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British rap star Stormzy is back with his first original (non-remixed) track of 2023 after dropping his third album, This Is What I Mean, last November. Where that record was full of somber, R&B-tinged rap ballads — many of them with live instrumentals — “Toxic Trait” finds him back in his grime/drill bag, picking up where September 2022’s “Mel Made Me Do It” left off.

Stormzy has shared that he is currently working on new music following the release of his third LP last November.In an interview with Rolling Stone UK, Stormzy – real name Michael Ebenezer – spoke about his studio process after he shared that he was back in the studio last month.When asked about the next steps since the release of his latest album, ‘This Is What I Mean‘, the rapper shared: “I think I’m just where I’m meant to be, and I’m who I’m meant to be and I’m doing what I’m meant to do. I think the album reaffirmed my confidence, and it let me know that I should always stick to my guns, and I should always be brave.”He continued: “I think even going forward with other albums, and new music, it’s like, ‘Just always trust yourself, back yourself to be brave, and be confident with your musical decisions, and carry on being free, and carry on being the cowboy and carry on just going into whatever musical terrain or musical experience that you want to do.”While discussing the music he is currently working on, the rapper shared: “When I’m making music, it’s always super deep, but it’s never that deep.

After an absence of three years, J Hus has returned with new music. "It’s Crazy" is produced by Fumes and The Elements and comes with a video in which the London-born artist cruises around town in a black Mercedes Benz.

Stormzy‘s ‘This Is What We Mean Day’ at All Points East 2023 have been announced – check out the line-up so far below.Last November, it was confirmed that the Croydon MC would be taking over Victoria Park in London on August 18 as part of this summer’s APE gig series. He’s curated the full bill for the day, and is set to deliver a headline show that evening.Today (March 31), organisers have revealed that Stormzy will be joined at the event by Kehlani, Sampha, Knucks, Lucky Daye, WSTRN, Ms Banks and The No Signal Stage.Many more artists are to be announced for ‘This Is What We Mean Day’ in the coming weeks and months.

Stormzy and Dua Lipa are set to make guest appearances at Hay Festival 2023.The famed literary event’s 36th spring edition is due to take place in Hay-on-Wye in Powys, Wales between May 25 and June 4. It’ll boast over 500 in-person sessions over that 11-day period.Per a press release, Hay “is the world’s leading festival of ideas, bringing readers and writers together in sustainable events to inspire, examine and entertain”.This year’s programme will launch the best new fiction and non-fiction titles, while offering insight and debate around major global issues.

Stormzy and Nick Cave were among the famous figures who attended Vivienne Westwood’s funeral yesterday (February 16).The legendary British fashion designer and environmental activist died “peacefully” in Clapham, south London on December 29, 2022. She was 81 years old.As BBC News reports, the memorial service for Westwood was held at Southwark Cathedral.

Stormzy has shared details of his highly anticipated third album, ‘This Is What I Mean’, set for global release next month.Returning to social media after almost three years, Stormzy shared the new album’s artwork on Instagram today (October 12), depicting a letter sat on a doorstep with the album title printed on it.Described as “an intimate love letter to music” in a press statement and largely created at a “Stormzy music camp” in Osea Island, Stormzy spoke about praying every morning during the genesis of the new record.“When you hear about music camps they always sound intense and sombre,” Stormzy explained of how the new album came together. “People saying: ‘We need to make an album.’ ‘We need to make some hit records.’ But this felt beautifully free. We’re all musicians but we weren’t always doing music.

Dizzee Rascal has announced a headline show at The O2 Arena in London next year.The show on March 8, 2023 marks 20 years of his Mercury Prize-winning debut album, ‘Boy In Da Corner’, which was released in 2003.Tickets go on general sale here this Friday (October 7) at 10am BST.Dizzee released his latest album, ‘E3 AF‘, in 2020. In a review of his seventh album, NME wrote: “Throughout his career, Dizzee Rascal has pushed boundaries and surpassed expectations.

