Rizzle Kicks, the English hip‑hop duo from Brighton, reunited in 2024 after an eight‑year hiatus. Their third studio album, Competition Is for Losers, arrived in February 2025, and they are currently touring the UK with dates stretching into 2026. This article covers their biography, members, comeback story, new music, and full tour schedule.
Who Are Rizzle Kicks?
2010, Brighton, England
Jordan “Rizzle” Stephens (b. 1992) & Harley “Sylvester” Alexander‑Sule
Active – reunited in 2024, released Competition Is for Losers (2025)
Hits like “Down with the Trumpets”, “Mama Do the Hump”, “Lost Generation”
- Rizzle Kicks went on hiatus around 2016 after their second album underperformed.
- Both members pursued solo projects; Stephens acted and made solo music.
- In 2024 the duo officially reunited, releasing the single “Javelin” in August.
- Their third album, Competition Is for Losers, was released on 14 February 2025 via BMG.
- They released the single “Follow Excitement” featuring Rachel Chinouriri on 11 July 2025.
- The duo is currently on a UK tour running from spring 2025 into November 2025, with a few 2026 dates listed.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Debut Album | Stereo Typical (2011) |
| Second Album | Roaring 20s (2013) |
| Third Album | Competition Is for Losers (2025) |
| Biggest Single | “Down with the Trumpets” (2011) |
| Label (first two albums) | Island Records |
| Label (third album) | BMG |
| Genre | British hip‑hop, pop rap |
| Hiatus Period | c. 2016–2023 |
| Reunion Year | 2024 |
Are Rizzle Kicks Back Together?
The duo announced their reunion on 2 May 2024 and immediately returned to the studio. Their first release after the long break was the single “Javelin” on 30 August 2024 — their first new music together in eight years.
What happened to Rizzle Kicks during the hiatus?
Rizzle Kicks stepped away from group activity shortly after 2016. According to Radio Times, the duo “went on hiatus shortly after” to focus on personal mental health matters. During that time, Jordan Stephens pursued acting roles (including a part in the musical The Snowman) and released solo music, while Harley Alexander‑Sule focused on family and behind‑the‑scenes work.
The hiatus was driven by personal mental health considerations, according to reports. No official statement from the duo detailed creative differences, but both members have spoken about the pressure of early fame in later interviews.
What are Rizzle Kicks doing now?
The duo is actively touring and releasing music. Their 2025 schedule includes headline shows, festival appearances (such as The Great Escape in Brighton), and a larger UK tour in November. Their sound on Competition Is for Losers reflects a more mature perspective, touching on sobriety and turning thirty.
What Is Rizzle Kicks’ New Album?
Their third studio album, Competition Is for Losers, was released on 14 February 2025 through BMG. The album marks a shift in tone from their earlier work, with lyrics that address growing older and stepping away from party‑focused themes.
What songs are Rizzle Kicks known for?
The duo built their reputation on catchy, brass‑laced hip‑hop tracks. Their biggest hits include “Down with the Trumpets”, “Mama Do the Hump”, and “Lost Generation”. The debut album Stereo Typical produced several UK Top 40 singles.
What is the latest single?
On 11 July 2025 they released “Follow Excitement”, a collaboration with British singer‑songwriter Rachel Chinouriri. The track appeared as a follow‑up to Competition Is for Losers and was promoted alongside their summer shows.
Competition Is for Losers is the duo’s first album in over a decade. It contains themes of personal growth and was widely covered by UK music outlets upon release. The album is available on all streaming platforms.
When Are Rizzle Kicks Touring?
Multiple sources confirm a UK reunion tour in 2025. The most complete date list, compiled from ticket vendors and local event pages, shows a mix of spring shows and a major autumn leg.
2025 tour dates
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 19 Mar 2025 | Manchester | O2 Ritz |
| 21 Mar 2025 | Birmingham | O2 Institute |
| 22 Mar 2025 | London | O2 Forum Kentish Town |
| 16 May 2025 | Brighton | Brighton Dome / The Great Escape |
| 11 Jul 2025 | Manchester | Castlefield Bowl |
| 12 Nov 2025 | Bristol | O2 Academy Bristol |
| 14 Nov 2025 | Cambridge | Corn Exchange |
| 15 Nov 2025 | Manchester | Manchester Academy |
| 16 Nov 2025 | Nottingham | Rock City |
| 18 Nov 2025 | Bournemouth | O2 Academy Bournemouth |
| 19 Nov 2025 | London | O2 Academy Brixton |
| 21 Nov 2025 | Glasgow | Barrowland Ballroom |
| 21 Nov 2025 | Norwich | Nick Rayns LCR, UEA |
| 22 Nov 2025 | Birmingham | O2 Academy Birmingham |
| 27 Nov 2025 | Newcastle | NX |
| 28 Nov 2025 | Liverpool | Mountford Hall |
2026 and beyond
Some ticket platforms list a small number of 2026 dates: Songkick reports eight concerts across 2025–2026, but a full official 2026 schedule has not been published. CatchMovement lists a Manchester Academy show on 15 Nov 2026, and Ents24 lists London O2 Academy Brixton on 19 Nov 2026. No confirmed 2027 tour dates are available at this time.
