His debut album, Gang Signs & Prayer, was released on 24 February 2017, and was the first grime album to reach number one on the UK Albums Chart and won British Album of the Year at the 2018 Brit Awards. In 2019, Stormzy achieved his first UK number-one single with "Vossi Bop" and his headline appearance at the 2019 Glastonbury Festival was widely praised; he wore a Union Jack stab vest designed by Banksy, in light of the rise in knife crime in London. His second album, Heavy Is the Head, was released on 13 December 2019. On 22 September 2022, Stormzy released the single "Mel Made Me Do It" accompanied by an 11-minute music video featuring popular artists, actors and sports figures such as Usain Bolt and José Mourinho. He returned to social media on 12 October 2022 to announce his third album This Is What I Mean, which was recorded on Osea Island in England. It was released on 25 November 2022. The first single to be released was titled "Hide & Seek" on 14 October 2022.
Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr. was born on 26 July 1993 in Croydon, London. His mother is Ghanaian, his father was a taxi driver and he is a cousin of rapper Nadia Rose. He grew up in South Norwood, London, with his mother, brother, and two sisters. Stormzy did not come from a particularly musical household, although he liked music. He attended Stanley Tech South Norwood. He began rapping at the age of 11 and would clash with older rappers at his local youth club.
Bad Boys
Stormzy Lyrics
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I'm not gonna lie, I'm getting mad right now
What's he talking about?
Like banging in cells and that, what you talking about?
Come on, man, this is just lyrics, blud
Easy, easy, aight, easy, easy
Talking that talk, I was a fucking bad boy in jail!
A fucking bad boy, you fucking pussy
Ask Stanaman, I was a fucking bad boy
Is man mad though?
Ahh, man, do your research
Oi, where's Carlos, where's Carlos?
Ask him how man was in jail about
Fucking truth, stick to the truth
Stick to the fucking truth
Yo, yo, them man are selective bad boys
Some "we just wanna be accepted" bad boys
Some big whips but no electric bad boys
Think they're bad 'cause of Narcos
Na they're some Netflix bad boys
I know real shower man, you know reckless bad boys
You know them protein shake in their breakfast bad boys
Them man are some "Bro, can you get me on the guest list?" bad boys
And then they wanna get up in your club and start flexing bad boys
Give me the crown, man, I want that
Red Bull with the Cognac
I tried to share my throne with them but I can see you ain't on that
I'm on arms, on combat
No trace, no contact
Bro bought a new mash, I don't know where that gun
There's cool but it's long ack
Bad boy who? You are not part of a bad boy crew
Me and Flipz roll up, tell a man hold up
Looking like something out of Bad Boys 2
Bad boy Gs in a bad boy shoot (shoot)
You are not a bad boy, move
Shut down shows and the mandem go nuts
All the bad chicks make mad noise, too
Look, fuckboy, what you gonna say? What you gonna do, run?
Ah yeah right, you ain't gonna do none
Bad boy life ain't all that you hoped for
Should've done book but you went and done guns
Charge three for a Z, that's banter
Black whip, all black swag like a panther
Heard through the vine that Stormz' ain't a bad boy
But I take care of my fam, I'm a gangster
Yeah, that's right, just a young boy in the hood
Fast forward now I'm Big Mike
Still away from the hype
Niggas weren't bad back then, nah it's cons man, I swear on my life
Put faith in my knife
Wrong move had me on edge on the back-road, paid my stripes
So fuck these niggas, all these little gun drillers
Wanna come and try and do me like Trife
You're not bad, I'm bad, ask Carlos
How they gonna harm us?
Came wearing a flat-cap, looking like somebody's father
I brought the bad man here, I brought the bad man here
You're a bad man how? Bad man where?
Apart from you, there's bad man here
You're not bad, I'm bad, ask Carlos
How they gonna harm us?
Came wearing a flat-cap, looking like somebody's father
I brought the bad man here, I brought the bad man here
You're a bad man how? Bad man where?
Apart from you, there's bad man here
I'm fully on with your half on
I've done dirt, no mask on
Eighteen when I told man "Ask Carlos"
Now they ask how much man's car cost
Drive-by ting
Aim for your head and convert 'em with your hard-top
Your leg's sick, your heart stops
That's the end case, nah dawg
Not me, not there, not G
I've got bread on my beef like Soulja
You've got rice, I've got keys, I told you already
My nigga I don't know you from any
Where, big spare that'll go to your belly
There, pay back when you don't owe me a penny
Yeah, fuck that, fist fight, fair and square
Nah fuck that, flick-knife, rare and tear
Nah fuck that, this guy's wearing his share
Might come back, midnight, air an affair
Deal with the matter like Skibba
How's he gonna feel when I'm shattering his liver?
