People found the partnership as controversial due to McDonald’s perceived support of Israel, and highlighted how it seemed to stand in conflict with Stormzy’s beliefs. Stormzy had previously been vocal about his support for Palestine, eveb playing at a benefit concert to raise funds for aid in January 2024.

The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement previously supported a global boycott of McDonald’s, after franchises in Israel gave out thousands of free meals to Israeli forces following Hamas’ attack on the country on October 7.

Stormzy later spoke out against the “twisted narrative” that he took down the post due to the partnership with McDonald’s, and explained that he removed it as well as other posts as part of a ‘clean-up’ of his page.

Stormzy has released a statement to address the ‘twisted narrative’ following backlash over his deal with McDonalds pic.twitter.com/tgczLIJSPs

— Melissa Sigodo (@melissasigodo) February 21, 2025

Stormzy has now made an insightful post to mark the start of the new year, explaining how the past 12 months have been transformative for him, and have seem him try to overcome the feeling of being “crippled by sadness”. He began the post explaining how he faced “a few unexpected turns” at the start of 2025, which “made me more resilient and put the final nail in the coffin of my desire to be understood”. He added how the McDonald’s deal led to “a lot of you [questioning] both my character and my integrity”. He also said that his younger self would have felt “compelled quickly to explain himself, and let you know that there is no world in which he would ever trade his humanity for cash”. Nowadays, he “couldn’t give a single fuck to explain that fact” as he doesn’t “need to explain anyting to nobody”.

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Going forward, he concluded that he has “gained a lot of clarity around who I am as a man and who I am as an artist, and in 2026 I want to honour that clarity with execution”. He ended by sharing how he would be distancing himself from social media going forward, and is currently still working on his fourth album.

The English-Ghanaian rapper shared his excitement for the new project on Instagram, “This is something we’ve been working on behind the scenes for a long time: a platform for bold, authentic and powerful British storytelling.”

The announcement preview shows Stormzy playing his first lead role as the protagonist of his film.

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The #Merky creative umbrella homes a line of projects including #Merky Books, #Merky FC and #Merky Foundation. This new venture into film already has its first release set for 18 June, the short film Big Man. Stormzy will star as the lead role in the film, directed by Aneil Karia, known for the Oscar-winning film The Long Goodbye. Big Man will take to YouTube with bold cinematography filmed on the iPhone 16 Pro in partnership with Apple. 

Big Man will take on a paralleling narrative to his music, following “the poignant, fictional story of Tenzman, a former rap star now navigating a restless and uncertain chapter of his life” as he summarised in a press release. Stormzy and the team behind the new film company spoke to the Guardian about the upcoming release, sharing that “the film thoughtfully explores themes of reconnecting with your younger self and embracing gratitude”.

This is only the start of #Merky Films, as Stormzy went on to share future plans for the company, which will include “thought-provoking documentaries”, a “bold new animation project” and a “boundary-pushing, new-age mockumentary”. The release of #Merky Films comes after his latest single ‘Easier Done Than Said’ with JVCK JAMES. After a three year break from his last solo album ‘This Is What I Mean’, the singer shared the rapid vent track ‘Sorry Rach!’ in which he calls out his frustrations following the backlash from his previous partnership with McDonalds.     

With slower releases in music, Stormzy has focused on creations under the #Merky projects. The rapper has posted several updates to projects on Instagram, sharing improvements to #Merky FC which was created to combat the underrepresentation of black people in football leadership roles. Additionally, Stomzy has put #Merky Foundation as a priority online, announcing applications for Stormzy Scholarships at Cambridge University.   

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Keep up to date with updates on Stormzy’s next movements on social media, and watch out for new information on #Merky Films on the official website.

The new song has been accompanied by a video, showing Stormzy performing his boastful bars against a simple red backdrop. He throws some nice brags and flexes within his verses, paired with some faith-based references that he’s delved into before: “I pray for my nemesis / the devil is convincing, I saw it in Genesis / She said, “Do you miss me?” I said that I never miss”

It’s thought that the title could be a reference to either his sister Rachael, who he previously referenced in his song ‘Rachael’s Little Brother’, or his PR Rachel Campbell – listeners are speculating that the small voice-note at the start of the track could be hers.

