Stryder started at the age of 14 on pirate radio sets in East London with other well known grime MCs such as Wiley and Dizzee Rascal. His stage name derives from the video game Strider which he played when he was young and from the nickname "Tinchy" given to him due to his short stature: his height at 5'1" (1.55m) making him the shortest male artist ever to top the UK Top 40. Tinchy made a number of appearances on Sky's Channel U and especially their 1Xtanra radio show taking part in freestyles, sometimes joined by his crew Ruff Sqwad. Tinchy Stryder was part of a spectacular line up at The O2 arena 3D ELEKTRO RAVE alongside Caspa and Rusko, Frankmusik, High Contrast and Dancing Robot Music.[7] Tinchy Stryder was part of well-known grime crew Roll Deep for a while, featuring on some songs including 'U Were Always', which was released years later on Roll Deep's compilations album, Street Anthems.
Many before him have tried and failed; in April 2009 Tinchy Stryder became the first artist ever to reach number 1 in the official national singles charts with a song title featuring the phrase ‘number one’. A self-fulfilling prophecy personified? Well, he’s certainly living up to his music moniker ‘Star in the Hood’.
Over the past six months, 23 year-old Tinchy has signed a recording deal with Island Records and has racked up three consecutive top 3 hits, ‘Take Me Back’ feat. Taio Cruz, released in January debuted at no 39 on downloads alone, the following week on it’s official release the single climbed 36 places to number 3, and maintained a Top 5 position for four weeks. In April, ‘Number 1’ feat. N-Dubz debuted at Number 1 and topped the UK charts for a whopping three weeks, this was followed in August by Tinchy’s second 1 single ‘Never Leave You’ featuring Amelle from the Sugababes.
Tinchy Stryder, is undoubtedly one of the UK’s most exciting artists, The Independent recently said, “If Grime was the football world, Tinchy Stryder would be like your Michael Owens and Wayne Rooney’s of today.” He just completed a sold out arena tour in September 2009, which caused such a demand with fans that he has had to put a larger arena tour straight on for February 2010.
Tinchy, real name Kwasi Danquah, was born in Ghana in 1986 and moved to East London at a young age. He was brought up and still lives in one of the capital’s most dangerous boroughs – Tower Hamlets; yet despite his tough upbringing he has a distinctly positive outlook on life and is determined to provide a positive role model for kids across the country. Having started making music, along with his group ‘Ruff Sqwad’, aged just 13 Tinchy has seen through the years the negative press that the music he loves has received and is on a mission to change this. He recently completed a degree in Digital Arts and Moving Imagery at University of East London.
“It’s important to me to show that black males aren’t all about looking threatening and robbing your granny” Tinchy quips. “It’s not always easy growing up in an inner city area, wherever it is, but in my music I want to show people that you can take that experience and turn it into something positive.”
“I guess my writing is pretty much from my life experience right now” says Tinchy. “That’s why I’ve focused a lot on the whole star in the hood thing – cos I’m still here – where I always have been, but now people know me, so I can’t always go the same places I used to be able to. I’m not in a rush to get out cos I know my area and I love it, but hopefully one day through my music I can.”
By the age of 21, Tinchy was a seasoned MC on the grime and London pirate radio scene. One of the industry’s main players, Wiley of ‘Wearin’ my Rolex’ fame, crowned Tinchy the ‘Prince of Grime’. In 2006 he was booked by two forward thinking teenagers, Archie Lamb and Jack Foster to play one of their club nights they ran while at school; this meeting changed the course of his career. The three of them struck an immediate bond and Tinchy signed to their company Takeover – for management, live, recording, merchandise and publishing. Together they designed the ‘Star in The Hood’ T-shirts which they sold on myspace and ebay and the profits financed the promotion/marketing of Tinchy’s debut album Star In The Hood. It’s now a flourishing clothing line, which has just expanded into retail, with the kind of profit margins that would impress Phillip Green. The buzz surrounding ‘Stryderman’, one of the singles released from the album caught the attention of execs at Island records. Tinchy Stryder, Jack and Archie signed a joint venture with the major at the end of 2008.
Having just released his major label debut, Catch 22, which went Gold within 2 weeks of release and just signing a joint venture deal with EMI Publishing alongside Takeover for a joint music publishing company allowing Tinchy Jack and Archie the opportunity to develop and invest in new talent, the future is looking extremely bright for Stryder.