Black boss, you're afraid, I'm gonna pull a River
Fourteen, holding my shank in the mirror
Like I dare anyone
Playground looking like a ? Anthem, where's everyone?
I ain't scared of you but I'm scared of your gun (I am)
Frankly, that's when I got my ting
It was all calm before Stormzy, now it's lightning
You're not bad, I'm bad, ask Carlos
How they gonna harm us?
Came wearing a flat-cap, looking like somebody's father
I brought the bad man here, I brought the bad man here
You're a bad man how? Bad man where?
Apart from you, there's bad man here
You're not bad, I'm bad, ask all us
How they gonna harm us?
Came wearing a flat-cap, looking like somebody's father
I brought the bad man here, I brought the bad man here
You're a bad man how? Bad man where?
Apart from you, there's bad man here
In "Bad Boys," Stormzy confronts those who try to present themselves as bad boys despite not having the background or actions to back it up. He implies that these individuals are just trying to fit in and be accepted, and that true bad boys are not defined by flashy possessions or TV shows. He asserts his own credentials as a legitimate bad boy, referencing his past struggles with the law and the violence he has faced. The song is ultimately a call to authenticity and a rejection of those who manipulate perceptions for their own gain.
Throughout the song, Stormzy employs aggressive and confrontational language to drive his point home. He uses profanity and slang to express his anger and disbelief at those who would try to pass themselves off as bad boys without living the life. He also plays with the idea of bad boy culture, referencing films like "Bad Boys 2" and the TV show "Narcos" to highlight the difference between fictional portrayals of bad boys and the reality of street life. As he indicates in the lyrics, "Bad boy life ain't all that you hoped for / Should've done book but you went and done guns," there are real consequences to living a bad boy lifestyle, and it's not something to be taken lightly.
Overall, "Bad Boys" is a powerful and provocative statement from Stormzy about the nature of bad boy culture and what it truly means to be a bad boy. Through his lyrics, he challenges listeners to examine their own motivations for presenting themselves as bad boys and to consider the consequences of their actions.
Line by Line Meaning
Stanaman, he's told me a couple stories about you
Someone named Stanaman has shared some stories with me about you.
I'm not gonna lie, I'm getting mad right now
I must admit, I'm getting angry at this moment.
What's he talking about?
What is Stanaman talking about?
Like banging in cells and that, what you talking about?
Like fighting in jail cells and such, what exactly are you referring to?
Come on, man, this is just lyrics, blud
Come on, man, these are just song lyrics, my friend.
Easy, easy, aight, easy, easy
Calm down, take it easy, alright, just relax.
Talking that talk, I was a fucking bad boy in jail!
When you talk like that, it reminds me that I was a truly rebellious person during my time in prison!
A fucking bad boy, you fucking pussy
I was a true tough guy, you coward!
Is man mad though?
Is that person truly angry?
Ask Stanaman, I was a fucking bad boy
If you want to know, ask Stanaman about my wild past.
Ahh, man, do your research
Oh, come on, man, do some investigation on your own.
Oi, where's Carlos, where's Carlos?
Hey, where is Carlos? I need to speak to Carlos.
Ask him how man was in jail about
Ask him about my experiences in jail.
Fucking truth, stick to the truth
Tell the whole truth, stick to the truth.
Stick to the fucking truth
Absolutely adhere to the truth!
Yo, yo, them man are selective bad boys
Those individuals are only bad under specific circumstances.
Some "we just wanna be accepted" bad boys
Some individuals pretending to be bad just to fit in and gain acceptance.
Some big whips but no electric bad boys
Some people with fancy cars, but lacking any true power or influence.
Think they're bad 'cause of Narcos
They believe they are tough because of watching Narcos (a TV show about drug cartels).
Na they're some Netflix bad boys
No, they're just pretending to be bad boys like in a Netflix show.
I know real shower man, you know reckless bad boys
I know genuine tough guys, while you only know reckless individuals trying to seem tough.
You know them protein shake in their breakfast bad boys
You're familiar with those guys who consume protein shakes for breakfast, attempting to appear tough.
Them man are some "Bro, can you get me on the guest list?" bad boys
Those individuals are the type who ask, 'Bro, can you put me on the guest list?' to seem cool.
And then they wanna get up in your club and start flexing bad boys
And after that, they want to enter your club and start showing off, trying to seem tough.
Give me the crown, man, I want that
Give me the title of the best, man, I desire that.
Red Bull with the Cognac
Drinking a Red Bull mixed with Cognac (a type of brandy).
