Slowthai
{{EngvarB|date=April 2023}}
{{Short description|British rapper (born 1994)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Slowthai
| image = Slowthai 2019 Glastonbury Festival 04.jpg
| caption = Slowthai at Glastonbury Festival in 2019
| birth_name = Tyron Kaymone Frampton
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1994|12|18}}{{cite tweet|user=slowthai|number=1075051056575537154|date=18 December 2018|title= on this day 24 years ago I came to fuck the game up... also on the same day 'here comes the hot stepper' was number 1 and here i am on the cover of clash π have a good day}}
| birth_place = Northampton, England
| years_active = 2015βpresent
| genre = {{flatlist|
}}
| occupation = Rapper
| label = {{flatlist|
- Method
- AWGE{{Cite web|url=https://awge.com|title=AWGE Artists|date=1 June 2020|website=AWGE Official Website}}
- Interscope
- True Panther Sounds
}}
| spouse = {{marriage|Anne-Marie|2022}}
{{Infobox person
| child = yes
| children = 3
| signature = Slowthai sig.svg
}}
| website = {{URL|slowthai.com}}
}}
Tyron Kaymone Frampton (born 18 December 1994), better known by his stage name Slowthai (stylised in lowercase), is a British rapper. Raised in Northampton,{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-46705455|title=Sound of 2019: slowthai 'telling the story of the people for the people'|date=8 January 2019|publisher=BBC|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109011858/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-46705455|archive-date=9 January 2019|access-date=9 January 2019}} he rose to popularity in 2019 for his gritty and rough instrumentals and raw, politically charged lyrics, especially around Brexit and Theresa May's tenure as British prime minister. Slowthai placed fourth in the BBC Sound of 2019 and followed up in the same year with his debut studio album, Nothing Great About Britain. The album was nominated for the Mercury Prize; at Slowthai's 2019 Mercury Prize ceremony performance, he held a fake severed head of British prime minister Boris Johnson on stage, prompting controversy.{{Cite web|url=https://news.sky.com/story/rapper-slowthai-holds-up-fake-boris-johnson-head-on-stage-at-mercury-prize-ceremony-11814567|title=Rapper slowthai holds up fake Boris Johnson head on stage at Mercury Prize ceremony|website=Sky News|language=en|access-date=22 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206151253/https://news.sky.com/story/rapper-slowthai-holds-up-fake-boris-johnson-head-on-stage-at-mercury-prize-ceremony-11814567|archive-date=6 December 2019|url-status=live}} Ensuing years saw the releases of his second and third studio albums, Tyron (2021) and Ugly (2023).
Early life
Tyron Kaymone Frampton was born on 18 December 1994 in Northampton to Gaynor, a teenage mother who is half-Barbadian. Frampton, his sister, and his brother were raised by their single mother in a council estate in the Lings area of Northampton.{{cite news |last1=Zadeh |first1=Joe |title=The Miseducation of Slowthai |url=https://crackmagazine.net/article/long-reads/the-miseducation-of-slowthai/ |access-date=12 February 2022 |work=Crack Magazine |date=2 July 2017}} His younger brother Michael died shortly after his first birthday, which greatly affected Frampton.{{cite news |last1=Lavin |first1=Will |title=Slowthai announces new single coming tomorrow with emotional tribute to brother |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/slowthai-announces-new-single-coming-tomorrow-with-emotional-tribute-to-brother-2752696 |access-date=12 February 2022 |work=NME |date=14 September 2020}} Frampton attended Northampton Academy and in 2011 attended Northampton College, where he studied for a BTEC in Music Technology. Frampton has ADHD{{Cite web |date=24 February 2020 |title=Slowthai opens up on battle with ADHD: "I can't explain why I feel these things" |url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/slowthai-opens-up-on-battle-with-adhd-i-think-about-the-end-every-night-2613967 |access-date=15 June 2022 |website=NME |language=en-AU}} and frequently skipped school during his years at Northampton Academy, often spending time at a nearby underground "recording studio" at his friend's house, only stopping when his mother was forced to attend a compulsory court hearing.{{Cite web|url= https://www.nme.com/big-reads/the-big-read-slowthai-2417702|title=The Big Read β Slowthai: "Is Britain actually great, or are you?"|website=NME|date=7 December 2018 |language=en|access-date=14 August 2020}} After college, Frampton had multiple short stints in employment, working as a labourer, a plasterer, and at a branch of Next before being fired for breach of contract after he gave his friend employee discounts.{{Cite web|url= https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/slowthai-interview-tour-london-age-a4061216.html|title= Slowthai interview: 'I lost my mind on drugs|website=Standard|date= 8 February 2019|language=en|access-date=8 February 2019}}
Career
= 2016β2019: Beginnings and ''Nothing Great About Britain'' =
