Central Cee Reflects on the Traumatic Speed of Success Ahead of Can’t Rush Greatness LP

As British rapper Central Cee gears up for the release of his highly anticipated debut LP, Can’t Rush Greatness, he’s taking a moment to reflect on the whirlwind pace of his success. Known for his raw lyricism and rapid rise to fame, Central Cee (whose real name is Oakley Neil H T Caesar-Su) has become a household name in the UK’s drill scene. However, despite the accolades, awards, and growing fanbase, the 25-year-old artist admits that his journey has been far from easy. In fact, it has been quite traumatic.

Ahead of the release of Can’t Rush Greatness, Central Cee sat down to discuss the toll that success has taken on him, both personally and mentally. While most people dream of the lifestyle that fame brings—luxury, travel, and recognition—Central Cee reveals that he has struggled to keep up with the pace of it all.

“Obviously, there’s been success, but it’s been kind of traumatic because I’m not taking nothing in,” Cee says candidly. “I’m doing mad things. Let’s say there’s me and seven of the mandem. Some of them have never been on holiday. Now we’re all taking a flight every three days, every two days. We’ve even been to three countries in one day. Not stopping to give thanks, we were just rolling, rolling, rolling.”

The rapper pauses, as if the explanation alone is enough to make him feel the weight of the constant motion. He adds, “Not even taking in how mad this change has been.” For Central Cee, the thrill of international travel and the fast-paced life that comes with stardom has often left him feeling like a passenger in his own journey, unable to process the sheer scale of what has been happening around him.

Since bursting onto the scene with tracks like “Day in the Life” and “Loading,” Central Cee has been constantly on the move—whether it’s recording, touring, or promoting his music. The life he now leads is a far cry from his humble beginnings. What started as a way to express his feelings and experiences quickly transformed into a career that thrust him into the global spotlight. But with fame came an unrelenting schedule.

“I think people forget how mad it is to go from not flying anywhere to taking a flight every day,” Cee reflects. “That’s a mad change. And the things that come with it, the things that I’m seeing, the places I’m going—it’s all kind of crazy.”

This fast-paced lifestyle has left little room for Central Cee to stop and appreciate how far he’s come. Instead of celebrating his accomplishments, he’s been so focused on the next gig, the next trip, and the next opportunity that he hasn’t allowed himself the time to reflect on the magnitude of his success. This has led him to desire a slower way of living, where he can truly take in the moments that matter.

“I need to slow down,” he admits. “It’s important to appreciate everything. I’m just starting to realize that now. I’m starting to really want to enjoy the fruits of my labor, instead of always chasing the next thing.”

This moment of introspection comes at a significant time in Central Cee’s career. With Can’t Rush Greatness dropping soon, it marks the culmination of years of hard work, growth, and, at times, personal struggle. While he’s learned to navigate the chaos of fame, Cee’s reflection on his journey suggests that he’s ready to embrace a more mindful approach to life and career moving forward.

As fans eagerly await the release of Can’t Rush Greatness, it’s clear that Central Cee is not just dropping an album—he’s sharing a piece of himself. The LP is set to explore the complexities of success, mental health, and the personal growth that comes with it. But perhaps most importantly, it’s a reminder that even those who seem to have it all can still feel overwhelmed by the speed at which life moves.

Central Cee may not have slowed down just yet, but with his new album on the way, he’s at least taking the time to reflect—and that, in itself, is a significant step toward understanding and accepting the greatness he’s achieved.