I tried to share my throne with them but I can see you ain't on that
I attempted to offer them a place of power alongside me, but it's clear they don't want that.
I'm on arms, on combat
I am always ready for physical conflict, always engaged in combat.
No trace, no contact
Leaving no evidence, no contact with anyone.
Bro bought a new mash, I don't know where that gun
My brother acquired a new gun, but I am unaware of its origin.
There's cool but it's long ack
Getting a gun is cool, but it's also troublesome.
Bad boy who? You are not part of a bad boy crew
Who are you claiming to be a bad boy? You are not a member of a real bad boy group.
Me and Flipz roll up, tell a man hold up
Myself and Flipz approach, instructing someone to wait.
Looking like something out of Bad Boys 2
We appear as if we are characters from the movie Bad Boys 2.
Bad boy Gs in a bad boy shoot (shoot)
True bad boy gangsters engaging in a violent confrontation.
You are not a bad boy, move
You are not a real tough guy, so go away.
Shut down shows and the mandem go nuts
We successfully close down events and the guys from my crew go crazy.
All the bad chicks make mad noise, too
Even the attractive ladies create a lot of excitement and commotion.
Look, fuckboy, what you gonna say? What you gonna do, run?
Listen here, insignificant person, what are you going to say? Are you just going to run away?
Ah yeah right, you ain't gonna do none
Oh, yeah right, you're not going to do anything.
Bad boy life ain't all that you hoped for
Living the life of a tough guy isn't as fulfilling as you expected.
Should've done book but you went and done guns
You should have pursued education, but instead, you chose the path of violence.
Charge three for a Z, that's banter
Charging three pounds for a zoot (cannabis cigarette), that's considered playful humor.
Black whip, all black swag like a panther
Driving an all-black luxurious car, exuding confidence similar to a panther.
Heard through the vine that Stormz' ain't a bad boy
Rumors have spread that Stormzy is not a true tough guy.
But I take care of my fam, I'm a gangster
However, I prioritize taking care of my family, which makes me a true gangster.
Yeah, that's right, just a young boy in the hood
Yes, that's correct, I was merely a young boy growing up in a disadvantaged neighborhood.
Fast forward now I'm Big Mike
Now, fast forward to the present, I am known as Big Mike (Stormzy's nickname).
Still away from the hype
I am still avoiding all the excessive attention and publicity.
Niggas weren't bad back then, nah it's cons man, I swear on my life
People weren't truly tough back then, no, now it's all about deception and manipulation, I promise it on my life.
Put faith in my knife
I rely on my knife as a weapon.
Wrong move had me on edge on the back-road, paid my stripes
Making a mistake led to a dangerous situation on a secluded road, where I proved myself and earned respect.
So fuck these niggas, all these little gun drillers
So, I have no respect for these individuals, these small-time criminals using guns.
Wanna come and try and do me like Trife
They want to come and attempt to harm me like Trife, a character from the movie 'Kidulthood.'
You're not bad, I'm bad, ask Carlos
You are not tough, I am tough, go ask Carlos.
How they gonna harm us?
How are they planning to harm us?
Came wearing a flat-cap, looking like somebody's father
They arrived wearing a flat-cap, resembling a responsible adult figure.
I brought the bad man here, I brought the bad man here
I am the one who brought the tough guys to this place.
You're a bad man how? Bad man where?
In what way are you a tough guy? Show me your toughness.
Apart from you, there's bad man here
Except for you, there are true tough guys present.
I'm fully on with your half on
I am fully committed while you are only partially involved.
I've done dirt, no mask on
I have participated in criminal activities without concealing my identity.
Eighteen when I told man "Ask Carlos"
When I was eighteen, I instructed someone to consult Carlos.
Now they ask how much man's car cost
Now they inquire about the price of my car.
Drive-by ting
Engaging in a drive-by shooting.
Aim for your head and convert 'em with your hard-top
Targeting your head and transforming you with a bullet from my firearm.
Your leg's sick, your heart stops
Your leg is wounded, causing your heart to stop momentarily out of fear.
That's the end case, nah dawg
That is how things will conclude, no doubt about it.
Not me, not there, not G
I am not involved, I am not present, I am not associated with any gangs.
I've got bread on my beef like Soulja
I have money as a result of my disputes, similar to Soulja Boy's fame and wealth.
You've got rice, I've got keys, I told you already
You may have a small amount of money, but I possess drugs, as I've mentioned before.
My nigga I don't know you from any
My friend, I am not familiar with you at all.
Where, big spare that'll go to your belly
Somewhere, there is a significant weapon that will harm your stomach.
There, pay back when you don't owe me a penny
When you least expect it, I will exact revenge without you owing me anything.
