Krept and Konan return with new album Young Kingz II
Krept and Konan have marked the end of their five-year hiatus with the release of their fourth studio album ‘Young Kingz II'.
Following a five-year hiatus, South London’s finest, Casyo Valentine 'Krept' Johnson and Karl Dominic 'Konan' Wilson officially returned, dropping their highly anticipated fourth studio album, ‘Young Kingz II’ last Friday (07.02.25) via their independent record label Play Dirty.
The rap duo's absence only heightened the anticipation, leaving fans and critics alike wondering if the pair could recapture the magic that made them trailblazers in the UK rap scene.
‘Young Kingz II’ is a continuation of their record-breaking mixtape ‘Young Kingz’ - which was released in September 2013 and went on to become the highest-charting album by an unsigned UK act when it reached No.19 on the UK albums chart – setting a Guinness World Record.
The new album is an elevation from the original, with a refined sound that blends their signature street grit with a polished production.
A deeply personal project, recorded largely in Jamaica to honour their heritage, it embodies their evolution while staying rooted in their origins.
Tracks like ‘Last Night In Kingston’ give a nod to the duo’s roots, whilst Konan’s raw solo in ‘100 mistakes’ paints a vivid picture of life in South London.
‘Young Kingz II’ explores their evolution as artists, reflecting on their success rooted in the struggle. Despite their rise to the top the weight of the hustle and survival instincts remain strong.
While the album is an exploration of grief, resilience, and growth, it also stands as a celebration of their evolution - both as artists and individuals - delivering an authentic narrative along the way. It serves as a testament to their journey - a tribute to the life they’ve lived and the obstacles they’ve overcome.
Just like their predecessor, ‘Young Kingz II is a masterful compilation that blends their Jamaican heritage and South London upbringing, navigating genres from road rap to dancehall.
Discussing the LP, the duo said: "'Young Kingz II' is more than just an album it's a reflection of everything we've been through and where we're at now - it's a full circle moment for us. This album is all about growth. We've poured our hearts into it - to all the supporters who've been with us from the start - this one's for you."
The album features an impressive roster of collaborators, including Jamaican icons Sizzla and Popcaan, UK rap heavyweights Chip, Potter Payper, Ghetts, Youngs Teflon, and actors Michael Ward and Damson Idris. It also incorporates a poignant sample of Konan's father, Reggae legend Delroy Wilson.
Blending Afrobeats, Dancehall, Grime, and Hip Hop, 'Young Kingz II' delves into deeply personal themes - PTSD, therapy, fatherhood, grief, loss, and systemic injustice. It's a bold and poignant statement, re- cementing Krept and Konan's legacy as voices of resilience and authenticity in British music.
Krept and Konan are trailblazers in the UK rap scene, and have a reputation for repeatedly breaking records and consistently breaking ground. 'Young Kingz II' is poised to be yet another milestone in Krept and Konan's unstoppable career. As unapologetic pioneers in UK hip-hop, they continue to push boundaries and set new benchmarks in British music.
Young Kingz II Track List:
'100 Mistakes'
'New Snap City'
'Low Vibrations'
'How Many Times'
'Last Night In Kingston'
'Bedroom'
'Nala’s Song'
'Delroy’s Son'
'Kilimanjaro'
'Smooth Lovin'
'21 Years Skirt'
'Street Therapy'
'Guiding me Back'
'Situations'
'Rage'
'Back To Me'
'Last Cards'