The name Slowthai originates from his childhood nickname given to him due to his slow speech and drawled tone: "slow ty".{{cite news |last1=Lynskey |first1=Dorian |title=Rapper Slowthai: 'I love Britain, but we're losing sight of what makes us great' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/may/11/slowthai-i-love-britain-great |website=The Guardian |date=11 May 2019 |access-date=9 January 2021}} In 2016, he released his break-out single, "Jiggle", produced by Sammy Byrne.{{cite news |last1=Nicolov |first1=Alice |title=Get to know slowthai, the rapper making UK hip hop a more twisted place |url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/40450/1/slowthai-northampton-rapper-interview |access-date=12 February 2022 |work=Dazed |date=22 June 2018}}{{cite web |title=Jiggle |url=https://slowthai.bandcamp.com/track/jiggle |website=Bandcamp |access-date=12 February 2022}}
In 2017, Slowthai partnered up with indie record label Bone Soda to release his I Wish I Knew EP, "Murder" and "T n Biscuits".{{Cite web|url=https://bonesoda.bandcamp.com/|title=BONE SODA |website=Bonesoda.bandcamp.com|access-date=11 April 2023}} Later in the same year, Slowthai signed his recording contract with Method Records and since has released his Runt EP and debut studio album, Nothing Great About Britain, which peaked at number 9 on the Official Charts on the week of release.{{Cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/nothing-great-about-britain/|title=nothing great about britain | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company|website=www.officialcharts.com}}
In addition to being included in the BBC's Sound of 2019 poll{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-46705455|title=Slowthai: From Northampton to South Africa|publisher=BBC|date=8 January 2019|access-date=8 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108093135/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-46705455|archive-date=8 January 2019|url-status=live}} and NME's NME 100 list,{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-radar/the-nme-100-essential-new-artists-for-2019-2426835|title=The NME 100: Essential new artists for 2019|last=Smith|first=Thomas|date=8 January 2019|website=NME|language=en-US|access-date=1 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401175930/https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-radar/the-nme-100-essential-new-artists-for-2019-2426835|archive-date=1 April 2019|url-status=live}} Slowthai as well received acclaim from publications such as DIY, Vevo and Metro.{{cite web|url=http://diymag.com/2018/12/13/class-of-2019-slowthai-interview|title=CLASS OF 2019: Slowthai|work=DIY|date=13 December 2018|access-date=4 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104230951/http://diymag.com/2018/12/13/class-of-2019-slowthai-interview|archive-date=4 January 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8486400/ybn-crew-slowthai-2019-vevo-artists-to-watch-exclusive|title=YBN Crew & Slowthai Make Debuts as First 2019 Vevo Artists To Watch: Exclusive|magazine=Billboard|date=26 November 2018|access-date=4 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101131821/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8486400/ybn-crew-slowthai-2019-vevo-artists-to-watch-exclusive|archive-date=1 January 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2018/12/29/ones-to-watch-2019-sam-fender-ella-mai-and-slowthai-lead-eclectic-mix-of-artists-into-the-new-year-8262106/|title=Ones To Watch 2019: Sam Fender, Ella Mai, Waywo and Slowthai lead eclectic mix of artists into the new year|publisher=Metro|date=29 December 2018|access-date=4 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230122012/https://metro.co.uk/2018/12/29/ones-to-watch-2019-sam-fender-ella-mai-and-slowthai-lead-eclectic-mix-of-artists-into-the-new-year-8262106/|archive-date=30 December 2018|url-status=live}} Alongside that, his debut album was shortlisted for a Mercury Music Prize, losing to Dave's Psychodrama.{{Cite news |last=Snapes |first=Laura |date=19 September 2019 |title=Mercury Prize 2019: rapper Dave wins for 'exceptional' Psychodrama |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/sep/19/dave-wins-mercury-prize-2019-album-psychodrama |access-date=3 March 2023}}
Slowthai contributed additional, uncredited vocals on the song "What's Good"{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/here-are-the-full-credits-for-tyler-the-creators-new-album-igor-kanye-solange-pharrell-more/|title=Here Are the Full Credits for Tyler, the Creator's New Album IGOR: Kanye, Solange, Pharrell, More|website=Pitchfork|date=29 May 2019 }} from Tyler, the Creator's album Igor. He is also featured on "Heaven Belongs to You"{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/slowthai-guest-brockhampton-new-song-heaven-belongs-to-you-ginger-album-2540957|title=Hear Slowthai appear on Brockhampton's new song, 'Heaven Belongs to You'|website=NME|date=23 August 2019}} from Brockhampton's album Ginger and later joined their HBTY North American tour in 2019 as the special guest.{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/brockhampton-announce-tour-with-slowthai/|title=BROCKHAMPTON Announce Tour With slowthai|website=Pitchfork|date=26 August 2019 }}
= 2020β2021: ''Tyron'' =
