Stormzy has “made peace” with the idea that no one may like ‘This Is What I Mean’

Stormzy has spoken about his upcoming third album ‘This Is What I Mean’, saying he’s “made peace with the idea that no one may like it.”

The follow-up to 2019’s ‘Heavy Is The Head’, ‘This Is What I Mean’ is due out November 25 and was previewed by lead single ‘Hide & Seek’.

Speaking about the new record in an interview with Rick Rubin for i-D, Stormzy explained how he finds it “impossible to figure out what people want from me.”

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“This idea of being in the studio, thinking you have to make a certain kind of song… it’s the least creative place you can be,” he said. “And really, the audience doesn’t even know what they like – and I know that because I’m the same when I’m listening to music.”

Stormzy went on to say “the process of making this album has been very selfish.”

He continued: “One thing I tried to keep in mind when making the album was that I needed to love it. I need to love the music I make more than anyone else. It should be my pride and my joy.”

“It reflects the man I am and the man I’ve become,” he continued of ‘This Is What I Mean’. “It’s a reflection of growth. It’s not an attempt at music so much, it’s more me trying to hold up a mirror to myself.”

“I feel like this album unlocks whatever freedom I’ve been looking for – both as a man and as a creative. It allows me to spread my wings,” Stormzy said. “I’ve made peace with the idea that no one may like it.”

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The rapper has previously spoken about the “beautiful” and “spiritual” experience of recording his new album on a secluded island and revealed that he’s written a song that he reckons is worthy of this year’s Christmas Number One.