It’d make sense if it was Stormzy’s PR being referenced in the song, considering his divisive public image after partnering with McDonald’s earlier this year to bring out his own “Stormzy Meal”. He received online backlash for this collaboration, as the BDS (Boycott Divestment & Sanctions movement) had previously called for a global boycott of McDonald’s for their support of Israeli forces in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.

The Croydon rapper drops some rhymes responding to the discourse in his new song: “I heard they wanna hang me out to dry for a nugget meal / The world might never love your way again but my mother will”.

Stormzy had previously been vocal in his support for Palestine, sharing a post in October 2023 with a clear stance on the conflict, saying: “I hope everyone is good, some fleeting thoughts.

“1. Free Palestine

“2. In the future, if there is ever a clear injustice in the world, no matter how big or small, 100 times out of 100 I will be on the side of the oppressed. Unequivocally. As I always have been. Social media is a brilliant way to stand up for what is right, there are also a whole load of other ways to do this.”

But fans noted that this post was removed from Instagram after announcing his partnership with McDonalds. Sources close to Stormzy claim that any rumours that the removal of his post are linked to his business with McDonald’s are “simply not true”.

The release of ‘Sorry Rach!’ marks the first solo release from Stormzy since his soul/R&B-influenced album ‘This Is What I Mean’ was released in November 2022. Since then, he’s also appeared as a featuring artist in collaborations including ‘Backbone’ with Chase & Status and ‘The Weekend’ with RAYE.

Back in March, Stormzy won a Brit Award in the fan-voted ‘Hip-Hop/Grime/Rap Act’ category, beating out the likes of Central Cee and Little Simz. You can read our coverage on the 2025 award show here.

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Stormzy will receive a Doctorate in Law from the University in June in recognition of his work towards education, music, sport and literature. This will be the second honorary doctorate the rapper receives, following his first from Exeter University back in 2022.

Back in 2018, the UK artist launched the Stormzy Scholarship at Cambridge which was set to fun two black British students every year by covering their tuition fees and maintenance costs. The rise of black students in Cambridge has since seen a rise of 50%.  Indeed, in 2021, the programme saw itself being expanded after bank HSBC UK agreed to support an additional ten students per year. Today, there are 55 students that have benefited from the scholarship. This project led to a rise in applications across the UK, often referred to as the ‘Stormzy Effect’.

To be eligible for a Stormzy Scholarship, applicants must:

1. Have one of the following categories of ethnicity:
   • Black African
   • Black Caribbean
   • Black Other
   • Mixed – White and Black Caribbean
   • Mixed – White and Black African
   • Other mixed background (to include Black African, Black Caribbean or Black Other)
2. Have a confirmed place for entry to the University of Cambridge for a first undergraduate degree, and due to commence study in October 2024. (You can check the status of your offer on UCAS Hub.)
3. Be a UK student and have been assessed for fee status as ‘home’. You were advised of your fee status in the offer letter issued to you earlier this year. If you are in doubt, please contact the Cambridge College that has offered you a place.
4. Have applied to Student Finance (England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland) for a tuition fee loan and maintenance loan, and have received confirmation that you have been assessed and will receive financial support. An income assessment must have been conducted and consent given to share the information with the University. Please note that if you are awarded a Stormzy Scholarship you will be able to reduce the amount of loan you take out to zero, but you will still need an income assessment from Student Finance to be able to receive the Cambridge Bursary.

Other honorands on the day include the likes Sir Simon Russell Beale, Professor Angela Davis, Lady Arden of Heswall, Dame Katherine Grainger, Sir Oliver Hart, Maria Leptin and Sir John Rutter.

The 45th Brit Awards unfolded tonight, March 1, at London’s O2 Arena, celebrating the pinnacle of musical talent from the past year. Hosted by Jack Whitehall for the fifth time, the ceremony was marked by standout performances and notable victories.

Charli XCX won Song of the Year for her collaboration with Billie Eilish on ‘Guess’. The singer was against The Beatles, Dua Lipa, Myles Smith, and JADE in this category. In her acceptance speech, she said: “Thank you, this is cool. I’m pretty happy that a song about underwear now has a Brit Award.”

Charli xcx accepts the award for ‘Song of the Year’ at The BRIT Awards 2025. pic.twitter.com/d3bbkxVknc

— xcxshake (@xcxshake) March 1, 2025

The singer also won Best Album, Best Dance Act, Songwriter of the Year, and Artist of the Year, a total of five awards. JADE won Best Pop Act. Other nominees included Myles Smith and Lola Young. This marks JADE’s first solo Brit Award since Little Mix announced their hiatus in 2022. The singer also delivered a captivating performance of her debut solo single ‘Angel of My Dreams‘.

Sam Fender won Best Alternative/Rock Act against The Cure and also delivered a performance of his latest single ‘People Watching‘. The musician expressed his gratitude to his fans, acknowledging their pivotal role in his success. He further thanked his band, stating: “I want to say a huge thanks to my band, who without, I’m just a mad person shouting at walls.”

Sabrina Carpenters acceptance speech for the Global Success award at the 2025 #BRITs!pic.twitter.com/fCRHsgjA1K — Sabrina Carpenter Daily (@SCdailyupdates) March 1, 2025

Chappell Roan won International Song of the Year for ‘Good Luck, Babe‘. The track entered the Official Singles Chart Top 40 in April 2024. It peaked and remained in the Top 10 for 16 weeks and was the eighth biggest single of 2024 in the UK. The singer also won International Artist of the Year. Stormzy won his fourth Brit Award for Best Rap/ Hip-Hop Act and RAYE secured her seventh Brit Award for Best R&B Act.

Raye‘s acceptance speech for ”Best R&B Act“ at the 2025 #BRITs. pic.twitter.com/OQPvTaawXR

— RAYE Infos (@rayeinfos) March 1, 2025

A heartfelt tribute was paid to Liam Payne, who tragically passed away in October 2024 at the age of 31. The ceremony featured a video montage celebrating Payne’s life and illustrious career, from his early days on The X Factor to his monumental success with One Direction and his subsequent solo endeavours. The montage included performances, childhood photos, and personal moments with his family, all set to the backdrop of One Direction’s ‘Little Things‘.

As the 2025 Brit Awards came to a close, the night celebrated the very best in British and global music, with standout performances and unforgettable moments. The prestigious awards highlighted the diverse talent shaping the music scene, from breakthrough stars like Myles Smith to industry icons like Charli XCX. As the music world continues to evolve, the BRITs 2025 undoubtedly set the stage for another year of exceptional creativity and success.

The ‘Famous Order’ meal was an initiative set up by McDonald’s for fans to try the favourite order of their favourite artists. Known for its iconic concoction of McDonald’s classics, the ‘Famous Order’ has been a limited edition fixture on US menus, featuring the favourite orders of J Balvin, Travis Scott, Saweetie, BTS and Mariah Carey. Stormzy joins this legendary lineup, having the first ‘Famous Order’ to come out of the UK and Ireland.

The ‘Big For Your Boots’ performer will see his famous order drop on February 12. Consisting of 9 Chicken McNuggets, fries, two BBQ dips, a Sprite Zero and a choice of either an Oreo McFlurry or an Apple Pie – the meal will only set fans back £7.99.

Photo credit: McDonald’s UK

Commenting on the upcoming collaboration, Stormzy stated: “I am so gassed for my McDonald’s order to be the first ever ‘Famous Order’ in the UK and Ireland. Never thought I’d have my own order on the official menu. That’s mad.”

Stormzy first gained traction within the underground music scene in the mid-2010s for his enticing freestyles over classic grime melodies. With three No. 1 albums, ‘Gang Signs & Prayer’, ‘Heavy Is The Head’ and ‘This Is What I Mean’, the first of which achieving the status of the first grime album to ever reach the top spot, Stormzy has taken the world by storm, with his clever wordplay and bodacious flow. Most recently, the Croydon legend collaborated with Chase & Status for ‘BACKBONE’ a high-energy electronic-grime anthem, up for ‘Song Of The Year’ at this year’s BRIT Awards.

Stormzy’s icon status means he’s more than a worthy person to have the UK and Ireland’s first ‘Famous Order’ meal. Ben Fox, McDonald’s UK & Ireland Chief Marketing Officer, said: “Stormzy is a McDonald’s fan through and through, and a true global icon. This makes him the perfect superstar to bring to life the fact that no matter how famous you are, everyone has a favourite, go to, McDonald’s order. Introducing Stormzy’s signature order is an incredible moment for the brand; two icons colliding, giving everyone the chance to eat just like Big Mike at McDonald’s and, if they are lucky, to nab some exclusive branded merch.”

@itvnews Stormzy has become the first celeb to get his go-to McDonald’s order available as a meal deal in the UK #itvnews #mcdonalds #stormzy ♬ original sound – itvnews

As specified by Fox, Stormzy’s limited edition set-meal isn’t the only thing fans can get their hands on from February 12.

McDonald’s and Stormzy superfans will also get the opportunity to earn themselves some exclusive merch via the McDonald’s app, which includes pin badges, posters and a tumbler. For those local to the ‘Vossi Bop’ performer’s hometown Croydon, fans will be able to get order Stormzy’s ‘Famous Order’ meal two days prior to its national release on February 10.

The court heard that an undercover officer caught the artist using his phone on Addison Road in West Kensington. The officer knocked on the vehicle’s tinted passenger window and instructed him, “get rid of your tints and get off your phone.” District Judge Andrew Sweet condemned the behaviour, calling it “dangerous and irresponsible” and emphasising that Stormzy’s driving record is not very good.

The rapper’s ban is partially the result of a longer list of driving violations. In October 2023, he was allegedly stopped in Kingston upon Thames while driving a Lamborghini Urus with illegally tinted front windows. The tints allowed only 4% light transmission, far below the legal limit of 70%. Prosecutor Alice Holloway said this posed a risk to “vulnerable road users.”

Stormzy, 31, has been banned from driving for 9 months after being caught using his phone whilst driving a Rolls Royce. pic.twitter.com/dw6DHS5NJ3

— VE Media (@ve_ldn) January 2, 2025

Stormzy was fined £250 for the illegal tints and £900 for the mobile phone violation. He was also ordered to pay a £460 victim surcharge and £400 in costs, bringing the total penalty to £2,010.

Before this incident, he already had six points on his license, making the additional penalties sufficient to disqualify him from driving under UK law. 

Peter Csemiczky, Stormzy’s lawyer, said the artist “accepts responsibility for his actions” and noted that “he has now removed the tint from his vehicles.” Judge Sweet, while acknowledging Stormzy’s guilty plea, stressed that limited credit was given because it came so late on in the legal proceedings. 

The judge noted that the court had considered the rapper’s history when determining the penalty.

This case has reignited debates about celebrity accountability, particularly in adhering to the law. As a high-profile figure, his actions are scrutinised not only for their legal consequences but also for their wider societal impact.

The incident also highlights the risks of distracted driving. Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal in the UK, with strict penalties designed to deter such behaviour and improve road safety.

With a nine-month ban in place, Stormzy’s driving privileges have been revoked for the foreseeable future. The penalties reflect both the court’s determination to uphold traffic laws and its concern over repeated infractions.

Stormzy has been granted seven days to pay his fines.

Speaking about the monumental festival slot, he said “I was trying to get in a shape I’ve never been in in my life.” He said of preparing physically, “I was taking my body and my nutrition to this entirely new place, while also trying to create this flipping iconic, legendary set. I had headlined Wireless, but this was a whole new beast. This was pulling all the stops out.’

While he’s not been shy to show his muscular build before, going shirtless in live performances and an album cover, he says he wasn’t always so athletic – “I’m not someone who grew up super fit. I’ve always been kind of bog standard.”

His highly praised set at Glasto was a milestone achievement – the first UK rapper to headline the festival, as well as the first Black British solo artist. He used the platform to deliver messages about politics, social equality and knife crime, all the while giving a blistering performance featuring a choir, a live band, and even ballet dancers.

