Heavy Is the Head – Stormzy
Released on 13 December 2019, Heavy Is the Head is the second studio album by British rapper Stormzy. Following the breakthrough success of Gang Signs & Prayer, this project sees Stormzy balancing introspective lyricism with bold political commentary, all while expanding his sonic palette. Featuring production from Fraser T. Smith, T-Minus, and MJ Cole, and collaborations with artists like Ed Sheeran, Burna Boy, and H.E.R., the album solidified Stormzy’s place at the forefront of UK music and grime’s global evolution.
Key Highlights
- Includes UK No. 1 singles Vossi Bop and Own It (feat. Ed Sheeran & Burna Boy)
- Features emotionally charged tracks such as Crown, Rainfall (feat. Tiana Major9), and Lessons
- Combines grime, gospel, R&B, and UK rap into a cohesive, genre-spanning record
- Pressed on heavyweight black vinyl with gatefold packaging and printed inner sleeves
Tracklisting
1. Big Michael
2. Audacity (feat. Headie One)
3. Crown
4. Rainfall (feat. Tiana Major9)
5. Rachael’s Little Brother
6. Handsome
7. Do Better
8. Don’t Forget to Breathe (feat. Yebba)
9. One Second (feat. H.E.R.)
10. Pop Boy (feat. Aitch)
11. Own It (feat. Ed Sheeran & Burna Boy)
12. Wiley Flow
13. Bronze
14. Superheroes
15. Lessons
16. Vossi Bop
Fun Fact
The album title and cover—depicting Stormzy wearing a crown designed by artist Ben Wescott—are inspired by the Shakespearean phrase “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown,” reflecting the weight of fame and leadership.
Why You Should Buy This Vinyl
- A defining UK rap album that blends personal vulnerability with cultural pride
- Audiophile-friendly 2 × LP pressing captures the album’s rich production and vocal clarity
- Showcases Stormzy’s evolution as a lyricist, performer, and public figure
- A modern British classic with cross-genre appeal and lasting cultural impact
Heavy Is the Head on vinyl offers a powerful, thoughtful, and immersive listening experience—an essential record for any fan of UK music, grime, or modern hip-hop.