Stormzy- Heavy Is The Head Album Review by Anne-Marie Nkhoma

Michael Owuo Jr, better known as Stormzy, released his second studio album on December 13^th 2019. The south London rapper had gained a lot of attention due to his freestyles over famous grime beats, most notably including his ‘Shut Up’ freestyle. As well as this, his fame increased as his first studio album released in 2017, Gang Signs and Prayer, that included hit songs such as Blinded by Your Grace and Big for Your Boots. 2 years later, Stormzy has returned with arguably one of the best UK rap albums this year.

In the first song alone, called Big Michael, Stormzy raps about his success as well as people arguing over him being the best rapper in the UK, or being the most overrated rapper in the UK. Instead of feeling belittled by the criticism he receives he instead combats it, showing how strong Michael really is. The nickname Big Michael came about from Stormzy himself, due to him being 6’5 in height (and him being called Michael.)

         Though Stormzy would rhyme over classic grime beats, this album is where he experimented with samples the most. In the song Rainfall, British singer Tiana Major9 can be heard singing the chorus Shackles (Praise You) by the RnB and gospel group Mary Mary. Again Stormzy addresses his successes, especially with his Brit awards and how all of it is leading to the downfall of his enemies. Another notable sample in this album was the use of Baby Boy by Big Brovas, at the start of Stormzy’s song called Rachael’s Little Brother, where he raps about being backstabbed and trying to find his identity. Though he is a rapper, he’ll always be Rachael’s brother.  

                Stormzy also sampled the theme song of Tracy Beaker, which was a very popular British kid’s show. Jacqueline Wilson, who’d written the books prior to there being a Tracy Beaker TV show, expressed her thrill of the sample on Twitter, writing: “What a treat to hear the Tracy Beaker theme tune popping up on @stormzy song.  Love it! @PuffinBooks”. The whole song refers to people that he looks up to for their success such as Nina Simone, Malorie Blackman as well as Venus and Serena Williams.

              The album also contains the single Vossi Bop, which had reached number 1 on the UK Singles Chart, and had also been Stormzy’s first number 1. His other singles, Own It and Crown, had reached the top 10 on the same chart. The whole of this album debuted at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart, with number 1 being British rock singer Rod Stewart's You're in My Heart: Rod Stewart with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra album.

        Overall, I believe this is a great album, and represents Stormzy’s artistry perfectly. This album mostly reflects on his success but also on his humbleness with songs like One Second, and Lessons. I’d definitely recommend this album as it has songs for everyone on it, whether they’re fast paced and fun or slow and meaningful. I give this album ★★★★★/★★★★★.

Track list:

1.       Big Michael

2.       Audacity (feat. Headie One)

3.       Crown

4.       Rainfall (feat. Tiana Major9)

5.       Rachel’s Little Brother

6.       Handsome

7.       Do Better

8.       Don’t Forget to Breath (Interlude) (feat. YEBBA)

9.       One Second (feat. H.E.R)

10.    Pop Boy (feat. Aitch)

11.    Own it (feat. Burna Boy & Ed Sheeran)

12.    Wiley Flow

13.    Bronze

14.    Superheroes

15.    Lessons

16.    Vossi Bop

Genre- UK Hip Hop, Grime, Pop Rap, Drill, Pop