A painting by grime MC Skepta has sold at auction at Sotheby's in London for £81,900 ($94,656), a spokesperson for the gallery has confirmed to The FADER. The piece, titled "Mama Goes To Market," is Skepta's first painting and sold for £20,000 more than its estimated price.

Skepta is auctioning his first foray into the world of contemporary art at Sotheby's in London this month. The grime MC has contributed a painting to a collection he has co-curated specifically for the auction, which takes place in mid-September.

Jamal Edwards died of a cardiac arrest after taking cocaine, a coroner has ruled.The DJ and founder of SBTV passed away on in Acton, west London on February 20. He was 31 years old.Back in June, his mother Brenda Edwards said that her son’s death was the result of him taking recreational drugs.

Stormzy has been given an honorary degree by the University of Exeter – watch him give a speech at the graduation ceremony while collecting the diploma below.The rapper (real name is Michael Owuo Jr.) was given the degree in recognition of his “remarkable contribution to society and extraordinary talent”.Professor Lisa Roberts, University of Exeter’s Vice-Chancellor described the star as “an outstanding musician and wordsmith [who] inspires people to speak openly about their beliefs and fight for their rights”.She added: “The University of Exeter has put social justice at the heart of its new ten-year strategy which includes opening doors to people from all walks of life into higher education and it was wonderful to hear Michael’s powerful speech today to students and graduates.”Stormzy addressed the graduating class while receiving the honour, praising them for having “the guts and the grit and the dedication that it takes to study for years and to finish your degree”.“I got my AS results in my first year of college and said ‘Yeah, see you later’,” he said, reflecting on his own time spent in education. “I didn’t have the same minerals that you guys have.

Jamal Edwards died by taking recreational drugs, his mother has claimed, after the inquest into the SB.TV music entrepreneur’s death opened.He suffered a cardiac arrest at home in Acton, west London on 20 February and died while his mother, Brenda, held his hand as revealed to Loose Women.Loose Women panellist Brenda has today (June 7) claimed in a message posted on social media that her 31-year-old son’s death was the result of him taking recreational drugs.She said: “Since I last spoke I have sadly learned that the cause of Jamal’s devastating passing was due to a cardiac arrhythmia caused by having taken recreational drugs and I wanted to address this myself to everyone who loved, admired and respected my son.”Rest In Peace my beautiful baby

Wiley is wanted by the Metropolitan Police six months after failing to turn up for a court hearing where he was due to face charges of burglary and assault.The grime artist, whose real name is Richard Kylea Cowie Jr, is accused of breaking into a flat in Forest Gate in east London and assaulting ex-kickboxer Ali Jacko. He has not publicly responded to the alleged crimes that he’s been charged with.Wiley, 43, was due before Snaresbrook Crown Court on November 11, 2021.

Stormzy made his Met Gala debut in New York last night (May 2), wearing a custom-made Burberry suit and cape.The Croydon rapper, who wrapped up his UK and Ireland arena tour last month, joined the likes of Billie Eilish, Jack Harlow, Olivia Rodrigo, Nicki Minaj and Anderson .Paak at the 2022 edition of the annual fundraising event at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.This year’s fashion theme for the Met Gala was ‘Gilded Glamor and White Tie’. Stormzy, who recently announced his third studio album, wore a custom-made white Burberry wool cape and a three-piece tuxedo with satin lapels, which was designed by Riccardo Tisci.You can see Stormzy’s Met Gala attire below:Big Mike.

Dizzee Rascal has been given a community order after being convicted of assaulting his ex-fiancé.The 37-year-old, whose real name is Dylan Mills, was found guilty at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court last month (March 7) for assaulting his former fiancé over a row about child contact and finances.  He was found guilty of assaulting Cassandra Jones by pressing his forehead against hers and then pushing her to the ground at a house in Streathem, South London on June 8 last year.Mills was originally arrested on June 8, 2021 on suspicion of common assault and was later released on bail.

