Album Review: Stormzy - Gang Signs & Prayer

The only bad thing about this record is its title.

The dichotomy between religion and a life of crime is well trodden. Much more interesting is Stormzy's ability to ooze menace and warmth at once. He'll tell you your face ain't big for his boot, and then reveal, "I was in the O2 singing my lungs out/Rudeboy you're never too big for Adele". First Things First is a ferocious mission statement. Shut Up is near-perfect flex rap. Cigarettes & Cush is an aptly named mood piece. Stormzy — both scary and sweet — is full of contrasts; the one between spirituality and crime is the least interesting of them. Work past the title and get this. Now.