This Is What I Mean
This Is What I Mean is the third studio album by British rapper Stormzy, released through #Merky and 0207 Def Jam on 25 November 2022.[1] It follows Stormzy's 2019 album Heavy Is the Head,[2] and was preceded by the lead single "Hide & Seek"[3] and the follow-up single "Firebabe".[4] It was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2023 Brit Awards.[5]
This Is What I Mean
25 November 2022
51:20
- Merky
- 0207 Def Jam
- Prgrshn
- Daniel Buhlebuyeza Miles
- Dion Wardle
- George Moore
- Grades
- Joel Peters
- Jojo Mukeza
- Juls
- Knox Brown
- KZ
- Owen Cutts
- P2J
- Scribz Riley
- Tempoe
- Tendai
Background[edit]
The album was recorded on Osea Island in England during a series of music camps with a team of "world class musicians and the best producers, writers and artists in the world" in a "free atmosphere",[6] where Stormzy "prayed every morning" during its creation. It was further described as an "intimate love letter to music" by Stormzy.[7]
The album's announcement follows the release of the single "Mel Made Me Do It" on 23 September 2022, which was not included on the album.[2]
Promotion[edit]
Following a break of almost three years from social media, Stormzy announced the album on his social media on 12 October 2022, sharing the cover art and track list.[8] The lead single "Hide & Seek" was released on 14 October 2022, and was preceded by clips of Stormzy recording the song.[3] The second single "Firebabe" followed on 10 November 2022.[4]
Musicians
Technical