Ceebo - blair babies (Mixtape) + 10 Questions
Ceebo Unpacks a Generation’s Reality on blair babies.
Lambeth-born rapper Ceebo returns with blair babies, a bold 16 track exploration of life in post New Labour Britain. Merging sharp social commentary with experimental soundscapes, the project sees Ceebo dive deep into themes of consumerism, youth violence, escapism and austerity, capturing the tension of growing up in a fractured society.
Working closely with Jim Legxacy, Chef Bkay and afrosurrealist, Ceebo crafts an avant garde, emotionally charged listening experience. From the haunting spoken word opener ‘1997–2007’ to the reflective closer ‘ceebo 3:16’, the tape traces the disillusionment and resilience of a generation inheriting a world on the brink.
Highlights include the chaotic, dystopian ‘captain roscoe with a crossbow’, the euphoric yet self aware ‘buzzball summer’, and ‘the gospel (as according to tony blair)’, which cements Ceebo as one of UK rap’s most compelling storytellers. Elsewhere, the title track ‘blair babies’ distils a collective nihilism into something strangely hopeful, its bright instrumental underscoring Ceebo’s lyrical grit.
Following acclaimed releases Bluquet (2023) and LAMBETHNOTLA, hailed by Complex as one of last year’s standout projects, Ceebo continues to push boundaries. Drawing from influences like Kendrick Lamar, Wretch 32 and MF DOOM, and the Congolese Angolan sounds of his upbringing, he bridges poetry and politics with striking authenticity.
With blair babies, Ceebo doesn’t just reflect on Britain’s broken promises, he reimagines what it means to grow up amidst them. It’s an arresting, deeply personal project that confirms him as one of UK rap’s most vital new voices.
Ceebo sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
In Year 11 I started rapping in cyphers that were held in the playground, I wasn’t particularly good but the sport of it fascinated me and gave me an introduction to what would become an outlet.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
MIKE is definitely a big influence on me and someone I would love to work with, keiyaA as well. I’d also really wanna work with Enny, and Vince Staples, he isn’t someone who I would do a song with necessarily but someone who inspires me.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
I just released blair babies which is my 2nd mixtape and serves as an examination of my generation; those born during Tony Blair’s time and how we cope with our day to day reality.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Experimental yet accessible I think is how I would describe it.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Definitely the day blair babies came out, getting to see everyone’s reactions live was extremely satisfying.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Study the past; the context the artists lived in from a sociopolitical standpoint, how they transmuted that, and the science of the music. Every question you could possibly have has already been answered!!
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
svn4vr is just the greatest in the world, Adz, Chefbkay, Ciel and N4T are all the must listens for sure.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
hooke’s law by keiyaA is like an every day thing right now, I love that album, Boy In Da Corner by Dizzee Rascal and Let Em Ave It by Giggs are the three consistent ones.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I like to read A LOT, watch films, study music performances, and I’m a bit of a foodie so you will catch me at random spots in London if I’ve heard enough about it.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Big 1.5L bottle of Volvic water, my backpack and something I can fidget with when I get overstimulated.