Irving Adjei, known professionally as Headie One, is an English rapper from… Read Full Bio ↴Irving Adjei, known professionally as Headie One, is an English rapper from Tottenham, North London. He is best known for his track "18HUNNA" which peaked on the UK Singles Chart at number 6.

Adjei grew up on the "infamous" Broadwater Farm housing estate in Tottenham. He is of Ghanaian origin. His moniker derives from a childhood nickname due to his head's resemblance to a 50p coin. He first began rapping in his early teens, though only began focusing on it after his first release from prison.

He began releasing music in the early 2010s under the name Headz, including as part of a group named Star Gang. In 2014 he released his only mixtape under that alias, titled "Headz or Tails." Also part of Star Gang was fellow Tottenham rapper RV - he and Headie One became frequent collaborators, including co-releasing the mixtapes Sticks & Stones (2016) and Drillers x Trappers (2017). Together they formed part of OFB, a drill crew based in the Broadwater Farm estate.

In February 2018, he released his next solo mixtape as Headie One, titled The One. This included "Know Better" with RV, which became an "underground hit". In May he was featured on "Missing", a Belly Squad track that peaked at number 84 on the UK Singles Chart. This was followed by another solo mixtape, The One Two, in June 2018, which entered the UK Albums Chart at number 32.

In January 2019, his single "18HUNNA", featuring Dave, entered the UK chart at number 6 - the highest a UK drill artist has ever charted. In March he released his sixth mixtape, and third with RV, Drillers x Trappers II. It entered the UK Albums Chart at number 21. "Match Day", the first single from the mixtape, entered the Singles Chart at number 86. On 25th July 2019, Headie One released the official YouTube video for his 'Rubbery Bandz' single.

Bumpy Ride
Headie One Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Yo
Yo

On thousand stoves, never knew about seven pounds an hour
Black lives matter, but the hood, this wap means power (told me turn, ayy)
How much time did I take that chase? Have to left them jakes all sour
Now plum sauce on duck, I just watch while they light up the Eiffel Tower (turn, turn, turn, turn)
It's flashin' lights, still I got gangdem ties (suh)

Wap cost five, that's light
Bro let it hang out the passy side
Music and road, still I can't decide
I was on the wing eatin' mash and pie (One)
Looked in the judges' eyes and took that oath, I lied (One)
Hit the strip and colly, couldn't do both, I tried (turn)
Street qualified, grow more on the field, that's science
In the T, I like mathematics
Made the phone do acrobatics
Where's that magic? Stretch that package, Mr. Fantastic (told me turn, uh)

Stretch that package, grub in plastic, money in transit (money in transit)
Let's drop this five but we need that nine if it gets too drastic
Got this credit card, give it to my bitch and I tell her "Max it" (max, max)
Been a bumpy ride, yeah, I let things slide
I should have reached in the jacket, take out pocket rockets (oh-oh)
It's like hot potato, and my brother, they will mash it (oh-oh)
I don't need no favors, I got flavors, need to stash it (oh-oh)
Never been a taker, I'ma maker, used to crop it (oh-oh)

How much time did I whip pots? Watch my wrist lock
Me, I'm tryna bring it back quicker than TikTok (turn, turn)
All this bad B wanna do is lip-lock
Me, I'm tryna make sure the quality's tiptop
Spent so much racks on six shots, keep it away from Junebug, izzpot (told me turn)
Hand tings for the gliding
I rise them autos for when I get pissed off
Baguettes on the wing, not Wingstop so it's only right I baguette my wristwatch (One)
Feathered cushions, barely use it
First class flights to Europe, London, Dubai, act all stupid
A hundred thousand dirhams (ah, ah)
Can't take away the pain but I know I can soothe it (One)

Stretch that package, grub in plastic, money in transit (money in transit)
Let's drop this five but we need that nine if it gets too drastic
Got this credit card, give it to my bitch and I tell her "Max it" (max, max)
Been a bumpy ride, yeah, I let things slide
I should have reached in the jacket, take out pocket rockets (oh-oh)
It's like hot potato, and my brother, they will mash it (oh-oh)

I don't need no favors, I got flavors, need to stash it (oh-oh)
Never been a taker, I'ma maker, used to crop it (oh-oh)

Overall Meaning

In "Bumpy Ride," Headie One and M Huncho reflect on their rise to success from their beginnings of struggling to make minimum wage to becoming powerful figures in their community. They reference the Black Lives Matter movement and the power that their weapons give them while also acknowledging the dangers and risks involved in their lifestyle. They reflect on their mistakes, including lying in court and being unable to balance music and street life. They also discuss their material success, including their expensive weaponry and luxury trips.

