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In episode twenty‑seven of Skip’d, Rob & Mike step into the tender, introspective world of Loyle Carner’s 2019 masterpiece Not Waving, But Drowning — a record that cemented Carner as one of the most emotionally articulate and quietly groundbreaking voices in UK hip‑hop.

Warm, soulful, and disarmingly honest, the album blends jazz‑soaked production, spoken‑word intimacy, and Carner’s trademark confessional storytelling into a deeply personal exploration of love, loss, growth, and the messy business of becoming an adult. From the heartfelt vulnerability of “Dear Jean” to the breezy optimism of “Ottolenghi,” this is Carner at his most open, reflective, and quietly triumphant. It’s the soundtrack for long walks, late‑night overthinking, and every moment you’re trying to figure out who you are — and who you want to be.

What’s inside:

• A breakdown of standout cuts like the soulful “Ottolenghi,” the gut‑punch letter‑to‑his‑mum “Dear Jean,” and the introspective slow‑burn “Loose Ends”
• A deep dive into Carner’s artistic evolution — how Not Waving, But Drowning expands his palette with richer instrumentation, tighter storytelling, and a more mature emotional lens
• Reflections on the album’s critical reception, its place in the UK hip‑hop landscape, and how Carner’s vulnerability reshaped expectations of what a modern rap record can be
• Plus Rob & Mike look back on their own early‑twenties chaos — the friendships, the false starts, and the moments that felt like drowning and waving all at once

Stream Skip’d on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your audio fix. Got an album that feels like a confession, a comfort blanket, or a coming‑of‑age moment? Send it our way — Rob & Mike will put it to the test and decide if it’s truly unskippable.