In January 2020, Slowthai was featured alongside UK punk band Slaves on Gorillaz's single "Momentary Bliss". The single was the first "episode" of their Song Machine project.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/gorillaz-new-music-video-series-song-machine-details-944519/|title=Gorillaz Detail New Music, Video Series 'Song Machine'|last=Blistein|first=Jon|date=29 January 2020|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|access-date=5 February 2020}}
File: Slowthai at the O2 Arena in 2021.jpg
On 12 February 2020, after winning the Hero of the Year award at the NME Awards, Slowthai made sexual comments about host Katherine Ryan. After audience members began shouting at him, Slowthai dropped his microphone into the crowd, which was then thrown back at him along with a drink. Slowthai then threw his own drink and jumped into the crowd.{{Cite web|title=Slowthai harasses host Katherine Ryan after winning Hero of the Year at the NME Awards|url=https://mixmag.net/read/slowthai-harasses-host-katherine-ryan-after-winning-hero-of-the-year-at-the-nme-awards-news|access-date=19 February 2021|website=Mixmag}} Slowthai has since apologised, while Ryan has said the situation was taken the wrong way.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-51485561|title=NME Awards: Slowthai apologises to Katherine Ryan after 'shameful actions'|work=BBC News |date=13 February 2020 |access-date=13 February 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Harmsworth |first1=Andrei |title=Katherine Ryan was 'concerned' for Slowthai over backlash after NME Awards 'misogyny' |url=https://metro.co.uk/2021/02/14/katherine-ryan-was-concerned-for-slowthai-amid-misogyny-backlash-14081648/ |access-date=13 February 2022 |work=Metro News |date=14 February 2021}}
On 10 May 2020, Slowthai released the single "Enemy".{{Cite web |last=Daly |first=Rhian |date=10 May 2020 |title=Listen to Slowthai's fiery, Matty Healy-sampling new song 'ENEMY' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/listen-slowthai-new-song-enemy-matty-healy-2663289 |access-date=6 March 2023 |website=NME |language=en-GB}} On 13 May 2020, Slowthai released the single "Magic" with producer Kenny Beats.{{Cite web |date=13 May 2020 |title=Slowthai Surprises Fans With His Blown-Out Track 'Magic' |url=https://uproxx.com/music/slowthai-magic-kenny-beats/ |access-date=6 March 2023 |website=UPROXX |language=en-US}} The following day, on 14 May 2020, Slowthai released the single "BB (Bodybag)".{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Sam |date=15 May 2020 |title=Listen to Slowthai's new song 'BB (BODYBAG)', his third single release this week |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/slowthai-bb-bodybag-james-blake-2669531 |access-date=6 March 2023 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}
On 15 September 2020, Slowthai released the single "Feel Away" featuring James Blake and Mount Kimbie.{{Cite web|title=Slowthai - Feel Away ft. James Blake, Mount Kimbie|website = YouTube| date=15 September 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXx2TczveMI}} The song was said to be a tribute to his brother, for the anniversary of his death.{{Cite web|date=14 September 2020|title=Slowthai announces new single coming tomorrow with emotional tribute to brother|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/slowthai-announces-new-single-coming-tomorrow-with-emotional-tribute-to-brother-2752696|access-date=16 September 2020|website=NME Music News, Reviews, Videos, Galleries, Tickets and Blogs {{!}} NME.COM|language=en-GB}} On 19 November, Slowthai released the single "nhs" alongside a tracklist for his album Tyron, releasing 5 February 2021, which was then delayed a week, and planned to release 12 February 2021.{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/slowthai-announces-new-album-tyron-shares-new-song-nhs-listen/|title=slowthai Announces New Album TYRON, Shares New Song "nhs": Listen|website=Pitchfork|date=19 November 2020 |access-date=22 November 2020}} On 18 December 2020, Slowthai released "Thoughts" as a non-album single, along with a lyric video that featured local police responding to a complaint of a social gathering.{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/slowthai-shares-new-song-thoughts-listen/|title=slowthai Shares New Song "Thoughts"|first=Allison|last=Hussey|website=Pitchfork.com|date=18 December 2020 |access-date=12 February 2021}} On 5 January 2021, Slowthai released "Mazza", a single featuring A$AP Rocky.{{Cite news |last=Ruiz |first=Matthew Ismael |date=5 January 2021 |title=Slowthai and A$AP Rocky Share New Song "Mazza" |work=Pitchfork |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/slowthai-and-asap-rocky-share-new-song-mazza-listen/ |access-date=3 March 2023}} On 9 February 2021, Slowthai released "Cancelled", a single featuring Skepta.{{Cite magazine |last=Blistein |first=Jon |date=9 February 2021 |title=Slowthai, Skepta Recreate Classic Slasher Flicks in New "Cancelled" Video |magazine=Rolling Stone |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/slowthai-skepta-cancelled-music-video-1125644/ |access-date=3 March 2023}} On 12 February 2021, Slowthai released the album Tyron, which has features including Skepta, Dominic Fike, James Blake, A$AP Rocky and Denzel Curry.
