By Deja Kehinde
South London grime artist Stormzy delivers a diverse debut album entitled “Gang Signs and Prayer,” which allows himself to standout as not only a grime rapper, but also as a faith-driven artist capable of stepping outside of his comfort zone. Stormzy, known for delivering hard-hitting singles, lets listeners hear a new side of his artistry by singing on a couple tracks and expressing gospel messages throughout. The cover itself is a distorted representation of the last supper.
The album starts with what Stormzy calls “a punch in the face.” “First Things First” wakes people up to his talents as an MC, but he transitions to songs like “Blinded By Grace Pt. 1,” where he sings a nostalgic gospel song followed by the lead single, “Big For Your Boots.” Guests include Kehlani, Wretch 32, Ghetts and J Hus.
Overall, “Gang Signs and Prayer” is a great start for Stormzy, who has built quite the buzz for himself. Not only does the album help put grime rap on the map, but it also brings new approaches to his music.
