Shut Up

Album: Gang Signs & Prayer (2015)
Charted: 8
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was originally dropped as a freestyle video in May 2015 but gained popularity over the following months. A studio version was recorded and released alongside the "WickedSkengMan 4" single, and it entered the UK Singles Chart at #59 in September 2015.
  • The song returned to the singles chart following Stormzy's appearance at boxer Anthony Joshua's British heavyweight title fight against Dillian Whyte on December 12, 2015 where he performed "Shut Up" live with adapted lyrics as Joshua entered the ring.

    Stormzy recalled to Lad Bible: "It was the most electrifying thing I've ever done in my entire life. He [Anthony Joshua] showed my music some love on Twitter and he was my favorite boxer so I was gassed. But we first met in person at the FIFA 16 launch and he's a proper, proper cool brother so we exchanged numbers. He hit me up saying he had an idea, but he was so humble about it. He said maybe you could walk me out at the fight. I was like 'bruv, you don't even need to ask me that'. It was sick."
  • The instrumental that Stormzy is spitting fire over is "Functions on the Low" by grime producer XTC. It was originally popularized by grime collective Ruff Sqwad's song "Havana." XTC took just half an hour to create the beat. He recalled to Redbull.co.uk: "One morning before I was meant to go college, I woke up and I just had this little melody in my head. I got on the computer and laid it down. Before anyone else in the house had woken up I'd finished the track."

Comments: 1

  • Lil Ricky from Los AngolesI love shut up by stormzy
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"They're Playing My Song

Gramm co-wrote this gorgeous ballad and delivered an inspired vocal, but the song was the beginning of the end of his time with Foreigner.

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. SmithSongwriter Interviews

Smith breaks down some of his worship tracks as well as his mainstream hits, including "I Will Be Here For You" and "A Place In This World."

David Sancious

David SanciousSongwriter Interviews

Keyboard great David Sancious talks about his work with Sting, Seal, Springsteen, Clapton and Aretha, and explains what quantum physics has to do with making music.

Joe Elliott of Def Leppard

Joe Elliott of Def LeppardSongwriter Interviews

The Def Leppard frontman talks about their "lamentable" hit he never thought of as a single, and why he's juiced by his Mott The Hoople cover band.

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson of Jethro TullSongwriter Interviews

The flautist frontman talks about touring with Led Zeppelin, his contribution to "Hotel California", and how he may have done the first MTV Unplugged.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.