Central Cee On His First Manila Show, Creative Process, And New EP, ‘ALL ROADS LEAD HOME’

As one of the finest artists in the British rap and hip-hop scene, Central Cee continues to shepherd the genre onto the global stage, shaping the sound of UK hip-hop today, most recently with the release of his fifth extended play (EP), ALL ROADS LEAD HOME, on March 27, 2026.

The seven-track EP follows the release of two standout singles this year: “Iceman Freestyle” and “Slaughter” featuring J Hus — a landmark collaboration that brought together two of the UK’s most influential rap voices. The track quickly became a fan favorite and set the tone for the even bigger project that is the EP.

With his ascent as a creative, the EP balances making a mark on the global stage with a return to his roots, across seven tracks: “ICEMAN,” “SLAUGHTER” (ft. J Hus), “WAGWAN,” “FEELINGS,” “DC-10,” “MAKA” (ft. A2ANTI), and “Y FI DAT.”

Never forgetting his roots and humble beginnings, the artwork for the EP features the British rapper, often referred to as “Cench,” standing at a bus stop in Shepherd’s Bush, West London — a reflection of his journey and rise as an artist.

Bringing British rap to a global audience, the release also marks the first anniversary of his debut album, Can’t Rush Greatness, which was supported by a worldwide tour that saw Cench perform in multiple countries, such as his first visit to the Philippines.

With that, Billboard Philippines had a quick chat with the British rapper to discuss his first-ever show in Manila, his creative process, and his experiences collaborating with other artists.

Billboard Philippines: Congrats on your first-ever show in Manila! You mentioned that before your show, the Philippines was your first time in a new country in a long time. How was your experience in the Philippines?

Central Cee: It was good, still. I didn’t really know what to expect, but the energy was there from the start. The fans were properly locked in and knew the bars. It’s always good to be in new spaces and have new experiences. I appreciate everyone being so welcoming.

The tour is in support of your debut album, Can’t Rush Greatness. The phrase “can’t rush greatness” is something you always use in your career. What does this phrase mean to you both as an artist and an individual?

Take your time and trust the process. Let it happen how it’s meant to. Believe in yourself and put in hard work — has to be both. Same in life as well, not just music.

You have a new extended play (EP) out, ALL ROADS LEAD HOME. How was making a full-length album different or the same compared to creating a mixtape and EP?

It’s a similar process for me. When I’m feeling creative, I usually work in the same way. An EP feels like less pressure, maybe. I wanted to do this one for the core fans — it’s something for them to enjoy.

Your debut album had guest appearances from the likes of Young Miko, 21 Savage, Dave, Lil Durk, Skepta, and Lil Baby. What’s it like collaborating with these rappers/artists in particular?

I don’t really force collaborations; it’s got to feel right. Everyone brought their own thing to their respective moment, and I’m grateful. For me, collaboration in any area has to be organic. Even in fashion, you will only ever see me collaborate with a brand I already wear and enjoy.

Kicking off his career in 2014, Cench started making waves in 2020 with the release of his breakout singles “Day in the Life” and “Loading” — quickly establishing himself in the mainstream UK music scene. His debut and sophomore mixtapes, Wild West and 23, followed, landing on the UK Albums Chart and producing fan-favorite anthems such as “Commitment Issues” and “Obsessed With You.”

Over the years, Cench has dominated streaming, with tracks like “Doja” becoming the most-streamed UK rap song on Spotify at the time in 2022. His collaboration with Dave on the 2023 single “Sprinter” debuted at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, maintaining its position for a record-breaking 10 consecutive weeks and becoming the longest-running rap No. 1 in UK chart history.

With massive global streaming numbers and a growing presence on international stages, Cench has cemented his status as one of the most in-demand artists in the global rap scene.

Despite his meteoric rise, he remains grounded, consistently drawing inspiration from his roots. This authenticity is evident in his artistry, creativity, and lyricism, which delve into modern fame, introspective reflections, and experiences that still resonate deeply with listeners.

Listen to ALL ROADS LEAD HOME below: