The charges were based on events that occurred on September 7, 2021, after Slowthai finished a gig in Oxford. Following the performance, two women joined the rapper and his friend Alex Blake-Walker, who was also tried, at a house party. This is where the alleged assaults were said to have taken place. It was claimed that both men allegedly engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with the women, made inappropriate comments and behaved inappropriately during the incident. Slowthai and Blake-Walker both denied the accusations, asserting that all interactions were consensual.

Northampton-born Slowthai, known for his politically charged lyrics and raw, gritty music, rose to fame with his 2019 debut album Nothing Great About Britain, which reached number 9 on the Official Album Charts. It also earned a Mercury Prize nomination. He then followed up this success with 2021 album Tyron which solidified his status as one of the most influential voices in British Music. The album blended sharp social commentary with a vulnerability that most fans could relate to.

Slowthai’s track ‘Doorman’, from his album Nothing Great About Britain, is widely regarded as one of his most notable songs. Produced by Mura Masa, the song critiques class divides through the lens of a blue-collar boy with a nicotine addiction infatuated with a girl from a wealthy background, highlighted in lyrics like “parents minted, Mayfair, couple dogs.” Slowthai explores feelings of inadequacy and alienation, capturing the tension between his working-class identity and the lavish, detached world of privilege the love interest lives in expressed in the line, “I pour my heart out, she laps up my blood.” The song’s raw energy and punk-infused grime sound reflect his frustration, making it a standout song that exemplifies his unique storytelling style. Alongside ‘Doorman‘, other standout tracks such as ‘T N Biscuits’, ‘Drug Dealer’, and ‘Peace of Mind ‘ showcase his versatility, blending dark humour, vulnerability, and sharp social commentary.

However, the case made a significant impact on the artist’s career over the past year. Following the charges initially made to the rapper, Slowthai was removed from major festival line-ups, including Glastonbury as well as Reading & Leeds festival.

Throughout the trial, the defence emphasised the complexities of consent, especially in situations involving high-profile individuals. Slowthai maintained that there was no wrongdoing. After over ten hours of deliberation, the jury returned with unanimous not guilty verdicts for both Frampton and Blake-Walker, distinguishing the end of the case.

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The verdict was met with visible emotion from the rapper, who reportedly broke down in tears as the decision was announced. Frampton is still yet to make a comment on the verdict. His supporters, including friends and family, as well as his wife, pop star Anne-Marie, were also seen in court, physically relieved by the outcome. The couple, who secretly wed in 2022, welcomed their first child, February of this year.

Slowthai has never shied from speaking his thunderous mind. Ever since his first studio album Nothing Great About Britain in 2019, the rapper has lavished with ground shifting points of view in order to not commit to a repressed storyteller. He has stemmed from a UK rap/Hip Hop sound which has smoothly evolved into a more alternative-rock, post-punk direction which couldn’t suit him better.

Throughout his artistic career, he has barked out outlawed pleasures as well as Britain’s most disappointing deeds as a country. What fans most love about the Northampton artist is how his childish personality reflects in his sound. At the end of the day, he is just a lad from the Northampton dumps, having had to rely on creative experiments as a main source of entertainment. Throughout his first two album releases, he speaks a truthful mind on what rages him about the nasty sides of life, learning how to deal with your own stuff as well as expressing a bagful of repressed feelings.

He intimately welcomes us into his typhoon of an album UGLY, flirting between a busy post-punk feel and some electronic synth mashings. An album that brings us closer to his true self more than ever before. Encapsulated perfectly by the name, his reality, he demonstrates, is not close to pretty. This doesn’t mean, however, he is not following an aim towards a more positive message in his songs, as he mentioned to The Fader, and proved with songs such as “Momentary Bliss“. Through genuine and gruesome thoughts, he details the inklings that many other people can relate to as well as learning how to love yourself. Not to mention the art of blissfully not giving a f–k.

Unlike his other releases, this is a collaboration-free album, enhancing a reflection within his self determination mentioned throughout the piece, as he tends to delve into a genre-mashing collaborative ride. This is a quest to find happiness by being as honest as possible and staying true to himself, no matter how much of a ruckus he creates around him.

UGLY was released on the 3rd March through the California based label Interscope Records. Alongside this, an UGLY world tour has been announced for the end of the year, starting on the 20th of September in Glasgow running until the 30th of September finalising in Brussels. Tickets went on sale on the 28th February.

Click here to buy the album.
Click here to buy tour tickets.

World Tour Dates: 

20/09/2023 – Barrowland Ballroom – Glasgow
21/09 – O2 Victoria Warehouse – Manchester
22/09 – Alexandra Palace – London
23/90 – O2 Academy – Birmingham
27/09 – Elysee Montmarte – Paris
28/09 – Paradiso – Amsterdam
29/09 – Metropol – Berlin
30/09 – AB – Brussels

The announcement comes after, Gallagher, last month, had said he hoped Slowthai would support him on the tour, praising the Northampton rapper’s “Johnny Rotten vibe”. Gallagher confirmed the news in a tweet, saying: “I’m delighted to announce tickets are on sale for my UK tour and the one and only slowthai will be main support.”

I’m delighted to announce tickets are on sale for my UK AND IRELAND tour and the one and only slowthai will be main support.
Why Me? Why Not. LGx https://t.co/SZ3jwSSosw

— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) July 12, 2019

In an interview with Matt Wilkinson, on Beats 1, about the forthcoming tour, Gallagher said: “I’ve seen Slowthai on “Soccer AM” and he had a bit of a Johnny Rotten vibe about him. I think he’s going to come on tour with us, in November. Because it’s alright having a load of guitar bands on there, but it does get a bit…” Gallagher, continued on to say that is was his son, Gene, who introduced him to Slowthai’s music, adding: “I’ve never met him, but I think he’s going to play with us in November.”