Stormzy Returns To Grime With Fredo On New Single “Toxic Trait”
British grime artist Stormzy is back with his first new song of 2023, “Toxic Trait.” The single is his first original work published since his third studio album This Is What I Mean released in November 2022, which followed his incredibly popular Heavy Is The Head in 2019. While This Is What I Mean shied away from his typical sounds with more of gospel, R&B, and soul sounds, “Toxic Trait” returns Stormzy to his typical grime flow and rap roots.
“Toxic Trait” features fellow grime artist Fredo from West London and is produced by Santan Dave (an alternative name for British artist Dave). The pair have previously worked together, including on high-charting songs “Funky Friday,” “All I Ever Wanted,” and “Money Talks.” In the chorus over the drill beat, Stormzy namedrops all three collaborators as he says, “If your name ain’t Fred, then you can’t relate” referencing Fredo, “If your name ain’t Santan, you ain’t my mate” referencing Dave, and “If your name ain’t Stormz then you ain’t the (Woo)” referencing himself.
The single is accompanied by a music video directed by London-based Femi Ladi. The visuals correspond to the written lines of the songs with the camera panning to different scenes of Stormzy. It also features Fredo discussing his toxic traits in an individual therapy session with British television personality and actress Alison Hammond followed by a group session with other British figures Ivorian Doll, Wretch 32, and Specs Gonzales. The final scene of the video is of Stormzy and Fredo looking into a painting displaying their aforementioned toxic traits.
“Toxic Trait” may be the beginning of Stormzy’s return to grime many of his fans have hoped for. Stormzy is set to return to performing this summer at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam from the 7th to the 9th of July before taking over Victoria Park in London on the 18th of August for “This Is What We Mean Day.” “This Is What We Mean Day” is scheduled to feature a headline show from Stormzy himself preceded by performances by Kehlani, Knucks, Lucky Daye, Ms Banks, Sampha, WSTRN, and more.
Featured Image Credit: Elliot Hensford