PRODUCED BY SANTAN (AKA DAVE)
Hotly off the back of achieving his third, consecutive #1 album with his critically praised record This Is What I Mean in December, British megastar Stormzy returns with “Toxic Trait“; a 3 and a half minute whip-smart, searing and boastful masterclass in MC’ing. With remarkable punchlines reminiscent of his 2022 viral offering, “Mel Made Me Do It“, the track features fellow British rapper Fredo and also arrives with Stormzy’s well-known close confidant, Santan (AKA British rapper, Dave) on production duties.
Known for pushing boundaries with his visuals, Stormzy’s new single is accompanied by an impressive and captivating video directed by British Director Femi Ladi. With a focus on societal toxic traits, the video fictionally contextualises a plethora of toxic situations, honing in on gambling, violence and the glorification of luxury lifestyles, with a further signal to the 1900 pidgin-style saying, “monkey-see, monkey-do”. During multiple junctures we see nods to significant, historical cultural moments from over the years, one of which being Muhammed Ali’s 1968 Esquire Magazine cover and Kehinde Wiley’s prominent painting, A Ship Of Fools. Breaking mid-way, the video then cuts to a therapy scene between Fredo and his therapist; none other than TV royalty, Alison Hammond. The masterful video concludes with a group-therapy session which features further cameos from a range of British figureheads including Ivorian Doll, Wretch 32 and Specs Gonzalez.
Speaking on the visual, director Femi stated “After listening to the lyrics, I wanted to have fun with this video. I liked the idea of bringing a renaissance-style painting to life, whilst still feeling grounded in the world of Stormzy. We collaborated on all the scenarios together which was great – as well as being able to bring in the likes of Fredo and Alison Hammond for their own toxic therapy sessions!” Filmed in London earlier this year, the majority of the visual was shot on a high-speed, cinema robot camera; a camera of which is capable of horizontal and vertical movement speeds of up to 2 metres per second.
“There’s a difference between doing music at 22 and when you’re about to turn 30,” Stormzy recently said in an interview for the cover of Dazed Magazine’s summer issue. “It’s the kind of peace and stability and stillness you can only get from maturity. You lose all the nervous shivers and the anxiety; you shake it off because now you’re a grown man coming into your skin.”
Britain’s national treasure is ever-present with the crown still firmly placed upon his head.
About Stormzy:
Stormzy is a multi-award-winning musician who hails from South London, England. His three albums to date; Gang Signs & Prayer, Heavy Is The Head and This Is What I Mean all finished at #1 in the UK album chart, with the former two subsequently being nominated for the prestigious Mercury Music Prize.
His remarkable ascent has been accompanied by his honest and relatable character. A true spokesman of black empowerment and social activism, Stormzy is one of the UK’s most inspiring figureheads who has consistently stood up for people from all areas of life; encouraging his fans and listeners alike to speak openly about their beliefs and fight for their rights.
In July 2018, he announced #Merky Books, an imprint within Penguin Random House UK, dedicated to publishing the best new fiction, non-fiction and poetry, and in August 2018 he announced The Stormzy Scholarship, an annual studentship to fund black British students to go to the University of Cambridge. Since its launch, the scholarship has supported six Black students through their Cambridge education and in 2021, saw a very significant expansion with HSBC donating £2million to support 30 ‘Stormzy Scholars’ over the next 3 years.
In June 2020, he announced the launch of his charity, #Merky Foundation, to which he pledged £10 million, over 10 years, to organisations, charities and movements that are committed to fighting racial inequality, justice reform and black empowerment within the UK.
In November 2022 Stormzy announced the launch of his collaborative venture with Adidas titled #Merky FC; a programme committed to enhancing and protecting diverse representation within the football industry.
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