. By 2021, he transitioned to releasing as Harley Sulé, debuting the single "The Revenant," a moody track reflecting personal resilience, and continued with sporadic singles like "Something Good" (2020). Alexander-Sule also engaged in production for other artists, contributing beats and collaborations in the UK hip-hop scene, while maintaining a lower profile compared to Stephens' endeavors. Throughout the hiatus, Rizzle Kicks occasionally teased potential returns via , with subtle posts from 2015 onward hinting at ongoing friendship and creative sparks—such as shared photos or nostalgic references—but these yielded no new duo music, as both prioritized their separate projects and occasional external collaborations, like Stephens' features on tracks by other artists. The period solidified their individual growth, setting the stage for later reconciliation without rushing group commitments.

2024–present: Reunion, Competition is for Losers, and return to touring

On 2 May 2024, during an episode of ' podcast The Red Carpet Treatment, Rizzle Kicks announced their reunion, revealing that the duo— and Harley Alexander-Sulé—had begun recording new music together after nearly a decade apart. The pair cited their renewed personal friendship, forged through individual growth during the hiatus, and a sense of unfinished business in their collaborative career as key motivations for reforming. This initial disclosure built anticipation among fans, leading to a more formal comeback announcement in August 2024. The duo's return to music began with the "Javelin," released on 30 August 2024, which showcased a blend of their signature upbeat hip-hop with more introspective lyrics. Their third studio album, Competition is for Losers, followed on 14 February 2025 via BMG, featuring tracks such as "New Sport" and collaborations including "Pleasure & Pain" with . The album debuted at number 59 on the and received critical acclaim for its mature sound, with reviewers praising its evolution toward themes of personal reflection and resilience while retaining the group's playful energy. described it as "jubilant yet elevated," highlighting the return of live instrumentation and brass elements that marked their early work. Building on the album's momentum, Rizzle Kicks released the follow-up single "Follow Excitement!" featuring on 11 July 2025, a track emphasizing pursuit of joy amid life's uncertainties. Their live resurgence started with warm-up shows in late 2024, including a sold-out at 's on 8 November. In 2025, they headlined the E-Prix on 27 July and performed a Spotlight Show at The Great Escape festival in on 16 May, where Stephens also appeared at the . The duo's 2025 headline tour, announced in July, includes November dates such as 12 November at O2 Academy and culminates in their largest show to date at 's Alexandra Palace on 22 May 2026. As of November 2025, Rizzle Kicks continue promoting Competition is for Losers through their ongoing tour dates, with Stephens and Alexander-Sulé expressing intentions for additional releases to sustain their creative partnership.

Artistry

Musical style

Rizzle Kicks' is primarily rooted in British hip-hop and alternative hip-hop, incorporating elements of and to create a distinctive, genre-blending sound. Their style draws from indie-influenced pop-rap fusions, including , drum'n'bass, and surf-pop, often characterized by upbeat tempos and a magpie-like approach to musical influences that revives old-school wordplay. Signature features include live , with contributing guitar and a player adding a brassy, energetic layer that adds to the tracks' vibrant sheen. The duo's vocal delivery emphasizes dual with call-and-response dynamics, blending rapid-fire spoken-word flows from Stephens with Alexander-Sule's higher-pitched hooks and . This interplay creates a conversational, playful , often in its mix of and melodic elements, avoiding aggressive tropes in favor of lighthearted delivery. Their focus on humorous and relatable themes centered on youth, partying, and relationships, such as boyhood dreams and mischievous escapades, reflecting a distinctly British perspective on everyday life. Over time, Rizzle Kicks' sound has evolved from the playful, sample-heavy hip-hop of their 2011 debut Stereo Typical—marked by bright, energetic pop-rap grooves—to the , , and jazz-infused tracks on 2013's Roaring 20s, which introduced more laid-back, melodic introspection. Their 2025 album Competition is for Losers further incorporates and dub elements, shifting toward deeper themes of personal growth, , and maturity while retaining upbeat rhythms.

