Gang Signs & Prayer
by Stormzy - Sold by Dodax
State: New
VAT included - FREE Shipping
Do you like this product? Spread the word!
Only 1 items available Only 1 items available
ADD TO CART Added to shopping cart
Delivery: between 2021-01-26 and 2021-01-28
Sales & Shipping: Dodax
Check other buying options
1 Offer for $12.57
Sold by Dodax EU
View other buying options
First Things First Stormzy
Cold Stormzy
Bad Boys (feat. Ghetts and J Hus) Stormzy
Blinded By Your Grace, Pt. 1 Stormzy
Big For Your Boots Stormzy
Velvet / Jenny Francis (Interlude) Stormzy
Mr Skeng Stormzy
Cigarettes & Cush (feat. Kehlani) Stormzy
21 Gun Salute (feat. Wretch 32) [Interlude] Stormzy
Blinded By Your Grace, Pt. 2 (feat. MNEK) Stormzy
Return Of The Rucksack Stormzy
100 Bags Stormzy
Don't Cry For Me (feat. Raleigh Ritchie) Stormzy
Crazy Titch (Interlude) Stormzy
Shut Up Stormzy
Lay Me Bare Stormzy
For all the talk of new wave grime artists, Stormzy has long been standing head and shoulders -- literally and figuratively -- above his peers. Whether you agree or not with the term "new wave," it's arguably irrelevant to Michael Omari, who, on his debut album, continues to ascend the sometimes restrictive nature of the genre. The opening tracks feature plenty of the characteristic chest puffing and hostility associated with grime, ticking boxes such as declaring the hard work put in on "First Things First," an Eskibeat homage titled "Cold," and features from heavy-hitters Ghetts and J HUS on "Bad Boys." But as Gang Signs & Prayer unfolds, a lot of the bravado falls away, revealing Omari's inner workings, his roots, and his desire to elevate grime to the next level. "Blinded by Your Grace, Pt. 1" is the first sign that this isn't your typical grime album, offering a touch of gospel and a respite to the proceedings. Whereas Omari has turned his hand to slower numbers in the past -- notably on his 2014 EP Dreamers Disease -- here his singing and the accompanying backing piano feel impassioned and organic.
The album continues to shift, gradually at first, with harder tracks alternating with R&B or gospel numbers; by the halfway point, "Cigarettes & Kush," mellow vibes dominate the record. The refusal to pack the track list with bangers is the differentiating factor between Stormzy the grime MC and Stormzy the artist, elegantly showcasing that grime doesn't have to play by the rules, and that artists can express themselves outside of boasting and smack talk, acting as ammo for the argument that diversity and creativity are still prevalent in the scene.
The guest spots featured in the latter half of the album are perfectly chosen, with appearances from Kehlani, Wretch 32, MNEK, and Raleigh Ritchie, who all act as counterweights to Omari's deeper tones. Conversely, one of the most touching moments doesn't feature any names; instead, "100 Bags" finds Omari sharing an open letter to his mum, apologizing for past actions that wouldn't have made her proud, and promising to look after her as thanks for raising him alone. During the album's final interlude, Omari's phone rings in the booth, and on the other end is old-era MC Crazy Titch. He's calling from prison -- as he's still serving a life sentence for murder -- just to drop his endorsement: it provides a perfect summation of Stormzy the artist, in the process calling out any MCs from his generation who impose boundaries on grime. Directly afterward, Gang Signs & Prayer hits you with Stormzy's breaking track "Shut Up," reminding haters to hush; quite rightly as "Shut Up" is easily one of the biggest grime tracks in recent years. It's a bold move to go against the grain in a genre where adherence to style can equal respect, but Stormzy's ambition exceeds potential judgment from purists. He's more concerned with expressing himself and adapting to survive, so that he can express further for years to come. ~ Liam Martin
Artist Stormzy
Label #Merky Records
Features ImportCDs Gangs Signs & Prayer. Genre: R&B, Media type: CD, Distribution type: Physical media. Package type: Jewel case
DUIN RIQA6DR7M6P
Release Date 24.02.2017
Amount of Discs 1
Product type CD
Track Count 16
Manufacturer Part Number 9029697927
Legal & Shipping information
Return and withdrawal
See full page
Save & Print
SHIPPING CONDITIONS How much does the shipping cost? Shipping is always free at Dodax. How long will it take to get my order? On the product page below the price you will find the expected delivery date of the respective article. You will receive a shipping confirmation via email as soon as your order has been shipped. Can I get my order in one delivery - instead of several individual packages? It all depends on your order. If there is a possibility to combine everything in one package, we would be happy to do it. But one thing is always certain: whether single or bulk delivery, shipping is free. RETURNS How long do I have to send articles back? 1) Orders from Dodax are generally binding and the customer is obliged to accept the service. 2) Irrespective of the legal rights, the customer can return the products without credit within 14 days of receipt of the products without giving a reason, provided that they are in an impeccable and salable condition. The return is excluded for perishable products; Sound, image and data carriers (CDs, DVDs, records, etc.) unless they are unused, welded or sealed and returned in the original packaging; for products that are not suitable for return due to their nature (e.g. delivery via download, e-books, etc.); Products manufactured according to the customer's specifications. 3) Dodax will replace defective or incorrectly delivered products if possible. If a replacement delivery is not possible, both parties can request the reversal of the purchase. 4) The customer bears the cost and risk of returning the products, unless the delivered products do not correspond to the ordered ones. Where do I have to send my return? Our return address is: DODAX AG Box 2505 36243 Niederaula GERMANY
If you would like to return the product after you've received it, go to 'My Orders' in your account, select the product and follow the instructions. Regulations for cancellation and return of this product can be found in the seller's Terms & Conditions. If not otherwise stated or if no pre-paid returns label is provided by the seller, the customer must cover the cost of delivery in order to return the product.