As 2010 draws near he embarks on pushing the boundaries of Star In The Hood clothing and entering into partnerships with some of the UK’s largest retailers, planning his all new fully live show and summer full of festivals whilst also beginning the recording process for his second major label album with a host of exciting collaborators including re-uniting with Fraser T Smith and working with some of the top US record producers and writers, Tinchy is feeling great about the new year, “I’m out to takeover the world this time round, for 2010 and beyond” he smiles.
Stryderman
Tinchy Stryder Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Top East London writer man
If anyone can then Stryder can
We're caught in a web like Spiderman
Yo, hi it's me again
Cloud 9 Stryder
The girlfriend taker
Boyfriends hate me
All I gotta do's drop a girl a one liner
And if not miner the necklace'll blind 'er
Them other yutes can't do it like me
I'm in Prada boots with the new Armani
Look, man are on a hype like 'Watch when I see him'
When they come, come, they're a kamikaze
Girls like paper, but I'm more bader
But I'm on your telly so we'll make things easier
And it's so obvious we does this major
From the whips to the garms to the chain, uh
Look high hater, don't get mad
'cause I got your girl webbed up quick like a spider
Don't get close all my goons mean danger
Don't get clocked on the radar, peace
She's like 'Oh that's Stryderman'
Top East London writer man
If anyone can then Stryder can
We're caught in a web like Spiderman
Yeah, if I do things my way
Oh that's the Bow way
E3 flee, can get, make doe way
Line up girls like plaques in Drake's hallway
Swagger in check like always
And I've been knockin' down girls from school days
'cause I've been a Star in the Hood from school raves
I've got the girls dem lovin' it
Can't get enough of it
I learnt that from the old Will tape
And she's like 'Oh that's Stryderman'
I be the top East London writer man
Look, why's your man tryna see me man
He can't see me man, tell him I'm ninja man
You chase girls and labels chase us
Our window's black, your man he's on bus
Look, real talk I ain't tryna start up a fuss
But real g's don't need luck, peace
She's like 'Oh that's Stryderman'
Top East London writer man
If anyone can then Stryder can
We're caught in a web like Spiderman
Strydes
I got my swagger in check like always
Get me
Yo, yo
She wants me, I know this
Gimme one week and I'll rock this
I'll have her mind lost like mazes
And I'm sayin' it loud you can coat this
But I kick back, chill
I got my mind straight, mills
I'm sick with the rhymin' ill
I'll carry on doin' what I'm doin'
Them girls are like
She's like 'Oh that's Stryderman'
Top East London writer man
If anyone can then Stryder can
We're caught in a web like Spiderman
In the song "Stryderman" by Tinchy Stryder, the lyrics depict the rapper's confidence and effortless charm with women, as well as his swagger and success in the music industry. He refers to himself as "Stryderman," likening himself to the superhero Spiderman who catches people in his web, in this case, women who are easily charmed by Tinchy Stryder. He speaks of his ability to drop one line to get the attention of a girl and claims that other guys can't do it like him.
Tinchy Stryder is proud of his East London roots and boasts about his success in the music industry. He talks about his expensive fashion choices, from his Prada boots to his new Armani clothing. He even mentions the blacked-out windows in his car, something that is typical in the music industry for privacy reasons. Tinchy addresses his haters directly - they are on a hype, but they will never be able to match his success.
Throughout the song, the rapper refers to himself as a "top East London writer man," suggesting that he has earned his success through hard work and dedication to his craft. He is confident and well-spoken, proving that he knows how to use his words to his advantage, both in his music and with the opposite sex.
Line by Line Meaning
She's like 'Oh that's Stryderman'
Women recognize and acknowledge Tinchy Stryder's fame.
Top East London writer man
Tinchy Stryder is a prominent, talented musician from East London.
If anyone can then Stryder can
Tinchy Stryder has the ability and confidence to achieve whatever he sets out to do.
We're caught in a web like Spiderman
Tinchy Stryder's influence and reputation, like Spiderman's web, have a strong hold on people.
Cloud 9 Stryder
Tinchy Stryder is currently experiencing great success and happiness.
The girlfriend taker
Tinchy Stryder is skilled at attracting and winning over women.
Boyfriends hate me
Men who are in relationships feel threatened by Tinchy Stryder's ability to take their girlfriends.
