Robert - Orange is the New Black (LP)

Black Country emcee Robert releases Orange is the New Black, a poignant alt-rap debut which began life behind bars.

The album features Jason Williamson (Sleaford Mods), Slug (Atmosphere) and Rag N Bone Man, the nine-track LP spans low-slung hip hop to simmering acoustics, and weaves together raw reflections on life in and after prison.

The first bars of Orange is the New Black were penned in HMP Channings Wood where Robert was serving his third sentence in just under two decades. A visit from his son gave him the impetus to break the cycle of reoffending, and writing became a means for processing his guilt and trauma.

Produced by The Purist (Action Bronson, MF DOOM, Freddie Gibbs) and Sonnyjim (Conway, Roc Marciano, Da$H) the resultant record takes its sound from the sprawling psych and punk records Robert grew up with, inflected with a heartfelt love of sample-based music.

The album takes its title from two places – the prison-based HBO series of the same name, and, more obscurely, the life of controversial Indian spiritual leader Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, aka Osho. Robert found Osho’s work in the prison library, and it struck a chord with him, helping him to find stillness in a world of violence and chaos. Ranjeesh is immortalised on penultimate track “The Bhagwhan”, a slice of driving psychedelia featuring UK emcee Kosyne.

When asked how he wants the album to be received, Robert says he wishes to set an example for his kids, and their peers, who might associate vulnerability with weakness. “I am an artist, not a criminal. I want young people to realise that they can write and express emotion and feeling and still have respect. It’s OK to have an ego, but do not let that define who you are.”