Jamal Edwards, has shared a touching tribute to her son on the first Mother’s Day since his death.Jamal, whose SB.TV channel helped to launch the careers of artists like Ed Sheeran, Dave and Jessie J, died on February 20 at the age of 31. Brenda later confirmed that Jamal had died from a “sudden illness”.In a statement following his death, Brenda described her son as the “centre of [her] world” and called him “an inspiration to myself and so many”.“Our love for him lives on, his legacy lives on. Long live Jamal Edwards MBE, MBA, PhD,” she added.Earlier today (March 27), Brenda took to Instagram to celebrate the life of her son on the first Mother’s Day since his passing.

London rapper Dizzee Rascal has been convicted of assaulting his former partner Cassandra Jones, the mother of his two children. District Judge Polly Gledhill delivered the verdict at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court early Monday morning.

Dizzee Rascal was found guilty of assaulting his ex-fiancé in a London Magistrates court this afternoon (March 7).The 37-year-old rapper, whose real name is Dylan Mills, was found guilty of assault in relation to an incident that took place in Streatham on June 8, 2021.In newly surfaced footage, Mills, clearly upset with the verdict, was captured on film leaving the court and knocking a camera out of the hands of a photographer. He then proceeded to pick the camera up and throw it across the street.You can see the incident below:Furious Dizzee Rascal throws camera across street after guilty verdict in assault case – more here https://t.co/l4Afs8CZqX pic.twitter.com/cv70D58OmH— ITV London (@itvlondon) March 7, 2022Mills was originally arrested on June 8, 2021 on suspicion of common assault and was later released on bail.

Sky News.Mills was originally arrested on June 8, 2021 on suspicion of common assault and was later released on bail. He was later charged on August 2.Metropolitan Police said at the time: “Officers attended and a woman reported minor injuries.

Jamal Edwards has passed away, aged 31.The news was confirmed by representatives of Edwards’ media company to the BBC earlier this evening (February 20) following reports on social media that the entrepreneur, author, director, DJ and founder of the influential online urban music platform, SB.TV., died unexpectedly today.Edwards attended the BRIT Awards earlier this month and reports say he performed as a DJ at a gig in north London on Saturday night (February 19).No details have yet been released about the cause of death. NME has reached out to representatives of Edwards for comment.Tributes have poured in for Edwards on social media, including ones from Dave, George The Poet and AJ Tracey.Tracey wrote: “RIP Jamal Edwards, West London legend status”, while Dave added: “Thank you for everything”.While the  organisers of Mobo Awards said they were “deeply saddened” by news of Edwards’ death.They added: “As the founder of @SBTVonline, his groundbreaking work & legacy in British music and culture will live on.

Stormzy has been treated to his own personalised version of the Monopoly Deal card game.The game will include nods to some of Stormzy’s biggest hits in the renaming of its cards. The ‘Debt Collector’ card is now ‘Bailiff One’, while the ‘Just say no’ card has been changed to ‘Shut Up’.

Wiley has been suspended from Twitter following an attack on Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA).Using the handle @WileyRecordings, he attacked a member of CAA in a since-deleted tweet (via Daily Mail), sharing an image of himself in Hasidic dress and a video titled “the Jewish Faces that Control Hiphop and Mainstream Black Music.”In another since-deleted tweet, he said: “The more they block me the harder I go and when I get through the door I will stand there and look in their faces with the

Skepta has performed ‘Lit Like This’ from his latest EP ‘All In’ on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.The British grime legend delivered a rendition of the cut from his EP released in July for the popular US talk show last night (October 28). The performance sees Skepta walking around an office, rapping to workers and at one stage what appears to be an interview panel.It’s not clear whether the clip was filmed in the UK or in the US for the show.

