Over the course of the past year, Slowthai has released a steady string of of releases, laying out the beginnings of his social manifesto: from the politically-charged ‘North Nights’/ ’The Bottom’ AA-side; to unpicking vulnerable and toxic masculinity on ‘Ladies’; living in the moment on ‘Polaroid’; and the stereotype-dismantling volley of ‘Drug Dealer’ and ‘Rainbow’.
His music is unmistakably British, treading a line between grime, rap, dubstep and garage – riding rough-edged beats with an adolescent charisma and confidence that recalls buzzy pirate radio sessions and handicam freestyles. All of this is encapsulated by live shows that are drenched in sweat and spit and booming with the sound of slowthai’s hooky flows and street-smart bars being chanted back at him. As well as a sold out tour of the UK’s major cities, slowthai’s music and message has taken him everywhere from sweaty- drenched church crypts to festival stages, and the streets of New York for a showcase at MoMA PS1. For slowthai, these occasions provide an opportunity to connect directly with his fans and to open himself up to them. He spends his performances stripped to his underwear and absorbed by the crowd as he volleys his lyrics back and forth with them. His music takes in everything from discrimination – whether it be on grounds of race, gender, sexuality, appearance or any other prejudice – to political inequalities, self-worth, self-love, and the need to question society’s dominant narratives.