Description
Stormzy – This Is What I Mean – Double Vinyl Record
This Is What I Mean, released on November 25, 2022, is the third studio album by British rapper, singer, and songwriter Stormzy, and it marks a bold step forward in his artistry. After the raw grime fire of his debut Gang Signs & Prayer (2017) and the politically charged energy of Heavy Is the Head (2019), this record shows a more introspective, soulful, and experimental Stormzy. It’s less about proving himself as a grime titan and more about exploring vulnerability, faith, love, and identity — an artist comfortable with his power but also willing to reveal his fragility.
The album was recorded largely during a writing retreat on Osea Island, off the coast of Essex. Stormzy gathered a group of musicians, producers, and writers for collaborative sessions, which gave the record a communal and organic feel. While grime and hip-hop remain part of the mix, This Is What I Mean leans heavily on R&B, gospel, Afrobeats, soul, and pop textures. It’s not the straightforward rap album some fans might have expected, but it’s a deliberate showcase of Stormzy’s versatility and vision.
The lead single, “Hide & Seek,” embodies the album’s softer tone: a tender, Afrobeats-infused track that focuses on intimacy and reconciliation. Its mellow groove and melodic delivery highlight Stormzy’s willingness to move beyond hard-edged rap into more vulnerable spaces. By contrast, the title track “This Is What I Mean” is full of energy and braggadocio, closer to his grime roots but framed by bold production choices that weave together gospel-style backing vocals and electronic elements.
Other key tracks deepen the introspective mood. “Firebabe” is one of Stormzy’s most striking love songs, with lush production and soaring vocals from singer Debbie, showing his ability to craft emotional ballads. “Please” and “Need You” lean into confessional territory, blending honesty about mistakes and heartbreak with rich, atmospheric arrangements. There are also moments of empowerment and pride: “My Presidents Are Black” is a confident celebration of Black identity and resilience, while “Give It to the Water” closes the album with a sense of spiritual surrender and uplift.
This Is What I Mean finds Stormzy reflecting on personal growth, faith, relationships, and the responsibilities that come with fame. There’s less political firebrand energy than on Heavy Is the Head, but in its place is a nuanced exploration of manhood and vulnerability, particularly within the context of Black British masculinity. His Christian faith, always central to his work, surfaces repeatedly, grounding the album’s themes of love and redemption.
Critics responded with admiration for Stormzy’s artistic bravery. While some longtime grime fans were surprised by how far he ventured from the genre’s traditional sound, many praised the maturity and breadth of the project, recognizing it as a deliberate attempt to broaden his horizons. Commercially, the album debuted at #1 on the UK Albums Chart, making it his third consecutive chart-topping record, and singles like “Hide & Seek” earned significant airplay.
In Stormzy’s career arc, This Is What I Mean feels like a statement of evolution and self-definition. Rather than chasing expectations or sticking strictly to grime, he created an album that reflects where he is personally and artistically — collaborative, soulful, and unafraid to take risks. It shows him moving beyond the need to prove himself, instead carving out space to explore what matters most to him.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Fire + Water
This Is What I Mean
Firebabe
Please
Need You
Hide & Seek
My Presidents Are Black
Sampha’s Plea
Holy Spirit
Bad Blood
I Got My Smile Back
Give It To The Water
