Stormzy (Hide and seek)
Stormzy, born Michael Ebenazer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr., is a British rapper, singer, and songwriter who has gained popularity for his unique style and powerful messages. With numerous awards and accolades under his belt, including three Brit Awards and one Ivor Novello Award, Stormzy has established himself as one of the most influential musicians of our time.
One of Stormzy's most notable songs is "Hide and Seek," which was released as a single in January 2015. The song was written by Stormzy himself and produced by Z Dot. It was included on his debut EP "Dreamers Disease," which was released in the same year.
The lyrics of "Hide and Seek" speak to the struggles and hardships that Stormzy faced growing up in South London. Born to Ghanaian parents, Stormzy grew up in the neighborhood of Croydon, which is known for its high crime rate and poverty. In "Hide and Seek," Stormzy describes the challenges he faced in his youth, including gang violence, poverty, and racism.
The song begins with a simple piano intro, which sets the tone for the emotional lyrics that follow. Stormzy starts off by describing his childhood in Croydon, where he witnessed the violence and destruction caused by gang wars. He raps:
"I'm from a place where they'll kill you for your jacket
And I know most of the youngers are out trappin'
I come to make a difference, my music's gonna change lives
But I can't change the world until I change minds."
This opening verse shows Stormzy's determination to create positive change in his community through his music. He acknowledges the reality of the situation he grew up in, but refuses to accept it as the norm. He believes that he can use his platform to make a difference and inspire others to do the same.
As the song progresses, Stormzy delves deeper into the struggles he faced as a young black man in the UK. He raps about the racism he experienced at school and the discrimination he faced when trying to get a job. He also speaks about the poverty that plagued his community and the lack of opportunities available to young people.
Despite these challenges, Stormzy remains hopeful and determined. He raps:
"I know the sky's the limit, but it's hard to see the stars
When you're living in the gutter and the bottom of the bar
But I won't be a statistic, won't be a stereotype
I'm breaking all the boundaries, I'm tearing up the hype."
These lyrics show Stormzy's resilience and determination to rise above the circumstances he was born into. He refuses to become just another statistic, and instead sets his sights on achieving greatness.
The chorus of "Hide and Seek" is a powerful mantra that has become a signature of Stormzy's music. He sings:
"Whenever you hear my name, whenever you see my face
Whenever you feel the pain, whenever you need the faith
Whenever you feel the weight, that's when we go hide and seek
I'm the one who's gonna make it out, hide and seek."
This chorus is a call to action, urging listeners to seek out their dreams and push past the obstacles in their way. Stormzy embraces his role as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding his fans that he was once in their shoes and that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
The music video for "Hide and Seek" is also a powerful reflection of Stormzy's message. Directed by Thomas Ralph, the video features footage of Stormzy's hometown and the people who inspired him. It shows the gritty reality of life in South London, juxtaposed with images of hope and resilience.
Throughout the video, Stormzy is seen rapping in various locations around the city, including a playground, a park, and a housing estate. He is often surrounded by children and teens, emphasizing his commitment to inspiring the next generation of artists and leaders.
In conclusion, "Hide and Seek" is more than just a song; it is a reflection of Stormzy's journey and a call to action for his fans. Through his powerful lyrics and authentic message, Stormzy has become one of the most influential musicians of our time. He has inspired countless people around the world to chase their dreams and push past the obstacles in their way. "Hide and Seek" is a testament to his talent and his commitment to creating positive change in the world.
