On the Brit Awards 2015, Stormzy (Michael Omari) was on stage with Skepta, JME and Jammer of Boy Better Know and a whole host of other grime MCs as Kanye West performed “All Day”, a track that was initially recorded with Paul McCartney as formally dressed guests (mainly from the music industry) looked on.

This was a significant moment for the grime industry as it was known in the mainstream for its gang-related and violent content, which was too graphic for the biggest awards show in Britain. It wouldn’t have been allowed if it wasn’t for Kanye West, who brought them on stage as he performed in 2015.

Grime has come a long way over the years, and Stormzy’s “Shut up” (which has well over 50 million views on Youtube) and “Wicked Skengman 4” broke into the mainstream singles charts. You can find many videos of MCs battling each other on Youtube (for example, Lord of the Mics). These MC battles and pirate radio sessions are where Stormzy was championed. With his sense of humour, witty lyrics, and larger-than-life personality, it’s easy to see why Stormzy has got far and even been invited onto mainstream chat shows.

The album starts and ends in the battle frame of mind, his forte. “First Things First” that kicks off the record is a jab to your face to wake you up and let you know you’re in for an eye-opening listen, and then you’re given a strong warning not to even think about clashing with Stormzy even if you feel you are ready, but lack the experience with “Cold” and “Big for Your Boots”. This record shows that Stormzy is prepared to seek new pastures, having already established himself as a battle MC. The record goes back and forth, warning lesser MCs, but “Stiff Chocolate” shows a much quieter side to his grime persona.

He then shows another side of his musical horizons with “Blinded by Your Grace, Pt.1”, which has gospel influences, and then again on “Velvet”, which shows a romantic side. The record might surprise the listener, who dismisses the grime industry as full-on violence. It is tough, sensitive and even spiritual. All emotions are shown in “Gang Signs & Prayer”, which shows the tall looming figure is not all about his

cold-eyed stare. The record might open with “First Things First”, which is quite menacing, but he even talks about his battle with depression and a failed relationship on “Cigarettes & Cush”.

He switches emotions constantly on the record and doesn’t feel ashamed to show it sometimes, even though he finds life challenging. He talks about being raised by his Ghanaian mother on “100 Bags” and how much she has inspired him and his unconditional love. 2Pac opened the doors for all rappers not to be afraid to express something as sensitive as that subject. “Lay Me Bare” is precisely what it says. This is Stormzy revealing all his heart and soul. You hear about his brief hibernation from the limelight in 2016, which left him feeling alone and highly depressed as the emotion in his voice aches, reminiscing about that point in his life. You hear his rage as he talks about the time he met his father, who wasn’t interested in being forgiven for his absence by his son, but a request for some financial support.

Of course, every Stormzy hit to date is your typical grime blueprint (ruthless and remorseless), but on this record, he wants to show all sides to his personality as Michael and not just his alter ego. Unfortunately, as he tries to show a softer side, he struggles to turn his rap vocals into singing vocals. This album may still keep in line with his tough man persona, but it has certainly been well structured with the themes and the production for a debut.

The biggest surprise in the rise of Stormzy is that he has done this without the backing of a major record label who, let’s face it, would not touch this kind of artist with a barge pole knowing what the grime scene is all about. Indeed, He has shown that he and other artists in the grime industry don’t need a major record label as like him; you can play shows, release singles via Spotify and feature on videos that get uploaded to sites like Youtube for exposure. At the 2017 Brit Awards (just two years after that performance with Kanye West), He walked into the venue via the red carpet with Bradley Walsh, smiling at the cameras and donning a suave Burberry suit. He went on stage to collaborate with Ed Sheeran on “Shape of You”, and the reception he got upon his introduction proved that Stormzy wasn’t just on stage as an afterthought.

8/10