Stormzy, born Michael Ebenazer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr. on July 26, 1993, in Croydon, London, is a British rapper, singer, and songwriter who has become a defining figure in contemporary UK music. Rising to fame with his breakthrough single “Shut Up” in 2015, Stormzy has not only dominated the grime scene but also expanded his influence across various genres, including rap, hip-hop, and pop. Known for his powerful lyrics, political activism, and unmatched charisma, Stormzy has quickly cemented himself as one of the most important voices in modern music. Below, we delve into 17 mind-blowing facts about Stormzy that will give you a deeper understanding of his life, career, and impact.
1. Stormzy’s Breakthrough Came with an Accidental Viral Hit
While Stormzy had been working on his craft for years, his career skyrocketed thanks to an unexpected viral moment. In 2015, he uploaded a video of himself performing “Shut Up,” a freestyle diss track aimed at the grime scene, to YouTube. The track quickly gained traction, and within months, it became one of the most popular grime songs of the year. This breakthrough catapulted him from an underground rapper to a household name in the UK.
2. He Was the First Grime Artist to Headline Glastonbury
In 2019, Stormzy made history by becoming the first grime artist to headline the legendary Glastonbury Festival. His performance was not just a milestone for grime but for UK rap and hip-hop as a whole. The set was filled with high-energy performances, political messages, and an undeniable sense of triumph, marking Stormzy as not only a musical talent but a cultural icon.
3. Stormzy Is Known for His Political Activism
Beyond his music, Stormzy has become an outspoken advocate for social justice and political change. He has used his platform to address issues such as racial inequality, education reform, and the UK’s treatment of immigrants. In 2016, he famously endorsed Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in the UK general election, urging young people to vote and make their voices heard. His advocacy for causes like the Black Lives Matter movement has made him a key figure in British activism.
4. His Debut Album “Gang Signs & Prayer” Was Groundbreaking
Released in 2017, Stormzy’s debut album Gang Signs & Prayer was a game-changer for both grime and the wider UK music scene. Blending raw grime beats with introspective gospel and R&B influences, the album showcased his versatility and depth as an artist. It became the first grime album to debut at number one on the UK Albums Chart, solidifying Stormzy’s place at the top of British music.
5. He Was a Choirboy Before He Became a Grime Artist
Before delving into grime, Stormzy had a background in church music. He was a choirboy at his local church and developed a love for singing and gospel music. This early exposure to music and vocal harmony influenced his later work, particularly on tracks like “Blinded by Your Grace Pt. 2,” where he blends grime with gospel elements.
6. He Went from Homelessness to Global Stardom
Stormzy’s rise to fame has been nothing short of extraordinary. Before his success, he struggled with homelessness in his teenage years, living in a friend’s basement after being kicked out of his family home. Despite these hardships, Stormzy kept working on his music, and his perseverance eventually paid off. His success is a testament to his talent, hard work, and determination to break out of difficult circumstances.
7. Stormzy Played a Key Role in Shaping the UK Grime Scene
Stormzy’s influence on the grime scene cannot be overstated. While grime had been bubbling in London since the early 2000s, it was Stormzy’s rise to prominence that helped bring the genre into the mainstream. He has worked tirelessly to elevate grime, from collaborating with other artists in the scene to speaking out about its importance and its place in British culture.
8. He Has Been Nominated for Multiple Brit Awards
Stormzy’s talent has been recognized by the music industry, as evidenced by his numerous Brit Award nominations and wins. He won two Brit Awards in 2018, including Best British Male Solo Artist and Best British Album for Gang Signs & Prayer. His success at the Brit Awards helped validate grime as a force to be reckoned with in mainstream music.
9. He Is the Founder of the Merky Foundation
Stormzy is not just about making music—he’s also committed to making a difference. In 2018, he founded the #Merky Foundation, which focuses on supporting disadvantaged young people in the UK, particularly from Black and ethnic minority communities. The foundation provides scholarships, mentoring, and opportunities for youth to excel in various fields, including education and the arts.
10. He Was the First to Bring a Grime Artist to American Television
In 2019, Stormzy became the first grime artist to perform live on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, one of America’s biggest late-night television programs. His performance of “Vossi Bop” introduced millions of American viewers to grime music, helping expand the genre’s influence across the Atlantic.
11. Stormzy’s “Blinded by Your Grace Pt. 2” Was a Massive Commercial Success
One of Stormzy’s biggest crossover hits, “Blinded by Your Grace Pt. 2,” saw the artist combining grime with gospel, showcasing his musical range and emotional depth. The track was not only a commercial success but also a critical one, praised for its uplifting message and smooth production. It was one of the first songs that demonstrated Stormzy’s potential to break out of the grime scene and into the broader music industry.
12. He Collaborated with Beyoncé on “Brown Skin Girl”
In 2019, Stormzy joined forces with Beyoncé for the song “Brown Skin Girl,” featured on Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift album. Stormzy’s contribution to the song added a unique, smooth flow to the track, which celebrates the beauty and strength of Black women. This collaboration marked another milestone in Stormzy’s career, solidifying his international appeal.
13. He Has Worked with Some of the Biggest Names in Music
Stormzy’s collaborations extend far beyond the grime scene. He has worked with a range of artists from different genres, including Ed Sheeran, J Hus, and Chip. His versatility and ability to blend seamlessly into different styles have made him one of the most sought-after artists for collaborations.
14. Stormzy Was the First Grime Artist to Win the MOBO Best Album Award
In 2017, Stormzy made history again by becoming the first grime artist to win the prestigious MOBO Award for Best Album with Gang Signs & Prayer. The album, which blends grime with influences from gospel, R&B, and hip-hop, showcased Stormzy’s ability to innovate within the genre while maintaining its raw energy and authenticity.
15. He’s Known for His Loyalty to His Roots
Despite his global success, Stormzy remains deeply connected to his roots. He continues to support the local grime scene in London, using his platform to uplift emerging artists and championing grime’s legacy. He often speaks about the importance of staying true to oneself, and this loyalty to his origins has endeared him to fans.
16. Stormzy Is a Strong Advocate for Mental Health Awareness
Stormzy has been outspoken about mental health, particularly in the Black community. In his music and interviews, he has addressed the pressures of fame, the impact of trauma, and the importance of seeking help. His openness about his struggles has helped destigmatize mental health discussions within the music industry and among his fans.
17. He Continues to Push Boundaries and Defy Expectations
Stormzy has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is expected from an artist in the grime scene. He is not afraid to experiment with different genres, collaborate with unexpected artists, or take bold political stances. Whether it’s his electrifying live performances or his socially conscious lyrics, Stormzy continues to defy expectations, solidifying his place as one of the most exciting and influential artists of his generation.
Conclusion
Stormzy‘s journey from Croydon to international stardom is a testament to his talent, hard work, and unwavering commitment to his art. These 17 facts highlight just a few of the ways Stormzy has reshaped the music landscape, from his groundbreaking achievements in grime to his advocacy for social justice and mental health. As Stormzy continues to evolve as an artist and activist, there’s no doubt that his influence on both music and culture will be felt for years to come.
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