He tells of how he assembled a team to get him looking in the best shape possible. One of those involved was performance nutritionist James Collins, who’s also worked with Olympians and footballers. James recalls Stormzy saying “I’m headlining Glasto, I need to have energy to go from a normal 60-minute set to a 90-minute set and also I need to look like I’m in the best shape, so when I take my top off it needs to have real impact.”

The Croydon MC was inspired to get a nutritionist and work on his fitness after watching Beyonce’s Homecoming film, following her preparation and performance for Coachella. He was mesmerized by her ability to sing so well and do the most “insane choreography”, saying that she’s an inspiration on and off stage, and “the best to ever do it.”

The “Shut Up” songmaker was recently shouted out by Gareth Southgate in his selection for Desert Island Discs. The ex-England manager told Radio 4 that he chose Ed Sheeran’s “Shape Of You” remix featuring Stormzy, saying that he thinks he’s “another amazing British artist”, and that one of the “reasons to be proud of our nation, music talent is one of those things.”

Stormzy has been involved with the football world before. In November 2022, he teamed up with Adidas and other brands to form “Merky FC”, a programme to help Black British youth find jobs in the football industry. Seeking to create leadership positions in the football industry, their website says it was “Created in response to the fact that currently only 6.7% of leadership positions in football are held by those with Black Heritage.”

His interview with Mens Health also mentions that he’s staying in LA, currently working on new material for his fourth album. He says of the chaotic feeling of creating, ‘Every time I make an album, I’m like, “Okay, let’s start this fucking tornado and let’s get over it.”’ You can read the full interview here.

The Song of the Year Award: Chase & Status, Stormzy ‘Backbone’

The song ‘Backbone’ is a collaboration between British rapper Stormzy and the acclaimed drum and bass duo Chase & Status. Released on August 8, 2024, it quickly became a massive hit, reaching the No. 1 spot on the UK charts. Stormzy is known for his influential role in UK grime, while Chase & Status, are celebrated for their contributions to drum and bass and UK dance music. Last year’s award went to PinkPantheress with ‘Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2’.

The Play Next Award: Brooke Combe

This category highlights groups and artists who have achieved success in 2024 and are expected to become bigger in the upcoming years, last year won by The Last Dinner Party. The nominees included Elmiene, Master Peace and Nia Smith. The winner, Brooke Combe, is a rising Scottish singer-songwriter  influenced by Motown, soul, and R&B who gained recognition through viral covers on social media, including ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’, which became an anthem for Scotland’s football team in 2021. Her soulful voice and retro influences have drawn comparisons to artists like Marvin Gaye and Baby Huey.

The Live Act Award: Confidence Man

This award recognises performers (and their performances) who have left their mark in 2024. The nominees included Dua Lipa and Sugababes.

The Group Award: Ezra Collective

Ezra Collective is a London-based jazz quintet known for blending traditional jazz with Afrobeat, reggae, hip-hop, and funk, creating a dynamic and genre-defying sound. Ezra Collective has received widespread acclaim for revitalising and broadening jazz’s appeal, particularly in the UK. Their debut album, ‘You Can’t Steal My Joy’ (2019), introduced their vibrant style and featured collaborations with artists like Jorja Smith and Loyle Carner. Their 2022 album, ‘Where I’m Meant To Be’, won the 2023 Mercury Prize, making them the first jazz act to achieve this milestone. The nominees also included Fontaines D.C and English Teacher.

The Album Award: Fontaines D.C. – ‘Romance’

The album ‘Romance’ by Fontaines D.C., released on August 23, 2024, marks the band’s fourth studio album and a significant departure from their earlier, post-punk-dominated sound.  The nominees included Charli XCX with the album ‘Brat’ and The Last Dinner Party’s ‘Prelude to Ecstasy’.

The Trailblazer Award: JADE

The Rolling Stone Trailblazer recognises individuals or groups who have significantly influenced their field by pushing boundaries and pioneering new paths. This award highlights not only artistic excellence but also the ability to inspire others and bring about meaningful change.

JADE is a British singer and songwriter best known for her tenure with the girl group Little Mix, which rose to fame after winning The X Factor in 2011. Following Little Mix’s success and hiatus, JADE launched her solo career with her debut single, ‘Angel of My Dreams’, released in July 2024. Her follow-up single, ‘Fantasy’, took a disco turn, influenced by artists like Donna Summer and Diana Ross.

The Breakthrough Award: English Teacher

The Breakthrough Award recognizes achievements such as standout performances at major festivals, achieving chart-topping releases, or gaining widespread acclaim within a relatively short time.

English Teacher is a British indie rock band that blends elements of punk, post-punk, and art rock. The band gained recognition with their debut single ‘R&B’ in 2021 and has been lauded for their creative and experimental approach to music​. Their debut album, ‘This Could Be Texas‘ won the 2024 Mercury Prize. English Teacher continues to gain attention as one of the UK’s most exciting emerging acts, celebrated for their ability to craft music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

The Icon Award: New Order

New Order is a renowned British band formed in 1980 by the remaining members of Joy Division after the tragic death of their lead singer, Ian Curtis. They emerged from the post-punk scene and evolved into pioneers of alternative dance music by blending rock with electronic styles, heavily influencing genres like synth-pop and dance-rock.

.@neworder are presented with this year’s Icon Award, supported by @westhollywood, for a fantastic 40-year career in which they have consistently broken new ground.#RSUKawards pic.twitter.com/jknuZ1J7uW

— Rolling Stone UK (@RollingStoneUK) November 28, 2024

The Record Label of the Year: Island Records

Island Records is a legendary music label founded in 1959 by Chris Blackwell in Jamaica. After relocating to London in the early 1960s, Island Records played a pivotal role in the rise of reggae through artists like Bob Marley. The label also diversified, supporting rock, pop, and alternative artists, including U2, Grace Jones, and Amy Winehouse.

Festival of the Year: Brixton’s Wide Awake

The festival held annually in Brixton, London, is a relatively new addition to the festival scene. The event focuses on alternative, electronic, and underground artists, celebrating innovation and inclusivity in music. Wide Awake emphasizes sustainability, featuring eco-friendly practices and supporting local community initiatives. Its diverse programming spans music, talks, and arts, making it a standout cultural event in the UK.

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This new album is Headie One’s first solo record in three years, and follows ‘Too Loyal for My Own Good’, released in 2021. Since then, he has released two albums in collaboration with other artists, ‘No Borders: European Compilation Project’ with artists such as Gazo, Luciano, Shiva, and Hamza, alongside ‘STRENGTH TO STRENGTH’, which he produced with K-trap.

Recently, Headie One released a sneak peek of the upcoming album, as he released ‘Tipsy’, featuring Aitch. So far, he has also released three other songs from his new album, including: ‘Martin’s Sofa’, ‘I Still Know Better’, and ‘Cry No More’ featuring Stormzy and Tay Keith. The anticipation for his new album is consistently rising, as he also released a music video for ‘Tipsy’, which you can watch below.

In addition to his new album, he also recently announced a European and his first ever Australian tour, that will take him to Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Manchester, Dublin, Glasgow, London, Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Amsterdam, Paris, Antwerp, Cologne, Frankfert, Munich, Berlin, and Zurich this October and November, and next February and March. You can find tickets here.

His new album, is set to be an exciting one, as his 2020 album, ‘EDNA’, made history as it was the first drill album to top the UK charts, leaving the possibilities for his new album endless. The success of his music has lead to Headie One being considered a pioneer of UK drill music, and he is part of OFB, that stands for Original Farmer Boys and is a group made up of prominent drill artists from Tottenham, such as Bandokay, and Double Lz.

When talking to NME about his new album, he assured fans that “it’s the last one but it’s not the last one you know?”, so they can rest assured that the album’s name does not reflect the end of his career. He also told NME that “this album is about the place we come from, the negative things that happened and that are still in effect today so I’m giving a lot of home truths in this one”, exciting fans with the intimacy of his new album, which you can pre-order here. If you pre-order the album by 4pm on the 26th June, then you will have the opportunity to enter a competition to watch Headie One from backstage at Glastonbury Festival on Friday 28th June with a plus one.