All I gotta do's drop a girl a one liner
Tinchy Stryder is suave and smooth with his words in order to win over women's affection quickly.
And if not miner the necklace'll blind 'er
Tinchy Stryder has expensive jewelry which can dazzle and impress women.
Them other yutes can't do it like me
Other men cannot match Tinchy Stryder's charisma and suave mannerisms.
I'm in Prada boots with the new Armani
Tinchy Stryder values designer brands and wears them as a symbol of status and wealth.
Look, man are on a hype like 'Watch when I see him'
People are excited to meet Tinchy Stryder and are anticipating running into him soon.
When they come, come, they're a kamikaze
When people finally meet Tinchy Stryder, they are very excited and energized.
Girls like paper, but I'm more bader
Girls are attracted to wealth, but Tinchy Stryder possesses other admirable qualities.
And it's so obvious we does this major
Tinchy Stryder and his team are clearly talented and making significant moves in the music industry.
From the whips to the garms to the chain, uh
Tinchy Stryder has expensive cars, clothing, and jewelry.
Look high hater, don't get mad
Jealous people should not be upset with Tinchy Stryder's success.
'cause I got your girl webbed up quick like a spider
Tinchy Stryder can quickly and easily capture a woman's attention and admiration.
Don't get close all my goons mean danger
Tinchy Stryder has security that will not hesitate to protect him.
Don't get clocked on the radar, peace
People should not try to sneak up on Tinchy Stryder, and instead should simply respect his space.
Yeah, if I do things my way
Tinchy Stryder is proud of his individuality and determination.
Oh that's the Bow way
Tinchy Stryder is representing his hometown of Bow in London.
E3 flee, can get, make doe way
Tinchy Stryder can earn money and success quickly in his area of E3 in London.
Line up girls like plaques in Drake's hallway
Tinchy Stryder has a vast number of women at his disposal, similar to rapper Drake's many awards and honors.
Swagger in check like always
Tinchy Stryder is always confident and sure of himself.
And I've been knockin' down girls from school days
Tinchy Stryder has been able to attract women since his youth.
'cause I've been a Star in the Hood from school raves
Tinchy Stryder has been a rising star in his community from a young age, especially in the local music scene.
I've got the girls dem lovin' it
Women are in love with Tinchy Stryder and everything he represents.
Can't get enough of it
Women enjoy being around Tinchy Stryder and cannot get enough of his charm.
I learnt that from the old Will tape
Tinchy Stryder was inspired by rapper Will Smith's music and persona.
I be the top East London writer man
Tinchy Stryder is a highly accomplished musician and writer from East London.
Look, why's your man tryna see me man
Other men tend to feel competitive or threatened by Tinchy Stryder's talent and success.
He can't see me man, tell him I'm ninja man
Tinchy Stryder is agile and swift like a ninja, and therefore difficult to compete with.
You chase girls and labels chase us
Tinchy Stryder and his crew are highly sought-after by both women and record labels.
Our window's black, your man he's on bus
Tinchy Stryder has more control and power than other men, who appear insignificant in comparison.
Look, real talk I ain't tryna start up a fuss
Tinchy Stryder is not interested in stirring up drama or conflict.
But real g's don't need luck, peace
Tinchy Stryder and his crew are confident and capable enough to succeed without relying on luck or outside assistance.
She wants me, I know this
Women are attracted to Tinchy Stryder and he is aware of this fact.
Gimme one week and I'll rock this
Tinchy Stryder is confident that he can win over a woman's affections within a week's time.
I'll have her mind lost like mazes
Tinchy Stryder has the ability to deeply and completely captivate a woman's mind.
And I'm sayin' it loud you can coat this
Tinchy Stryder is proud of his abilities and is unafraid to express this.
But I kick back, chill
Despite his confidence, Tinchy Stryder is also laid-back and relaxed.
I got my mind straight, mills
Tinchy Stryder is focused and clear-headed, and has earned a significant amount of money through his music career.
I'm sick with the rhymin' ill
Tinchy Stryder is highly skilled at rapping.
I'll carry on doin' what I'm doin'
Tinchy Stryder is content and determined to continue making music and winning over women.
Them girls are like
Women tend to be highly interested in or attracted to Tinchy Stryder.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: KWASI DANQUAH, KANO, FRASER SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind