‘Gang Signs & Prayer’ Is Nothing Short Of What A Debut Should Sound Like

Stormzy's first full-length is a God-blessed work of art.

Stormzy   Gang Signs & Prayer
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Stormzy   Gang Signs & Prayer

At this year's Brit Awards, a man from Thornton Heath disrupted what was supposed to be a night celebrating British musical excellence, with a 30-second ad promoting his own body of work that two days later would hopefully prove to be just that. Two days later, Gang Signs & Prayer finally arrives, and it's the result of a storm that's been brewing in the grime scene since 2014. Not one to shy away from wearing his heart on his sleeve, Stormzy's relationship with his faith is one of the reasons why he's so revered; it's a theme that runs throughout the album, especially on songs like "Blinded By Your Grace" and his mother's prayer on "100 Bags". And, contrary to what our ears may pick up, grime and gospel aren't juxtaposing sounds, but instead exist in harmony.

Like many American rappers, grime artists' first encounters with music came through the church too, and for many, it signifies where you come from. Gospel has always polarised secular music fans, but for an artist who answers to no one, he unapologetically speaks his own testimony. Finding balance on an album is a difficult feat to achieve but for Stormzy, who carved out a space independently, every release up until this point has given us a glimpse into his versatility. The nods to grime's past weren't too pronounced but equally gave an indication that Stormzy acknowledges those that came before him.

Ghetts' inclusion on "Bad Boys"—with references to the infamous 'Carlos' incident with Bashy—was a shrewd decision, and his piercing delivery adds to the track's menacing aura. Stormzy is aware that his popularity inspired a new wave of grime fans who may not have been present in the noughties but, rather than condescend, he subtly salutes grime's well documented yesteryear. 

The album artwork itself is abrasive but with purpose and nuance. It reminds us that everyone's story is worth listening to, even those that we consider on the fringes of society. One of the things that makes Stormzy so affable is his ability to empathise and connect with people, understanding and acknowledging their stories. "Fuck DSTRKT and fuck all these nightclubs / Fuck giving money to people who don't like us," he raps on "First Thing First", referencing DSTRKT's sketchy door policy which saw a group of black women refused entry in 2015. It was a particularly polarising line, but for many of his fans, it proved that he listened and truly understood. 

Is a grime album really a grime album without a wifey riddim? That's up for debate, but for someone with Stormzy's status, it would have been difficult to exclude one from Gang Signs & Prayer; it's part of the balance needed. "Velvet", featuring a sample from NAO's "Intro (Like Velvet)", sets the tone for the second half of the LP, which is more introspective, considerate and heartfelt. It is then followed by an interlude from the Lady of Soul, Jenny Francis, the former Choice FM DJ, which again was another subtle but nostalgic nod to someone who has been instrumental in British music over the years. 

When "Crazy Titch (Interlude)" comes in, many of us were probably expecting a quick 16 from the incarcerated MC, but the trend has been for grime artists to include skits from other artists singing their praise. To some, it may come across self-indulgent, but for Stormzy, Titch is an artist whom he looked up to and still does. In a time where there's so much hostility in the world, maybe some words of encouragement and praise is what we need. 

Stormzy's candor on "Lay Me Bare" closes out the album beautifully, but also reminds us once more just what kind of guy he is. No one in his position needn't be humble (for what he's achieved, he has every right to be boastful) but it's been his endearing appreciation for everyone around him—particularly as no one man is an island. 

Many will say that there have been a number of grime albums that have been released in the past few years that quite possibly chart the genre's shift from being an underground culture to something far much more. One of the criticisms of Stormzy has been that he's become a poster boy for grime—when was that ever a bad thing? He may not be a frequenter of radio sets, but it's difficult to deny that Stormzy's debut, given his likeability and visibility, will have a phenomenal effect on the wider public. 

Every move Stormzy has made has been calculated and focused, his goals as clear and precise as his lyricism, but it cannot be overstated just how impactful Gang Signs & Prayer will be and currently is. Not because of its content alone but for Stormzy's continued ascent as an independent artist, despite certain institutions not fully acknowledging this. Few UK album releases are an event in themselves, worthy of being remembered. But this time next year, many will look back and appreciate this moment. 

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