Skepta has shared the first track from his upcoming new EP, ‘All In’ – watch the video for ‘Nirvana’ below.The Spanish-infused single, which features Latin pop superstar J Balvin, is taken from the grime icon’s recently announced five-track project, set to arrive tomorrow (July 30).

Dizzee Rascal has shared his thoughts on why he thinks he hasn’t ever headlined Glastonbury.Speaking in a new interview, Dizzee, who has played Glastonbury several times but has never headlined, talked about never topping the bill at Worthy Farm and how there was one year in particular that he feels he should have been asked to do it.“I should have headlined Glastonbury,” the ‘Boy In Da Corner’ rapper told Chuckie Online on the JD In The Duffle Bag Podcast.

Stormzy and Dave rallied behind the England football team last night, sharing a pre-match hype video before the national squad’s semi-final win over Denmark.The pair linked up to shoot a video, in which they discuss England’s past disappointments, and shine a light on the newfound belief that exists in the current squad.“Let’s see some belief,” Dave says at one point, after which Stormzy adds: “Let’s see some confidence.”Former England player Ian Wright joins the pair at the end of the clip,

Big Zuu has released a new single today (June 2) – listen to ‘The Advert (My Family)’ below.Unveiling the song on social media, Big Zuu wrote: “Created by me, my brothers, sisters and Mum.“Young black boy from the council flat story that evolved into different avenues in entertainment being delivered by My Family.

AJ Tracey has opened up about grime in a new interview.Speaking to The Guardian, rapper Tracey said he’s unlikely to ever return to the genre unless he was asked to do so by grime veterans such as P Money or D Double E.Reflecting on his grime roots, Tracey said: “It was a long time ago,” before adding: “Grime is not really lit any more.

Ghetts has announced an upcoming livestream show that will see him perform his new album ‘Conflict Of Interest’ in “stride cinematic fashion”.Set to take place on Sunday (April 11) at 8pm, Conflict Of Interest, Live In London will be broadcast live from Magazine in Greenwich.Directed by Charlie Sarsfield (Stormzy, Avelino, Sam Fender) with additional live animation from Ruff Mercy, the virtual gig will give fans their first live taste of Ghetts’ critically acclaimed third studio album.“Levels

Grime Kids by DJ Target.The show, a six-part original series, will focus on the emergence of grime in the early 2000s and is set to air on the network in 2022.Radio 1Xtra host DJ Target, who wrote the book in 2018, shared the news on Instagram, calling the announcement “nuts”.“I wrote this book to celebrate and document the journey of UK music over the last 20 plus years.

D Double E.Produced by Joker and Sir Spyro, the single arrives with a music video showing the pair riding bikes around London.In a statement discussing the new track, Zuu said: “I’m gassed to be releasing a tune with D Double E. He’s a legend in the game and doing a tune with him has always been an ambition of mine.“I think ‘Variation’ will be loved by all the core grime heads but also fans of other genres can enjoy it because of how catchy the chorus is.

Skepta has hinted that he might be retiring after the release of one more song.Following the release of his collaboration with Jae5 and Rema on the new song ‘Dimension’, Skepta took to social media to reveal that he’s stopped recording and any verses heard from here on out were recorded last year.“This Jae5 song/video featuring Rema and myself was recorded and shot last year in Ghana,” Skepta revealed in an Instagram Story.

Yaw Tog, the breakout star of Ghana's rising Asakaa drill scene, has joined forces with Stormzy and Kewsi Arthur for a remix of his song "Sore." Check out the video for the "Sore" remix above. "Sore" was first released in 2020 and became the first Ghanaian drill video to pass the 1M view count.

slowthai has released “CANCELLED”, a new collaboration with Skepta taken from his forthcoming sophomore record TYRON.

Over the past few months grime MC Ghetts has shared a series of singles that have hinted at a career-defining album was in the pipeline. First up was "Mozambique" followed by collaborations with two of the biggest names in grime: Skepta ("IC3") and Stormzy ("Skengman").