29 September 2026
Marnz Malone has never really sounded like he is trying to fit into the UK rap landscape. Even before his release from prison, the Birmingham rapper had carved his own lane; one built around intricate writing, street-level storytelling, vulnerability, and attention to detail.
I Wish I Could Sing is the highly anticipated follow-up to YAQEEN. Marnz’s latest 14-track project tests the boundaries of what he can do, and wants to do, now that his circumstances have changed. There are still the hard-hitting records, the reflections of what once was, and the ability to land a crazy punchline – but there is also far more attention to melodies and collaboration.
The title itself is very appropriate for this project. Marnz has always been a rapper first, but I Wish I Could Sing is an attempt to explore other avenues that sit outside of that box.
“Morgan Rogers” is a solid introduction to the project, with its introspective lyrics immediately reminding you why his pen has garnered so much attention.
“Shelly” brings the iconic Skillibeng into the fold, adding a Caribbean influence that feels like something different than what fans may be used to from Marnz Malone. “Saxophone”, featuring Byron Messia, is another example of this on the project as well. Byron’s vocal presence gives the record a different texture, while Marnz adapts and shows he has another string to his bow rather than simply dropping the sort of verse you’d come to expect from him over an unfamiliar instrumental.
Marnz has developed a reputation for his lyricism, and his ability to tell a story so vividly, but I Wish I Could Sing showcases a genuine attempt to explore different tempos, sounds and styles throughout.
“Unorthodox” sees Marnz link up with J Hus, bringing together two rappers whose writing styles differ, but one thing that is undeniable about both is their ability to make unconventional ideas sound natural. This ability allows both to occupy different spaces on the track, rather than clashing too hard.
Marnz Malone’s music has always been reflective, and introspective. Prison, grief, relationships, poverty, ambition and the consequences of street life are all common themes. I Wish I Could Sing feels less concerned with documenting what has happened and shifts the focus onto what might be coming next.
There are plenty of rappers capable of sounding tough over dark instrumentals. Marnz Malone does this in a way that allows him to be tough whilst at the same time revealing the reasons he has had to be that way in his life.
The Birmingham connection on “Generational Run” (featuring Stardom) gives the track that homegrown feel, with Stardom setting the scene before Marnz comes through and follows up the levels set. It serves as a reminder of where he comes from, and that Birmingham is a force in the UK rap scene.
From the prison freestyles to Tina’s Boy, SABR and YAQEEN, Marnz Malone’s music has always been nothing if not authentic. I Wish I Could Sing doesn’t compromise that, or show anything different. Instead, it builds on it and showcases a real level of progression from the Brummy artist.
Star Rating: 3.5/5
Words by Tom Dingley