Aitch Drops ‘4’: A High-Energy Return to His Manchester Roots

British rapper Aitch released his sophomore album 4 on 20 June 2025 via Infinitum/NQ Records, marking his fourth major project following EPs AitcH2O, Polaris, and debut Close to Home. Named after his Manchester postcode M40 and diving deep into the city’s culture, 4 delivers sixteen tracks packed with bangers, energetic beats, and confident swagger.

Critics praised the album’s rawness and production: “a treasure trove of bangers – all red‑blooded swagger, frantic hi‑hats and dashboard‑rattling basslines”. Collaborations with AJ Tracey, Anne‑Marie, Tiggs Da Author, Pozer, Kenzo Str8Drop, and Avelino shape its versatile sound, blending UK rap, upbeat hooks, and Manchester pride.

Aitch told Rolling Stone that unlike his introspective debut, 4 was crafted with the live stage in mind, “hard-hitting beats… meant to be heard live.” The lead singles, “Straight Rhymez 2,” “Bounce,” “LUV?” (feat. Anne‑Marie), “Till L4te” and “Col4 Body” (feat. Tiggs Da Author), had already warmed up fans ahead of the full release.

Aitch at Glastonbury 2025

At Glastonbury Festival 2025, Aitch delivered a turbocharged headline set on the Pyramid Stage that confirmed his superstar status. He kicked off with “Safe To Say,” igniting multiple mosh pits and immediately commanding the crowd. His performance blended high-octane energy and crowd interaction, shouting “Let’s go for it” and rallying the crowd behind his Mancunian roots.

The setlist was a career-spanning celebration: from breakthrough hits like “Taste (Make It Shake)” to heartfelt moments like “My G,” dedicated to his sister with Down’s Syndrome, Aitch struck a balance between ferocious bangers and emotional depth. He even surprised fans with a snippet of Oasis’s “Wonderwall” and held a jubilant Manchester chant.

Rolling Stone UK deemed it “a masterclass in why Aitch has become such a celebrated force in the UK rap scene,” noting his command across an hour-long, unapologetically energetic performance.

Between the release of 4 and his explosive Glastonbury appearance, Aitch has seamlessly transitioned from “party-starting rapper” to full-scale stadium presence. His approach, energetic, live-focused, and rooted in Manchester culture, cements him as one of the most exciting UK rap acts of 2025.

With a fierce new album and headline-caliber live chops, Aitch is clearly setting himself apart. The festival circuit, built-in fanbase, and raw performance talent all point to bigger stages and higher stakes ahead, and 4 is the soundtrack to that rise.