Some dates, especially the November 2025 leg, have multiple venue listings across different sources. Fans should verify with official ticket sellers before purchasing secondary market tickets.
What happened to Rizzle Kicks over the years?
- 2010 – Duo formed in Brighton by Jordan Stephens and Harley Alexander‑Sule.
- 2011 – Debut single “Down with the Trumpets” hits UK Top 10; album Stereo Typical released.
- 2013 – Second album Roaring 20s debuts at No. 5 on UK Albums Chart.
- 2016 – Duo goes on indefinite hiatus; members pursue solo careers.
- 2024 – Reunion announced on 2 May; single “Javelin” released 30 August.
- 2025 – Third album Competition Is for Losers released 14 February; UK tour begins.
- 2025–2026 – Extended tour dates added, including festival and larger venue shows.
What is known and what remains unclear about Rizzle Kicks?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Rizzle Kicks are a British hip‑hop duo formed in Brighton in 2010. | Exact reasons for the hiatus – reported as personal mental health matters but not officially detailed in full. |
| They went on hiatus after 2016 and reunited in 2024. | Whether the reunion is permanent or a one‑off – no long‑term commitment has been announced. |
| Their third album Competition Is for Losers was released in February 2025. | Future release plans beyond the current tour – no next album has been confirmed. |
| They are currently touring (2025–2026). | Full official 2026 schedule is not yet available. |
What is the context of their comeback?
Rizzle Kicks’ reunion fits a broader trend of 2010s pop‑rap acts returning with more mature sounds. Their hiatus coincided with declining album sales and a shift in the UK hip‑hop scene toward drill and grime. By embracing sobriety and reflecting on their twenties, they have positioned Competition Is for Losers as a comeback narrative that resonates with fans who grew up with them. Similar artist updates show that demand for nostalgia‑driven tours remains strong.
The duo’s early success (2011–2013) placed them alongside British pop‑rap acts like Example and Professor Green. Their disappearance after 2016 left a gap; their return leverages social media to reconnect with both old and new audiences.
What are the key sources and quotes?
“Rizzle Kicks are a British hip‑hop duo from Brighton, England, consisting of Jordan ‘Rizzle’ Stephens and Harley ‘Sylvester’ Alexander.”
– Wikipedia (retrieved 2025)
“Rizzle Kicks tell Rolling Stone UK about hitting their thirties, sobriety and looking back on the highs of the first chapter.”
– Rolling Stone UK interview (2025) via the duo’s X account
“We’re back now we livin’! Our new single ‘Time Alone’ is out now!”
– Official Instagram (@rizzlekicks), 2024
Additional information comes from the duo’s Instagram, Spotify, X (Twitter), and Ticketmaster. For another take on British music comebacks, see our feature on Erykah Badu – Biography, Discography, Net Worth, and 2025 Tour.
Conclusion: What is the current state of Rizzle Kicks?
Rizzle Kicks are fully active again, with a new album behind them and a busy touring schedule ahead. Their return has been met with enthusiasm from fans eager to hear a more grown‑up version of the duo.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old are the members of Rizzle Kicks?
Jordan Stephens was born on 25 January 1992 (age 33 in 2025). Harley Alexander‑Sule’s birthdate is not publicly confirmed, but he is thought to be a similar age.
What does “Stereo Typical” mean?
“Stereo Typical” is a play on “stereotypical”, reflecting the duo’s playful approach to hip‑hop tropes. It is the title of their debut album (2011).
Why are they called Rizzle Kicks?
“Rizzle” comes from Jordan’s nickname “Rizzle”; “Kicks” refers to shoes or “kicking” it. The name was chosen to be catchy and represent their energetic style.
What happened to Rizzle Kicks after 2016?
They went on hiatus. Jordan Stephens pursued acting and solo music; Harley Alexander‑Sule focused on family and behind‑the‑scenes work. They reunited in 2024.
Are Rizzle Kicks still together?
Yes, they reunited in 2024 and are actively making music and touring as of late 2025.
What is Rizzle Kicks’ biggest song?
“Down with the Trumpets” (2011) is their highest‑charting single, reaching the UK Top 10.
What genre is Rizzle Kicks?
They are primarily British hip‑hop with pop rap influences, often featuring brass instruments and catchy melodies.
How can I get Rizzle Kicks tickets?
Tickets are available via Ticketmaster and other official vendors. Check individual venue sites for remaining availability.
Will Rizzle Kicks release a fourth album?
No announcement has been made. Given the positive reception of Competition Is for Losers, a follow‑up is possible but not confirmed.
Did Rizzle Kicks play at festivals in 2025?
Yes, they performed at The Great Escape in Brighton and headlined Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl in July 2025.
Jonathan Whitfield is Editor-in-Chief at readingwire.co.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, standards and publication decisions. He writes occasional leader columns and major news stories.