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Blacksocks<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\nImagine going from writing songs in your bedroom to selling out tours, working with the biggest stars and bagging a platinum-selling album, all in just a few years.<\/p>\n It\u2019s what Jordan Stephens and Harley Alexander-Sule did with Rizzle Kicks \u2013 a pop\/hip-hop duo which, after an almost decade-long break, are coming back.<\/p>\n Eight years after their last single, they’ve released a new one, Javelin, out Friday, with an album also on the way.<\/p>\n “I think our music reminds people of a time where everyone was generally happy. The [London 2012] Olympics, summer,” Harley tells BBC Newsbeat.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n In 2011, the duo had top ten hits like Down with the Trumpets and Mama Do The Hump, and even bagged a UK Number 1 in 2013 with Olly Murs and the song Heart Skips a Beat.<\/p>\n And even though plenty of fans have told the band they remind them of “better times”, Rizzle Kicks say they want fans to be excited about their new music as well.<\/p>\n “I love that this return is making people feel nostalgic, but also hope people will catch on and feel the same way about our new stuff,” Jordan says.<\/p>\n “We\u2019re shocked that so many people were buzzing about [our return]. It\u2019s overwhelming and exciting.<\/p>\n “I remember seeing a tweet saying, \u2018I didn\u2019t know Rizzle Kicks had fans like this’ – and we were like: ‘Neither did I!'”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Rizzle Kicks’ first album Stereo Typical reached number 5 in the UK charts, with their second, Roaring 20s, doing even better \u2013 reaching number 3. <\/p>\n But the pair stopped making music together in 2016, due to problems including addiction and mental health.<\/p>\n “We started when we were 18, 19, thrown into this crazy world,” Harley says.<\/p>\n “We made an attempt to do another album, which never came out,” Jordan says.<\/p>\n “A tour was booked, which never happened.<\/p>\n “Harley was trying to prevent a panic attack after a show. Lying on the floor doing deep-breathing. I had got to the state of acknowledging my addictive habits.<\/p>\n “It was a pop-rollercoaster we hadn\u2019t intended to be on. I was way too sensitive for that.”<\/p>\n Jordan says the panic attack caused a moment of reflection.<\/p>\n “We stood there and thought, ‘Is it worth it?’ At the expense of Harley\u2019s peace of mind? My peace of mind?<\/p>\n “We needed some time to grow up out of the spotlight.”<\/p>\n He feels it was pressure from their labels and within the music industry which got a bit too much.<\/p>\n “We were put on a hamster wheel. I wish we had the time to appreciate what we\u2019d done and taken the time with no pressure to get back in and write, write, write.<\/p>\n “We literally said: ‘Maybe we should grow up?'”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Both Harley and Jordan have released solo music during their years apart. But after writing for “years” and scrapping songs \u2013 they tell Newsbeat why now feels like the right time to tackle the issues they\u2019ve had in the industry together.<\/p>\n “I don\u2019t hide away from my own battles with addiction, and we talk about that,” Jordan says.<\/p>\n “We delve into stressful times, but also lighter \u2013 be there with your mate and have fun.<\/p>\n “I literally rap about drinking water now \u2013 that\u2019s my flex.<\/p>\n “This is all bonus rounds to us. We\u2019re doing this because we love it.<\/p>\n “This album’s about where we\u2019re at right now. Which is love, and having a good time,” he says.<\/p>\n What is success for Rizzle Kicks in 2024? There\u2019s a focus for both of them to come off-stage feeling good.<\/p>\n Jordan says their “metrics of success are very different”.<\/p>\n “We\u2019re not trying to be global megastars, or working off nostalgia, we\u2019re working on what we love right now.<\/p>\n “We just wanna deliver quality for the foreseeable,” he says.<\/p>\n “Having a laugh and enjoying it,” Harley adds.<\/p>\n “As long as this return allows us to continue for the next five, 10 years – that\u2019s success.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/bbcx\/grey-placeholder.png\")
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Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n‘A pop rollercoaster’<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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