ALBUM OF THE WEEK

THIS IS WHAT I MEAN Stormzy

The release of any album from Stormzy is a cultural event. This one came with an Adidas partnership to boost inclusivity in football, a one-day music festival, TV and radio specials and cultural events in London. And then there is the album itself, his most intimate and vulnerable so far. Yes, there is posturing and attacks on music industry racism and even reference to his beef with fellow grime star Wiley.

Mostly, however, it’s an introverted affair occupied with heartbreak and faith in which Stormzy surrounds himself with gospel choirs, strings and brass sections.

He digs deep into his psyche on Bad Blood, presumably about his relationship with ex-girlfriend Maya Jama, and the quest for personal strength on I Found My Smile. Another step forward for an artist on a seemingly unstoppable hot streak.