= 2022βpresent: ''Ugly'' =
On 9 November 2022, Slowthai released "I Know Nothing".{{Cite news |last=Breihan |first=Tom |date=9 November 2022 |title=Slowthai β "I Know Nothing" |work=Stereogum |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2205512/slowthai-i-know-nothing/music/ |access-date=3 March 2023}} On 25 January 2023, Slowthai released the single "Selfish" and announced his new album, UGLY, which was released on 3 March 2023.{{Cite news |last=Powell |first=Jon |date=25 January 2023 |title=Slowthai unveils his latest visual for "Selfish" |work=Revolt |url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2023-01-25/268886/slowthai-selfish-single/ |access-date=3 March 2023}} UGLY is an acronym which stands for "U Gotta Love Yourself".{{Cite news |last=Pappis |first=Konstantinos |date=2 March 2023 |title=Album Review: Slowthai, UGLY |work=Our Culture |url=https://ourculturemag.com/2023/03/02/album-review-slowthai-ugly/ |access-date=3 March 2023}}
Personal life
Slowthai is a supporter of his hometown football team Northampton Town, with parts of the music video for "Gorgeous" having been filmed at Northampton Town's Sixfields Stadium.{{Cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib2-bnJv51I|title=slowthai - Gorgeous|website=YouTube|date=5 April 2019 |access-date=30 July 2020}} He has also stated that he supports Liverpool F.C.{{Cite web|first=Dominic |last=Raynor |url=https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/features/368228-mercury-prize-nominated-slowthai-liverpool-interview|title='I'd write 20 tracks to celebrate' - Slowthai on his love for Liverpool|website=Liverpool F.C.|date=17 November 2019 |access-date=12 February 2021}}
In 2020, Slowthai became engaged to Russian singer and model {{Ill|Katya Kischuk|ru|ΠΠΈΡΡΠΊ, ΠΠ°ΡΡ}}, former member of the Russian girl group Serebro.{{cite web |title=Introducing Katerina |url=https://antiagency.co.uk/2020/10/19/introducing-katarina/ |website=Anti-Agency |access-date=23 February 2022 |date=19 October 2020}}{{Cite web|last=Dex|first=Robert|date=3 February 2021|title=Slowthai: 'I've always wanted to be to be a father'|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/slowthai-rapper-father-nme-awards-b918366.html|access-date=19 June 2021|website=www.standard.co.uk|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=18 June 2021|title=On The Cover β Slowthai: "I want a day where everyone can be free of their stresses"|url=https://www.nme.com/big-reads/slowthai-cover-interview-2021-tyron-happyland-festival-2972580|access-date=19 June 2021|website=NME|language=en-GB}} On 18 June 2021, Kischuk gave birth to their son.{{Cite web|title=Instagram|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CQRV5YyH1yT/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CQRV5YyH1yT |archive-date=24 December 2021 |url-access=limited|url-status=live|access-date=19 June 2021|website=www.instagram.com}}{{cbignore}} Slowthai and Kischuk broke up in 2022.{{Cite web| first=Elizaveta|last=Efimova|title=ΠΠ°ΡΡ ΠΠΈΡΡΠΊ ΠΏΠΎΠ΄ΡΠ²Π΅ΡΠ΄ΠΈΠ»Π° ΡΠ°ΡΡΡΠ°Π²Π°Π½ΠΈΠ΅ Ρ ΡΡΠΏΠ΅ΡΠΎΠΌ Slowthai |url=https://peopletalk.ru/article/katya-kishhuk-podtverdila-rasstavanie-s-reperom-slowthai/ |access-date=28 December 2022 |website=peopletalk.ru |date=13 December 2022 |language=ru|trans-title=Katya Kischuk confirmed her split up with rapper Slowthai}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/slowthai-interview-ugly-gigs-b2293524.html|title='My whole life people have told me I wasn't good enough to do this': Slowthai on fatherhood, public scrutiny and unaffordable gigs|first=Will|last=Pritchard|date=4 March 2023|access-date=13 November 2023|newspaper=The Independent}}
