Irish-Nigerian rapper/songwriter AC3 first broke into the scene with “Dublin Not London,” which served as the introductory point. From there, he followed up with more than a handful of live performances, singles and a feature acting role, and now he returns with his debut EP, All Hands On Deck.
The 6-track project leaves no stone unturned and gives listeners an unfiltered, first-person account of life from a young black man’s view. Steeped in reality and his experiences, AC3 doesn’t shy from being vulnerable and emotional at times, and these traits truly give him the edge. From the solemn “Intro,” where he recounts the time he nearly lost his life, and the thought of getting a second chance fueled his passion. The urgency is raised on “Say Less Do More,” a dark cinematic drill backdrop punctuated by vivid storytelling about life goals and calculated risk-taking in a world where nothing is certain. This is followed by “Irish Rap” featuring Sello, and together they deliver an anthemic tribute to their Irish-hip-hop roots. Next is the epic “Superman,” where AC3 flexes his lyrical biceps and unapologetically states his claim in the Irish rap game. Next is “Hands On” featuring A Kay, a smooth and punchy cut that explores the explosive lifestyle of the rapper. The lyrical undertones are steeped in the go-getter mentality, which AC3 embodies to the fullest. The EP closes out with the anthemic “Outro,” where AC3 bookends his journey with a detailed recount of his struggles as a thriving artist and his humble beginnings.
Overall, the project is a snapshot of who AC3 is and as the next best thing to emerge from the Irish hip-hop scene.
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