The lyrics are highly introspective, revealing the emotions and complexities that come with living a life of both privilege and danger. The chorus "Been a bumpy ride, yeah, I let things slide" highlights the difficulties and hardships that come with success, including the need to be constantly vigilant amidst danger.

Notably, the song also includes several clever wordplays and references, including the line "Me, I'm tryna bring it back quicker than TikTok" which speaks both to their desire for financial success and cultural relevance.

Overall, "Bumpy Ride" is a deep and thoughtful piece that combines the realities of street life with the power and success that come with rising to the top.

Line by Line Meaning

On thousand stoves, never knew about seven pounds an hour
I earned more money selling drugs than I ever could at a job.

Black lives matter, but the hood, this wap means power (told me turn, ayy)
I support the Black Lives Matter movement, but in my neighborhood, owning a gun gives me power.

How much time did I take that chase? Have to left them jakes all sour
I successfully evaded the police in a car chase and left them frustrated and angry.

Now plum sauce on duck, I just watch while they light up the Eiffel Tower (turn, turn, turn, turn)
I am successful enough to enjoy luxury meals and watch the world-famous Eiffel Tower light up.

It's flashin' lights, still I got gangdem ties (suh)
Even though I am famous and surrounded by flashing lights, I am still connected to my gang.

Wap cost five, that's light
My gun costs five thousand pounds, which is not much compared to my wealth.

Bro let it hang out the passy side
My friend openly displays his gun on the passenger side of his car.

Music and road, still I can't decide
I am torn between my passion for music and my involvement in the streets.

I was on the wing eatin' mash and pie (One)
I was in prison, eating mashed potatoes and pie.

Looked in the judges' eyes and took that oath, I lied (One)
I perjured myself in court, lying under oath.

Hit the strip and colly, couldn't do both, I tried (turn)
I attempted to balance my music career with my criminal activities, but it was too difficult.

Street qualified, grow more on the field, that's science
I am experienced in the streets and apply that knowledge to my music career.

In the T, I like mathematics
When I am in the trap house, I enjoy counting my money and doing math.

Made the phone do acrobatics
I used my phone to coordinate and execute illegal activities.

Where's that magic? Stretch that package, Mr. Fantastic (told me turn, uh)
I need to make more money selling drugs and stretch my supply as far as possible.

Stretch that package, grub in plastic, money in transit (money in transit)
I need to package my drugs tight and carefully to avoid getting caught during transportation.

Let's drop this five but we need that nine if it gets too drastic
We may need to switch to a more powerful gun if a situation gets out of control.

Got this credit card, give it to my bitch and I tell her "Max it" (max, max)
I give my girlfriend my credit card to spend as much money as she wants.

Been a bumpy ride, yeah, I let things slide
My life has been difficult and I have made mistakes.

I should have reached in the jacket, take out pocket rockets (oh-oh)
I should have grabbed my guns from my jacket instead of allowing a dangerous situation to escalate.

It's like hot potato, and my brother, they will mash it (oh-oh)
When a dangerous situation arises, my brother will quickly use his gun to end it.

I don't need no favors, I got flavors, need to stash it (oh-oh)
I don't rely on anyone's help because I have my own resources, and I need to hide them well.

Never been a taker, I'ma maker, used to crop it (oh-oh)
I am a self-made person and have always been involved in the drug business.

How much time did I whip pots? Watch my wrist lock
I spent a lot of time cooking drugs and monitoring their quality.

Me, I'm tryna bring it back quicker than TikTok (turn, turn)
I'm trying to create and release music at a faster pace than social media's TikTok app.

All this bad B wanna do is lip-lock
Women are interested in me solely for sexual activities.

Me, I'm tryna make sure the quality's tiptop
I am dedicated to ensuring the quality of my music is excellent.

Spent so much racks on six shots, keep it away from Junebug, izzpot (told me turn)
I invested a lot of money in my guns, and I need to keep them safe from potential thieves or the police.

Hand tings for the gliding
I always have guns on me for protection and to use if necessary.

I rise them autos for when I get pissed off
I use my firearms when I am angry and need to defend myself or my business.

Baguettes on the wing, not Wingstop so it's only right I baguette my wristwatch (One)
I have expensive jewelry and watches, and it's fitting that they match my lavish lifestyle.

Feathered cushions, barely use it
I have luxury items that I barely even use or appreciate.

First class flights to Europe, London, Dubai, act all stupid
I travel extensively and live a luxurious lifestyle.

A hundred thousand dirhams (ah, ah)
I have a lot of money (one hundred thousand dirhams is roughly $27,000).

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Irving Ampofo Adjei, M Huncho, Quincy Tellem

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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