In a February 2023 Rolling Stone interview, Slowthai confirmed his relationship with British singer Anne-Marie,{{Cite web |last1=Ewens |first1=Hannah |last2=Reilly |first2=Nick |date=15 February 2023 |title=slowthai: finding beauty in the ugly |url=https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/slowthai-finding-beauty-in-the-ugly-digital-cover-tyron-frampton-26564/ |access-date=6 March 2023 |website=Rolling Stone UK |language=en-GB}} whom he began dating in early 2022.{{Cite web |last1=Watts |first1=Halina |last2=Hitchenor |first2=Tom |date=31 May 2022 |title=Northampton's Slowthai in bust-up after an evening with girlfriend Anne-Marie |url=https://www.northantslive.news/news/northamptonshire-news/northamptons-slowthai-bust-up-after-7148614 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=northantslive |language=en}} In 2024, it was revealed that the couple had secretly married in July 2022 in Las Vegas.{{Cite web|url=https://www.capitalfm.com/news/anne-marie-husband-slowthai-relationship-timeline/|title=Anne-Marie And Husband Slowthai's Relationship Timeline|website=Capital|date=22 March 2024|access-date=13 November 2024}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/entertainment/a60242341/anne-marie-and-slowthai-relationship-timeline/|title=Anne-Marie and Slowthai's complete relationship timeline|first=Furvah|last=Shah|date=24 April 2024|access-date=13 November 2024|magazine=Cosmopolitan}} In February 2024, Anne-Marie gave birth to their daughter.{{Cite web|date=2024-03-18|title=Anne-Marie confirms she's welcomed her first baby with rapper Slowthai|url=https://www.capitalfm.com/news/anne-marie-confirms-first-baby-with-slowthai/|access-date=2024-03-18|website=Capital}} In April 2025, she gave birth to their son.{{Cite web|first=Abbie|last=Reynolds|date=2 May 2025|title=Anne-Marie confirms arrival of her baby boy with adorable message|url=https://www.capitalfm.com/news/anne-marie-gives-birth-baby-boy-son/|access-date=2 May 2025|website=Capital}}{{Cite news|first1=Katrina|last1=Chilver|first2=Jamie|last2=Roberts|date=2 May 2025|title=Anne-Marie announces birth of second child with rapper husband Slowthai|url=https://www.essexlive.news/news/celebs-tv/anne-marie-announces-birth-second-10152751|access-date=2 May 2025|newspaper=Essex Live}}
Legal issues
On 15 May 2023, Slowthai was charged with two counts of rape relating to an incident alleged to have happened in September 2021.{{Cite news |last=Weaver |first=Matthew |date=16 May 2023 |title=Rapper Slowthai appears in court charged with rape |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/may/16/rapper-slowthai-appears-in-court-charged-with-rape-oxford |access-date=16 May 2023 |issn=0261-3077}} Following the charges, he denied the allegations in a statement, which read: "Regarding the allegations being reported about me. I categorically deny the charges. I am innocent and I am confident my name will be cleared."{{cite news|first=Rania|last=Aniftos|title=Slowthai Appears in U.K. Court to Face Rape Charges|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/slowthai-denies-rape-allegations-statement-1235330672/|newspaper=Billboard|date=16 May 2023|access-date=17 December 2024}} On 15 June, Slowthai appeared at Oxford Crown Court alongside co-defendant Alex Blake-Walker. He pleaded not guilty to both charges. The trial was set to begin on 1 July 2024.{{Cite web |last=Monroe |first=Jazz |date=15 June 2023 |title=Slowthai Pleads Not Guilty to 2 Rape Charges |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/slowthai-pleads-not-guilty-to-2-rape-charges/ |access-date=15 June 2023 |website=pitchfork.com}} However, the proceedings were delayed and a new date was set for 25 November 2024. The trial was estimated to last for two to three weeks.{{Cite news|last=Harland |first=Gee|date=1 July 2024 |title=Anne-Marie's partner is in Oxford court after Glastonbury|url=https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/24421382.rapper-slowthais-oxford-rape-trial-delayed-november/|access-date=1 July 2024|newspaper=Oxford Mail}}
=Trial=
The trial began on 25 November 2024 at Oxford Crown Court. The jury of twelve jurors, eight men and four women, was sworn in on the same day.{{Cite news|title=Slowthai rape trial jury sworn in with musician joined at court by wife|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/slowthai-rape-trial-jury-court-b1196174.html|first=Rod|last=Minchin|date=25 November 2024|accessdate=28 November 2024|newspaper=London Evening Standard}}{{Cite web|title=Jury sworn in in Slowthai rape trial|url=https://www.itv.com/news/2024-11-26/jury-sworn-in-in-slowthai-rape-trial|date=26 November 2024|accessdate=28 November 2024|website=ITV}}