Yeah, fuck that, fist fight, fair and square
Yeah, forget that, let's settle it with a fair fist fight.
Nah fuck that, flick-knife, rare and tear
No, forget that, let's resort to using a flick-knife, causing injury and destruction.
Nah fuck that, this guy's wearing his share
No, never mind that, this person is wearing his portion of the blame.
Might come back, midnight, air an affair
I might return later, in the middle of the night, to settle our differences.
Deal with the matter like Skibba
Handle the situation in a manner similar to Skibba, a reference to a British rapper known for his confrontational lyrics.
How's he gonna feel when I'm shattering his liver?
How will he react when I severely harm his liver?
Black boss, you're afraid, I'm gonna pull a River
As a powerful black individual, you are frightened, and I will strike with the same force as a river.
Fourteen, holding my shank in the mirror
At the age of fourteen, I held my knife threateningly in front of a mirror.
Like I dare anyone
As if I am challenging anyone to confront me.
Playground looking like a ? Anthem, where's everyone?
The playground resembles a war zone or a battlefield, where is everyone else?
I ain't scared of you but I'm scared of your gun (I am)
I am not afraid of you as a person, but I fear the power of your gun.
Frankly, that's when I got my ting
Honestly, that's when I acquired my weapon.
It was all calm before Stormzy, now it's lightning
Everything used to be peaceful and calm before Stormzy arrived, now it's explosive and intense.
You're not bad, I'm bad, ask Carlos
You are not tough, I am tough, go ask Carlos.
How they gonna harm us?
How are they planning to harm us?
Came wearing a flat-cap, looking like somebody's father
They arrived wearing a flat-cap, resembling a responsible adult figure.
I brought the bad man here, I brought the bad man here
I am the one who brought the tough guys to this place.
You're a bad man how? Bad man where?
In what way are you a tough guy? Show me your toughness.
Apart from you, there's bad man here
Except for you, there are true tough guys present.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EYOBED GETACHEW, JONATHAN ANTHONY BOAKYE MENSAH, JUSTIN CLARKE, MICHAEL EBENAZER KWADJO OMARI OWUO JUNIOR, RICHARD ISONG OLOWARANTI MBUK ISONG, Michael Omari, Momodou Jallow, RICHARD ISONG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
David Danton
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Stormzy - 0 to 100 (Lyrics)
I wasnt even gonna do one but...
Fuck your bandanas, we dnot see no colours
I want a holiday, I tell 'er pack your luggage
They're like Stormz, why you only doing covers
I'm sitting on some bangers you can go and such your mothers
But for now I might just take a little tune and then I kill it
We're just warming up a second in minute
Got the E.P coming sooner when we're finished
I just dash my boy a drawer 'nd tell him bin it, OH LORD!
I'm the one to get it popping
I just phone my brudda Flips, we'll go and shop it
Another nigga's talking shit, I need a coffin
And we don't care about your taper when its dropping, nigga oh shit
Promoters on the phone, he's got a booky
I got some pagans on the phone, they say they're looking for me
Got your girlfriend on my phone, she's got some pussy for me
I give my little brudda ?? and make him cook it for me
All this talking's gonna get a nigga into beef shit
I'm on my ????? shit
They're talking recky but them niggas haven't seen shit
I've seen them turn some gangstas into pussies, nigga real quick
Real quick, run Stormz, run Stormz
Please Stormz, that nigga's got a gun Stormz
They love Stormz, so if that nigga bun Stormz
They'll come for him, you can put that on my mum boy
Is this the karma
You're talking doe but you can't even bring your son up
They always miss but they just love the fancy run up
Selfies with my bitch, we're taking pictures looking tun up
And yeah, man I gotta put him on, my brudda's waiting for me
I just had a meeting with my man, he told me 'play it for me'
I aint even saying nothing, please just keep on praying for me
Still a couple niggas that still owe a couple favours for me
But we're gonna cash 'em all in when we need it
Heard your songs, they're kinda wack, yeah I don't feel it
They couldn't say it to my face they had to tweet it
Still thinking why they got me on the remix, that's some other shit
You wanted more, I dropped The Second Quarter through
If he needs it, then I've got a year, I'll sort it through
Yeah we're humble, you won't ever know we brought it through
That brudda's thirsty, can we please just get some water through
And 1 litre, 2 litre, 3 litres man he's thirsty
Couple man are old, they're in their thirties
My brudda stabbed me in my back, he done me dirty
And if I'm down my brudda ?? will reimburse me
Real nigga shit, real nigga shit, yeah
Real nigga shit, real nigga shit, yeah
Murky!!