Rizzle Kicks Star Reveals Drug Addiction’s Role in Duo’s Hiatus Ahead of Comeback

Jordan Stephens has disclosed that a drug addiction played a role in the dissolution of the hip-hop group Rizzle Kicks. The duo’s first album, Stereo Typical, released three years after their formation in Brighton in 2008, achieved sales exceeding 600,000 units. However, due to personal conflicts between Stephens and Harley Alexander-Sule, the other member of the duo, Rizzle Kicks entered an eight-year hiatus. Stephens stated, “In that time when we were trying to find ourselves, Harley developed a crippling stage anxiety and I became a drug addict, basically.” The 32-year-old artist has detailed his struggles with drug abuse, fame, grief, self-harm, masculinity, among other issues, in his forthcoming memoir titled Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak & Dogs. Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex, he remarked, “At our peak, when we had the most notoriety and fame, the pressure was unbelievable.” He continued, “That pushed me and Harley apart. But in the last eight years where we put Rizzle Kicks on ice, Harley has fathered two beautiful children, I’ve gone sober and we’re closer than ever.” Prior to a revealing performance at the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange in Brighton, Stephens characterized his 20s as a “whirlwind” period during which Rizzle Kicks produced hit songs such as Down With the Trumpets and Mama Do the Hump. Characterizing himself as “young, aspirational and delusional,” Stephens stated he would advise against anyone achieving similar levels of success without an adequate support system. He commented, “It can be damaging.” He added, “If I was in a situation where I was fathering a child who was near a potential lifestyle like mine, I would be suggesting and making recommendations different to ones I received.” Stephens further remarked, “Every high comes with a price, and I paid it. You don’t feel grief less intensely just because you’re well off.” He indicated that he managed to disengage from his former lifestyle and sought help through emotional trauma retreats and therapy. This past May, the pair confirmed their reformation and have subsequently launched a new single titled Javelin. For individuals affected by any of the themes discussed in this piece, information on assistance and support can be found via the BBC Action Line. You can follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or by WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Further details on our external linking policy are available.