On 26 November, the opening remarks were given by the prosecution and the defence. Heather Stangoe, prosecuting, told the court that the defendants allegedly raped two women on a rooftop, "high-fived, discussed 'tag teams' and contemplated swapping the girls." Ms Stangoe alleged that Blake-Walker raped one of the women while being encouraged by Frampton, and that Frampton raped the other one while being encouraged by his co-defendant. Their actions led to them being jointly charged with oral and vaginal rape. Blake-Walker was additionally charged with sexual assault.{{Cite news|last=Minelle|first=Bethany|date=26 November 2024 |title=Rapper Slowthai raped two women with friend at after-show party, court hears|url=https://news.sky.com/story/rapper-slowthai-raped-two-women-with-friend-at-after-show-party-court-hears-13261168|access-date=27 November 2024|newspaper=Sky News}}{{Cite web|first=Miranda|last=Norris|title=Pop star's husband and friend 'raped two women' after Oxford gig, court hears|url=https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/24752706.slowthai-friend-raped-two-women-party-court-hears/|date=26 November 2024|accessdate=28 November 2024|website=Oxford Mail}} Patrick Gibbs KC, defending Frampton, told the jury that the sexual activity between Frampton and one of the women was consensual, and that the case was about "willingly participating in something that is spontaneous and chaotic and in the excitement of the intoxication of the moment and on the other hand regretting it afterwards". He also mentioned the effect of celebrity.{{Cite news|last=Minchin|first=Rod|date=26 November 2024 |title=Rapper Slowthai and a friend raped two women at after-show party, court hears|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/oxford-grammy-oxford-crown-court-hyundai-mercury-prize-b2654023.html|access-date=27 November 2024|newspaper=The Independent}}{{Cite magazine|last=Ahmed|first=Aneesa|date=26 November 2024 |title=Slowthai accused of raping woman after gig, court told|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/slowthai-accused-of-raping-woman-after-gig-court-told-3816138|access-date=28 November 2024|magazine=NME}}
On 11 December, both the prosecution and the defence delivered their closing remarks. During his statement, Gibbs highlighted "a dozen problems" with the prosecution's case, while Sheryl Nwosu, defending Blake-Walker, questioned the reliability of the testimony provided by one of the complainants.{{cite news|first=Ethan|last=Gudge|title=Slowthai jury told not to be 'Wagatha Christies'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7918gg0zw5o.amp|newspaper=BBC News|date=11 December 2024|access-date=17 December 2024}}{{cite news|first=Toby|last=Oliver|title=Anne-Marie's husband's barrister says he will be 'cancelled'|url=https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/24788835.anne-maries-husbands-barrister-says-will-cancelled/|url-access=subscription |newspaper=Oxford Mail|date=11 December 2024|access-date=17 December 2024|quote=Defending, Sheryl Nwosu said that one of the complainants account of events was 'anything but reliable.'}} On 12 December, following a two-week trial, the jury retired to consider their verdicts.{{cite news|first=Mathilde|last=Grandjean|title=Jurors retire to consider verdict in rape trial of rapper Slowthai|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/oxford-crown-court-london-grammy-oxford-northampton-b2663306.html|newspaper=Independent|date=12 December 2024|access-date=17 December 2024}}
