For me, a keen observer of the universe for a few decades, a tell-tale sign of a future superstar is someone who can naturally embrace other cultures while maintaining their own. Until this week, I did not think Stormzy was this person but truth be told, he is the complete package. On his interview with Ed Sheeran he was capable of being vulnerably personal and touch on softer subjects which the 'hip hop' community generally views as taboo. I have watched underground stars have opportunities to cross into the mainstream world and they appear uncomfortable and out of place. Some artists just don't have that organic ability to be themselves but also engaged in any given situation.
Stormzy's admission to singing his lungs out to Adele underlines this. This is such a powerful and potent asset because it opens up his music to a worldwide audience. His size, stature and background mixed with his friendly, approachable, whimsical character gives him great appeal for every person of every culture and creed. Most 'White' celebrities tend not to associate or reach out to British urban musicians because they appear to keep themselves to themselves and un-open for a crossover. For example, could you imagine Piers Morgan having a good conversation with Giggs or Skepta - there's a sort of hostility there which doesn't exist with the jovial Stormzy. Just look at Bradley Walsh's comments on him, to me this is a huge symbol of the world Stormzy is tapping into just by virtue of being himself.
Stormzy's admission to singing his lungs out to Adele underlines this. This is such a powerful and potent asset because it opens up his music to a worldwide audience. His size, stature and background mixed with his friendly, approachable, whimsical character gives him great appeal for every person of every culture and creed. Most 'White' celebrities tend not to associate or reach out to British urban musicians because they appear to keep themselves to themselves and un-open for a crossover. For example, could you imagine Piers Morgan having a good conversation with Giggs or Skepta - there's a sort of hostility there which doesn't exist with the jovial Stormzy. Just look at Bradley Walsh's comments on him, to me this is a huge symbol of the world Stormzy is tapping into just by virtue of being himself.
3. His Album
I didn't have high hopes when I saw the name because it sounded like a title which a PR firm put together. The album, however, was completely bereft of any marketing-induced mozzarella. Gang Signs and Prayer is full of originality, authenticity and maturity. Maturity is the key word because Michael Omari JR is only a young man but there is so much courage and esteem packed into this project - he is even venturing into singing vocals on this piece. It is him being him without any apology - I don't mean no apology to the industry, I mean no apology to the stereotype/ box he is supposed to stay in because of where he's from and who he grew up with.
Gang Signs and Prayer is an artist being artist in the truest sense. He has also paid homage to the core of Grime with features from the likes of Ghetts, Wretch 32 and even a speech from Crazy Titch who adds a big black stamp of certification on Stormzy's career. So many UK artists do great until it's album time because they get scared of it - it's like a footballer who plays an amazing 90 minutes but then doesn't know what to do when he gets awarded a game-winning penalty.
Great work Stormzy, you have surprised and impressed this cynical fool.
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