Influences and live performance

Rizzle Kicks' music draws heavily from old-school hip-hop, particularly the playful wordplay and energetic delivery of acts like the and . In interviews, members and Harley Alexander-Sule have cited the of hip-hop, including influences from and Q-Tip's beat-making style, as foundational to their rhythmic and lyrical approach. and dub elements also permeate their sound, evident in tracks with laid-back grooves and echoing production, while modern pop-rap inspirations such as Lily Allen's witty, sample-friendly style appear in early works like their remix of her track "The Fear" for "Fuck Loadsa ." Their 2025 album Competition Is for Losers marks a revival of , incorporating smooth horn sections and improvisational flows reminiscent of 1990s acts, blended with contemporary soulful production from influences like and . Rizzle Kicks' live performances are characterized by high-energy sets backed by a full band, featuring live on guitar and trumpet for an organic, improvisational feel. Their shows emphasize audience interaction, with Stephens and Alexander-Sule encouraging crowd sing-alongs and call-and-response, turning venues into communal spaces that amplify their anthemic choruses. Known for festival appearances and arena-filling energy, they deliver playful, genre-blending hip-hop that keeps crowds moving through upbeat pacing and charismatic stage banter. The duo's live style has evolved from the raw, youthful exuberance of their early tours—marked by unpolished fun and cheeky covers—to the more refined productions of their 2025 reunion, incorporating visuals, soulful arrangements, and deeper emotional delivery post-hiatus. This shift highlights a matured connection with audiences, blending nostalgia for hits like those from Stereo Typical with introspective new material. Critics have praised their live charisma and infectious vibe, often describing shows as wholesome, party-like events that recapture the duo's early appeal. However, early tours drew some critique for superficiality and a lack of lyrical depth, with performances occasionally likened to energetic but lighthearted school talent shows. Their 2025 return has been received as a triumphant evolution, reaffirming their staying power through balanced sets that honor roots while showcasing growth.

Discography

Studio albums

Rizzle Kicks have released three studio albums.
TitleRelease datePeak chart position ()Certification ()Notes
Stereo Typical28 October 20115 (300,000+ units shipped)Debut featuring 14 tracks, including highlights "Down with the Trumpets", "When I Was a Youngster", and "Mama Do the Hump"; primarily produced by Ant Whiting, with additional production from Future Cut and .
Roaring 20s2 September 20133Gold (100,000+ units shipped)Second with 14 tracks, including features with on "The Reason I Live" and Dabbla on "This Means War"; produced by Ant Whiting and Norman Cook.
Competition is for Losers14 February 202559—Third comprising 14 tracks, including "New Sport" and "Pleasure & Pain" (featuring ); incorporates self-production elements by the duo alongside collaborators like Dan Holloway and TommyD.

Singles

Rizzle Kicks achieved commercial success in the UK with a series of upbeat hip-hop singles in the early , several of which reached the top 10 of the Official Singles Chart. Their debut single "Down with the Trumpets", released on 10 June 2011, marked their breakthrough, peaking at number 8 and spending 41 weeks on the chart. This was followed by "When I Was a Youngster" on 21 October 2011, which also peaked at number 8 and charted for 14 weeks. The duo's most successful early release, "Mama Do the Hump", arrived on 16 December 2011 and climbed to number 2, holding the position for 43 weeks on the chart. In 2013, supporting their second album Roaring 20s, "Skip to the Good Bit" was issued on 25 and reached number 16, lasting 16 weeks on the chart. A prominent collaboration during this period was their guest appearance on ' "", released in August 2011, which topped the UK Singles Chart for one week and spent 33 weeks in total. The duo also contributed a to Ed Sheeran's "You Need Me, I Don't Need You" in August 2011, blending their style with Sheeran's acoustic folk-rap track. After an extended hiatus, Rizzle Kicks reunited and released "" on 30 August 2024 as the from their third album Competition is for Losers, emphasizing themes of carefree escapism. This was succeeded by "New Sport" on 8 November 2024, a shimmering track previewing the album's energetic vibe. In 2025, they issued "Follow Excitement!" featuring on 11 July, which peaked at number 41 on the UK Official Independent Singles Chart and charted for two weeks.
TitleRelease DatePeak Position (UK Singles Chart)Weeks on ChartCertification (UK)Notes
Down with the Trumpets10 June 2011841—From Stereo Typical.
When I Was a Youngster21 October 2011814—From Stereo Typical.
Mama Do the Hump16 December 2011243PlatinumFrom Stereo Typical.
Traveller's Chant8 April 2012445—From Stereo Typical.
25 August 2013611—From Roaring 20s.
Skip to the Good Bit25 October 20131616—From Roaring 20s.
Tell Her17 February 2014143—Standalone single.
Javelin30 August 2024——— for Competition is for Losers.
New Sport8 November 2024———Second single from Competition is for Losers.
Follow Excitement! (feat. )11 July 2025———Promotional single; peaked at 41 on UK Independent Singles Chart (2 weeks).

References

  1. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/7015/rizzle-kicks/
  2. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/rizzle-kicks-mn0002744012
  3. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/mar/08/rizzle-kicks-look-back-because-of-how-fast-it-went-we-became-delusional-about-how-easy-it-was-to-get-successful
  4. https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/14085-2768-2/
  5. https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/13172-2-10/
  6. https://awards.ukmva.com/
  7. https://www.alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/rizzle-kicks/
  8. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-24804538
  9. https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/25175509.rizzle-kicks-thanks-brighton-shaping-careers/
  10. https://brits.co.uk/news/2013/artist-spotlight-rizzle-kicks/
  11. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/rizzle-kicks-comeback-album-competition-is-for-losers-1235904236/
  12. https://www.theguardian.com/music/article/2024/aug/18/rizzle-kicks-jordan-stephens-on-life-after-pop-stardom
  13. https://www.c-heads.com/2014/07/17/rizzle-kicks-release-new-video-tell-her/
  14. https://www.undergroundhh.com/artistprofile/profile/Rizzle-Kicks
  15. https://www.last.fm/music/Rizzle%2BKicks/Minor%2BBreaches%2Bof%2BDiscipline
  16. https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/rizzle-kicks
  17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_Xu6UFqWoQ
  18. https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/news/jordan-stephens-surprises-arts-project-with-major-1million-national-lottery-funding-news
  19. https://audioactive.org.uk/rizzle-kicks-become-audioactive-patrons
  20. https://www.theargus.co.uk/leisure/music/10308338.rizzle-kicks/
  21. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/oct/19/new-band-rizzle-kicks
  22. https://www.discogs.com/artist/2383705-Rizzle-Kicks
  23. https://www.recordoftheday.com/on-the-move/record/rizzle-kicks/down-with-the-trumpets
  24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40EdG1C2rpw
  25. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/rizzle-kicks-stereo-typical/
  26. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/rizzle-kicks-down-with-the-trumpets/
  27. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/rizzle-kicks-when-i-was-a-youngster/
  28. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/rizzle-kicks-mama-do-the-hump/
  29. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/jan/12/brit-awards-2012-nominations-in-full
  30. https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/167256/9
  31. https://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Rizzle+Kicks
  32. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/aug/29/rizzle-kicks-roaring-20s-review
  33. https://www.nme.com/news/music/rizzle-kicks-3-1253971
  34. https://theartsdesk.com/new-music/cd-rizzle-kicks-roaring-20s
  35. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/rizzle-kicks-roaring-20s/
  36. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/rizzle-kicks-skip-to-the-good-bit/
  37. https://www.capitalfm.com/artists/ed-sheeran/news/rizzle-kicks-new-us-tour-diary/
  38. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/cdreviews/10274850/Rizzle-Kicks-Roaring-20s-review.html
  39. https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/v-festival-2014-2d7b044f-a948-4040-a40c-093f120ccf2c
  40. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj6kn6dzy55o
  41. https://music.apple.com/us/album/vert/1091347525
  42. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4132495/
  43. https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/author/jordan-stephens/
