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Shoe Shopping with Stormzy (Too Big For My Boots)

Libby Beacham
Feb 7, 2017
2 min read

Now for all the grime fans out there, 3 February would have invoked excitement with the release of Stormzy’s latest track ‘Big For Your Boots’ that garnered 800,000 views in 24 hours. This comes with the promise of a debut album on 24 February, ‘Gang Signs & Prayer’, which is sure to provide the same dank tunes and underground beats.

Stormzy is not one to shout to the sky about his projects, and the only know fans had of an upcoming release was a series of obscure billboards dotted around East, South and West London, one such with a mere black background and, “All my young black kings rise up man, this is our year” in white lettering. This statement promises a legendary album and with the introductory sound of ‘Big For Your Boots’, the promise is sure to be met. However, a track list has been released, displaying 16 tracks and collaborations with big names such as J Hus, Wretch 32, Ghetts, Kehlani and Raleigh Ritchie. If that list of names does not spur a reaction than nothing will.

‘Big For Your Boots’ has a similar sound to ‘Scary’, which was released last year and is accompanied by a similar deep, male gospel harmony. It has got a fast-paced and dark beat; as if Stormzy is having a rant at somebody he wants to ‘cash outside’. The song feels like a method of catharsis, as the lyrics suggest that Stormzy has ordered a side of beef and is going to serve it to an unhappy customer, “You’re never too big for the boot…your face ain’t big for my boot”. Like most artists, Stormzy has a habit of airing his grievances through his lyrics and why not? It’s a message to those who have crossed him to steer clear and it makes for very passionate listening, as his fans believe the stories and views he professes. ‘Big For Your Boots’ ticks all the boxes of a grime track- spitting bars, deep sounds and hard-hitting lyrics.

In relation to the new album, Stormzy also talks truths about the world of the black community, such as institutionalised racism and police brutality, so it will not be surprising to his fans if it features such topics. Strong willed views such as the BRIT Awards excluding grime music has marked change, what with his own nomination for British Breakthrough Act and with his fellow grimestar Skepta receiving nominations and the opportunity to perform. With the ways of the world at the moment, Stormzy is bound to have something to say and rightly so. Fans have eagerly awaited Stormzy’s first album, as previous projects included hit singles and mixtapes, meaning that a lot is expected of the grime boy and his view from the ends. Nothing more needs to be said, we are all ready to listen.