The collision of these two worlds, plus his mixed race heritage, are the inspiration for the new album, as Essa explains: "I've always been a middle man - walking within widely different circles (racial, social, cultural, musical) but never quite feeling like I belong in any one of them. That's a gift and a curse - I've written about both".

Few MCs can convincingly tackle such weighty topics - 'The Middle Man' is a strikingly honest examination of mixed-race identity; 'Prayers of a Non-Believer asks what belief means to those without religion; 'Well Spoken' is a witty take on the class system - but Essa's laid-back charm and effortlessly smooth flow keep the tone light and entertaining. Not political, but personal. Not preachy, but perceptive. With an enviable roster of producers including Waajeed, Eric Lau, Tall Black Guy, Ta-Ku, Budgie and Flako, the musical backdrop reflects Essa's broad outlook, with elements of neo-soul, latin, afro-beat, electronica, spoken word and of course hip-hop. Essa sums it up neatly on key track 'The Middle Man':

"When you stand in the middle there's a hell of a view, and all I want to do is share it with you"