I some time to reflect this weekend and catch up on the jamming new LP from UK MC Stormzy. Stormzy, whose given name is Michael Ebenazer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr., is currently at a bit of an impasse. The highly lauded MC's latest album Heavy is the Head rocketed to number #1 on the British album charts upon release last December, but the politically conscious artist also had to witness his candidate for Prime Minister, Jeremy Corbyn, who he had endorsed in numerous public rally, lose to that villain Boris Johnson. The election occurred a stone's throw away from his album release, and the juxtaposition is a lot to take in. It must be bittersweet to live at a time when your personal fortunes are rising while the political climate around you becomes more dire for the people and places you come from and care about. These are interesting times we live in. Interesting in the euphemistic sense that is. Cursed would probably be a better descriptor. I was keeping the people of England and the greater UK in my thoughts as I dug into this phenomenal new LP.
While commonly described as a grime rapper, Stromzy also embraces elements of gospel and late '90s R'nB on Heavy is the Head. The singles off of this album crushed the UK charts when they dropped and are well worth your time, especially the bright, fat-beat spiritual "Crown." If you need something dark and hazy to get you through the gloom of the day, throw on the grime bop of "Handsome," the whip-nip flow and muted shimmer of the dower "Vossi Bop," or nervous street-walking bounce of "Wiley Flow." In the mood for some R'nB? Hit play on the piano lead, '60s soul-infused "One Second" or the cool and collected confessional "Lessons." I'm likely going to be unpacking this album for several more weeks to come. I feel like I've barely scratched the surface of this leviathan. To less interesting times.
Grab yourself a hardcopy of Heavy is the Head to spin at home here.