On 16 December, Slowthai and Blake-Walker were found not guilty of three joint counts of rape, while Blake-Walker was also found not guilty of one count of sexual assault.{{Cite news|first=Ethan|last=Gudge|date=16 December 2024|title=Slowthai trial: Rapper cleared of raping fan after gig|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crmnvpel48vo.amp|access-date=16 December 2024|newspaper=BBC News}}{{Cite news|title=Rapper Slowthai cleared of raping two women during house party|url=https://news.sky.com/story/rapper-slowthai-cleared-of-raping-two-women-during-house-party-13274807 |access-date=16 December 2024|date=16 December 2024|newspaper=Sky News|first=Bethany|last=Minelle}}{{Cite news|first=Laura|last=Snapes|date=16 December 2024|title=Slowthai cleared of raping two women at house party|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/dec/16/slowthai-cleared-oxford-crown-court|access-date=16 December 2024|work=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077}}
Musical style
His music has been categorised as grime{{cite web |last1=Gorman |first1=Michael |title=Slowthai is Exactly What Grime Needed |url=https://thesidelineobserver.com/2019/06/11/slowthai-is-exactly-what-grime-needed/ |access-date=13 February 2020}} and hip hop.{{cite magazine |last1=Norris |first1=John |title=Tyron Frampton Comes Alive: U.K. Rapper Slowthai Brings His Bars to America |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8517936/slowthai-interview-nothing-great-about-britain |magazine=Billboard |access-date=13 February 2020}} He often includes elements of punk rock,{{citation |last1=Christie |first1=Caroline |title=slowthai revives the raw energy of punk for today's fractured Britain |work=Document Journal}}{{cite news |last1=Petridis |first1=Alexis |title=Slowthai: Nothing Great About Britain review β snarling in the face of power |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/may/16/slowthai-nothing-great-about-britain-album-review |website=The Guardian |date=16 May 2019 |access-date=13 February 2020}} leading to the categorisation of grime-punk.{{cite news |last1=Empire |first1=Kitty |title=Slowthai review β grandmaster of mayhem |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/oct/19/slowthai-swg3-glasgow-review |website=The Guardian |date=19 October 2019 |access-date=13 February 2020}}{{cite web |last1=Ross |first1=Alex Robert |title=Slowthai's jacked union |url=https://www.thefader.com/2019/05/17/slowthai-nothing-great-about-britain-interview |website=The Fader |access-date=13 February 2020}} In a 2019 article for the BBC, Kev Geoghegan described him as "either a grime MC making punk music or a punk making rap music".{{cite news |last1=Geoghegan |first1=Kev |title=Sound of 2019: slowthai 'telling the story of the people for the people' |work=BBC News |date=8 January 2019 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-46705455 |access-date=13 February 2020}} In an article for Vice Media, Niloufar Haidari described his music as "caustically witty bars over abrasive beats that blend grime, trap, Soundcloud rap and even punk and screamo".
He has cited as musical influences Gesaffelstein, Juelz Santana, Elliott Smith, Radiohead, Nirvana, Mount Kimbie, Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys, Jay-Z, Sex Pistols, Justice, Oasis, Kanye West and Die Antwoord.{{cite web |last1=Haidari |first1=Niloufar |title=slowthai's Music is Halfway Between Rap and Punk and So Are His Influences |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/slowthais-youtube-music-unearthed-interview-2018/ |website=Vice Media |date=19 December 2018 |access-date=13 February 2020}}{{cite magazine |last1=Blistein |first1=Jon |title=Shoetown's Hero: Slowthai on How Community and Contradictions Shaped 'Tyron'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/slowthai-interview-tyron-new-album-1116486/
|magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=10 August 2021}}
Discography
=Studio albums=
=Extended plays=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1" |
| scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Details |
|---|
| scope="row"| slowitdownn γγ
|
|
| scope="row"| I Wish I Knew γγ
| |
| scope="row"| Runt
|
|
=Singles=
Notes
{{refbegin}}
- {{note label|Deluxe|a}} Appears on the deluxe edition of Nothing Great About Britain only.
- {{note label|A-Side|b}} "The Bottom" and "North Nights" were released as a double A-side.
