Toxic Trait
by Stormzy (featuring Fredo)

Album: single release only (2023)
Charted: 11
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Toxic Trait" is a collaboration between Stormzy and fellow London rapper Fredo. It is the first time they've worked together.
  • Stormzy and Fredo penned the lyrics alongside Dave. The "Starlight" rapper also produced the track.

    Stormzy and Dave go way back; they've been homies since Dave showed up at Stormzy's meet and greet for his 2014 Dreamers Disease EP. The two previously cooked up fire on Dave's We're All Alone in This Together single, "Clash," and have given each other shoutouts on multiple rhymes.
  • Stormzy kicks off the song with the hook, where he spills his own "toxic trait" for all to hear. He admits he's all about the lavish life, especially when it comes to his wrist game.

    What's my toxic trait?
    If I see a boy with the same kettle as me, then I toss that thing in the safe
    Won't wear it again, 'cause you made it


    Stormzy's got a strict policy: if he spots someone else wearing the same watch, it's game over. He swiftly stashes that "kettle" away, locked up tight. No more wearing it. He's on to the next.
  • Stormzy rolls with the high rollers, keepin' it exclusive with his crew.

    If your name ain't Fred, then you can't relate
    If your name ain't Santan, you ain't my mate
    If your name ain't Stormz, then you ain't the
    Just a pair of stars


    Fredo and Santan Dave, they're Stormzy's kind of people.
  • When it comes to the verses, Stormzy is truly living that life, showing authenticity rather than just rapping about wealth for the sake of it. He wants his fans to know that he's the real deal. On the flip side, Fredo takes a whole different angle, embodying the persona of a street hustler who knows how to handle the women. Each artist brings their own flavor to the table.
  • The music video for "Toxic Trait," directed by Femi Ladi, takes us on a wild ride. It features a therapy session between Fredo and daytime TV's Alison Hammond, and a group shot of multiple Stormzys in various poses. The clip also boasts appearances by British musicians Specs Gonzalez, Ivorian Doll, and Wretch 32.

    "After listening to the lyrics, I wanted to have fun with this video," Ladi said. "I liked the idea of bringing a renaissance-style painting to life, whilst still feeling grounded in the world of Stormzy."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Amanda Palmer

Amanda PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Call us crazy, but we like it when an artist comes around who doesn't mesh with the status quo.

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy TalentSongwriter Interviews

The frontman for one of Canada's most well-known punk rock bands talks about his Eddie Vedder encounter, Billy Talent's new album, and the importance of rock and roll.

Chris Frantz of Talking Heads

Chris Frantz of Talking HeadsSongwriter Interviews

Talking Heads drummer Chris Frantz on where the term "new wave" originated, the story of "Naive Melody," and why they never recorded another cover song after "Take Me To The River."

Lace the Music: How LSD Changed Popular Music

Lace the Music: How LSD Changed Popular MusicSong Writing

Starting in Virginia City, Nevada and rippling out to the Haight-Ashbury, LSD reshaped popular music.

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.

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger

Kelly Keagy of Night RangerSongwriter Interviews

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger tells the "Sister Christian" story and explains why he started sweating when he saw it in Boogie Nights.