  44. https://www.wearemediahive.com/news/the-missing-piece-by-jordan-stephens-illustrated-by-beth-suzanna
  45. https://www.amazon.com/Avoidance-Drugs-Heartbreak-Jordan-Stephens/dp/1838858113
  46. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jimi-charles-moody/1012500695
  47. https://open.spotify.com/artist/2c7W5Wrgn9aGrqtSFrHa1a
  48. https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-revenant-single/1560357228
  49. https://www.discogs.com/artist/2618514-Harley-Alexander-Sule
  50. https://www.reddit.com/r/popheads/comments/1cjvzvc/rizzle_kicks_appear_to_be_teasing_a_comeback/
  51. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/rizzle-kicks-competition-is-for-losers/
  52. https://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/discovery-rizzle-kicks
  53. https://www.bbc.co.uk/blast/153645
  54. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/sep/25/rizzle-kicks-alex-clare-review
  55. https://thelinc.co.uk/2012/05/rizzle-kicks-got-down-with-the-trumpets-at-the-engine-shed/
  56. https://www.hivemagazine.net/music-reviews/rizzle-kicks-new-sport
  57. https://music.apple.com/id/artist/rizzle-kicks/435746814
  58. https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/rizzle-kicks-interview-competition-is-for-losers-new-album/
  59. https://renownedforsound.com/album-review-rizzle-kicks-roaring-20s/
  60. https://www.indiependent.co.uk/album-review-competition-is-for-losers-rizzle-kicks/
  61. https://www.joe.ie/uncategorized/joeie-talks-to-rizzle-kicks-32539
  62. https://genius.com/Rizzle-kicks-fuck-loadsa-dubstep-lyrics
  63. https://www.whosampled.com/sample/162903/Rizzle-Kicks-Fuck-Loadsa-Dubstep-Lily-Allen-The-Fear/
  64. https://www.nme.com/news/music/rizzle-kicks-interview-javelin-new-music-mental-health-3788138
  65. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/single/rizzle-kicks/follow-excitement.p/
  66. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgsdCPbJt2Q
  67. https://mancunion.com/2025/04/14/rizzle-kicks-live-o2-ritz/
  68. https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/gig-review-rizzle-kicks-edinburgh-1544782
  69. https://theedgesusu.co.uk/live/reviews/2012/11/10/rizzle-kicks-at-the-guildhall-91112/
  70. https://theartsdesk.com/node/34948/view
  71. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/sep/06/rizzle-kicks
  72. https://www.ukmix.org/forum/chart-discussion/chart-analysis/22920-brit-certified-formerly-bpi-certifications/page53
  73. https://www.discogs.com/master/768582-Rizzle-Kicks-Stereo-Typical
  74. https://open.spotify.com/album/7dn5EHt0T7jdPf4q0ljrmp
  75. https://www.ukmix.org/forum/chart-discussion/chart-analysis/22920-brit-certified-formerly-bpi-certifications
  76. https://genius.com/albums/Rizzle-kicks/Roaring-20s
  77. https://open.spotify.com/album/3mB5xSAGKX3173APdsyAqo
  78. https://www.amazon.com/Roaring-20s-Rizzle-Kicks/dp/B00D5R8LN8
  79. https://open.spotify.com/album/55FzaAUCNd1Jb71drE3nZn
  80. https://genius.com/albums/Rizzle-kicks/Competition-is-for-losers
  81. https://music.apple.com/us/album/competition-is-for-losers/1775428612
  82. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/olly-murs-ft-rizzle-kicks-heart-skips-a-beat/
  83. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfKapjvK-vo
  84. https://www.nme.com/news/music/rizzle-kicks-announce-first-new-single-in-eight-years-javelin-3785106
  85. https://www.nme.com/news/music/rizzle-kicks-announce-first-album-in-over-a-decade-competition-is-for-losers-with-shimmering-single-new-sport-3811014
  86. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/rizzle-kicksrachel-chinouriri-follow-excitement/
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