Grime phenomenon Stormzy has unveiled his hugely anticipated debut album, Gang Signs & Prayer.
Featuring the new single ‘Big For Your Boots’, the new album marks an exciting return for the multi award-winning grime artist.
Recorded in the UK and featuring guest appearances from Kehlani, MNEK and Wretch 32, and production from Fraser T. Smith (Kano, Adele, Sam Smith), the album showcases Stormzy’s world class lyricism alongside his celebrated relatable subject matters.
At just 23-years-old, nothing could have prepared Stormzy for his meteoric rise. The London-born artist has continuously pushed the boundaries of grime throughout his self-built journey from his ‘WickedSkengMan’ freestyles to now being nominated for ‘British Breakthrough’ at this year’s BRIT Awards.
“This is the moment that I have been waiting for my whole life,” says Stormzy. “I am now ready to certify my position as a credible artist and someone who is here for the long run.”
First emerging on the scene in 2012, the lyricist made chart history in September 2015 when his freestyle ‘WickedSkengMan 4’ charted in the UK Official Singles Chart, becoming the first-ever freestyle to chart in the UK Top 40. He then proceeded to break his own record as ‘Shut Up’ debuted at no. 8 following an epic social media campaign in the run up to the end of year charts. The video is also the most-watched UK freestyle on YouTube, ever, with over 46 million views!
Building momentum with impassioned support from his devoted fan base, to date, the MC has also won three MOBO Awards (‘Best Grime Act’ 2014 & 2015), a BET Award, The Times’ ‘Breakthrough Award’ and the hugely prestigious ‘Innovator Award’ at the AIM Independent Music Awards.
Gang Signs & Prayer is out today.