Disclaimer: This video contains scenes of domestic violence, sexual assault, and suicide. Viewer discretion is highly advised.
Following the seismic impact of his recent singles “Rose McGowan” ft Rose McGowan and the Corey Taylor-assisted “Blame,” KID BOOKIE - the artist who famously refuses to be boxed in - has officially announced his new full-length studio album, 'Cheaper Than Therapy II,' arriving October 16th via FLG Records.
KID BOOKIE has spent over a decade dismantling the barriers between UK rap, alternative rock, and heavy metal. From his early days earning recognition on BBC Radio 1Xtra to his MOBO nomination for Best Alternative Music Act, BOOKIE has evolved into a formidable voice in the British alternative scene. 'Cheaper Than Therapy II' serves as the definitive evolution of his 2021 predecessor, blending trap aggression with soaring melodic hooks and unflinching emotional honesty.
The 11-track project is a masterclass in collaboration, and features a diverse roster of icons that reflect BOOKIE’s unpredictable creative universe. The album sees a return of his long-standing creative bond with Slipknot’s Corey Taylor on the searing track “BLAME,” and features a historic collaboration with Rose McGowan. The record also boasts appearances from UK rap royalty Lady Leshurr, Shona McGarty, and a special interlude from Kate Nash.
Produced largely by long-time collaborator Ziey Kizzy alongside BOOKIE himself, and featuring production from Sid Wilson (Slipknot) and Romesh Dodangoda (Bring Me The Horizon, Nova Twins), the album - recorded at ETB Audio Visual - boasts a sonic collision of icons and emotion.
Central to the album's emotional core is the new single “Prettier.” Confronting the harrowing realities of domestic abuse and the vital importance of highlighting difficult subjects, Bookie uses the track to demand a higher level of honesty in art.
“'Prettier' continues the story of ‘Pretty’ from 'Volume 1,' digging into the thoughts and feelings that keep us tethered to toxicity,” says BOOKIE. “We stay because of rose-tinted lenses, whether in romance or any relationship that fails its intended purpose. I chose to create a video inspired by the fact that hope doesn't always win; life doesn't always favour the brave or the hurt. Happy endings are a fallacy - portraying life in its most brutal form is the true reality. I do this because creating uncomfortable moments triggers reflection. I hold no reservations in challenging the status quo; it’s important to bring to light what is done in the dark to tell the stories that usually go unspoken.”
Watch the Video for "Prettier" Below:
'Cheaper Than Therapy II' captures KID BOOKIE at the height of his powers, trading underground cult status for undeniable main character energy. After storming the UK iTunes Rock Chart Top 10 and cementing his place on the Official Independent Charts with 2024’s 'Songs For The Living // Songs For The Dead,' BOOKIE has evolved beyond the "breakthrough" labels. He isn't just a contender; he’s the one setting the pace for the entire genre.
Speaking on the spirit of the new record, KID BOOKIE shares:
"'Cheaper Than Therapy II' is the closest thing to a full circle fuck you imaginable. After losing a home, a relationship, friends, family, agents, labels, and more, there was a time I had no hope but a remnant of a dream and a small flame. “Cheaper Than Therapy” was always about giving the underdog their moments, not just me. An underground artist bringing the legends and stars of rock and beyond into a melting pot of post-genre feeling and mood whilst asking them to bare their truths in audio format. Bringing through similar guests from Volume 1, CTT2aims to show that through all life throws at you, whether you’re the maverick, the disruptor, or able to bring the people together, doing it on your own terms for the sake of redemption was the therapy we all needed. Welcome to 'Cheaper Than Therapy II.'”