{{refend}}
==As featured artist==
=Other charted songs=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |
| scope="col" rowspan="2"| Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year ! scope="col" colspan="4"| Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album |
|---|
| scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;"| UK ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;"| FRA ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;"| IRE ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| NZ
|
| scope="row"| "High Beams" {{small|(with Flume and HWLS)}} | 2019 | β || β || β || 7 |
| scope="row"| "45 Smoke"
| rowspan="4"| 2021 | β || β || β || 25 | rowspan="3"| Tyron |
| scope="row"| "Terms" {{small|(with Dominic Fike and Denzel Curry)}} | 71 || β || 88 || 11 |
| scope="row"| "Push" {{small|(with Deb Never)}} | β || β || β || 24 |
| scope="row"| "Fallen Angels" (Laylow featuring Slowthai) | β || 55 || β || β | L'Γ©trange histoire de Mr. Anderson |
| scope="row"| "Sooner"
| 2023 | β || β || β || 32 | Ugly |
| colspan="7" style="font-size:90%"| "β" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. |
=Guest appearances=
Tours
=Headlining=
- Slowthai's Circus Tour (2018)
- Brexit Bandit Tour (2019)
- 99p Tour (2019)
- Bet Ya a Β£5er Tour (2019)
- Coming To America Tour (2019)
- Something To Look Forward To Tour (2021)
- Hell Is Home Tour (2022)
- Antisocial Roadshow (2022)
- Ugly Tour (2023; cancelled)
=Supporting=
- Dave - Psychodrama Tour (2019){{Cite magazine|first=Nick|last=Reilly|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/dave-announces-biggest-uk-tour-tickets-2019-2454149|title=Dave kickstarts 'Psychodrama' tour, announces Slowthai as support|date=8 April 2019|accessdate=27 December 2024|magazine=NME}}
- Brockhampton - Heaven Belongs To You Tour (2019){{Cite magazine|first=Bethany|last=Marris|url=https://crackmagazine.net/2019/08/brockhampton-announce-tour-slowthai/|title=Brockhampton announce autumn tour with support from slowthai|date=27 August 2019|accessdate=27 December 2024|magazine=Crack Magazine}}
- Suicideboys - Grey Day Tour (2021){{Cite magazine|first=Jon|last=Blistein|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/suicideboys-turnstile-chief-keef-slowthai-grey-day-tour-dates-2021-1203114/|title=Suicideboys Tap Turnstile, Chief Keef, Slowthai For 2021 Grey Day Tour|date=27 July 2021|accessdate=27 December 2024|magazine=Rolling Stone}}
Awards and nominations
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |
| Year
! Organization/Award ! Category ! Work ! Result ! Ref. |
|---|
| rowspan="5"| 2018
| New for 2019 | rowspan="5" {{n/a|Himself}} | {{included}} |
| Vevo
| DSCVR 2019 Artists to Watch | {{included}} |
| BBC
| style="background:lightgrey"|Fourth |
| DIY
| Class of 2019 | {{included}} |
| Metro
| Ones to Watch 2019 | {{included}} |
| rowspan="4"| 2019
| rowspan="1"| UK Music Video Awards | Best Urban Video - UK | "Inglorious" {{small|(featuring Skepta)}} | {{nom}} |
| rowspan="2"| Q Awards
| Breakthrough Act | {{n/a|Himself}} |{{nom}} | rowspan="2"|{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/music/q-awards-2019-nominations-shortlist-stormzy-dave-ceremony-date-a4235436.html|title=Stormzy, Dave and Little Simz among Londoners nominated for 2019 Q Awards|publisher=Q Awards|date=13 September 2019|access-date=18 September 2019|first=Jochan|last=Embley|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913235956/https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/music/q-awards-2019-nominations-shortlist-stormzy-dave-ceremony-date-a4235436.html|archive-date=13 September 2019|url-status=live}} |
| Best Album
| rowspan="5"| Nothing Great About Britain | {{nom}} |
| Hyundai
| {{nom}} |
| rowspan="13"| 2020
| Best Foreign Hip-Hop or Rap Album | {{nom}} |
| rowspan="8"| NME Awards
| Best Album | {{nom}} | rowspan="8"|{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/awards/8550933/nme-awards-2020-winners-list|title=2020 NME Awards Winners: The Complete List|publisher=Billboard|date=13 February 2020|access-date=23 April 2020}} |
| Best Album in the World
| {{nom}} |
| Best British Song
| rowspan="2"| "Deal wiv It" {{small|(with Mura Masa)}} | {{nom}} |
| Best Song in the World
| {{nom}} |
| Best British Solo Act
| rowspan="3" {{n/a|Himself}} | {{nom}} |
| Best Solo Act in the World
| {{nom}} |
| Best Live Act
| {{nom}} |
| Best Collaboration
| {{n/a|Himself}} {{small|(with Mura Masa)}} | {{won}} |
| rowspan="4"| UK Music Video Awards
| Best Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Video - UK | "Psycho" (with Denzel Curry) | {{nom}} |
| rowspan="2"|Best Dance/Electronic Video - UK
| "Deal wiv It" {{small|(with Mura Masa)}} | {{nom}} |
| rowspan="3"|"My High" {{small|(with Disclosure and AminΓ©)}}
| {{won}} |
| Best Editing in a Video
| {{nom}} |
| rowspan="5"|2021
| {{nom}} |
| UK Music Video Awards
| Best Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Video - UK | rowspan="2"|"Feel Away" {{small|(with James Blake and Mount Kimbie)}} | {{nom}} |
| rowspan="5"|Berlin Music Video Awards
| Best Concept | style="background:goldenrod"|3rd place |
| Best Editor
| "My High" {{small|(with Disclosure and AminΓ©)}} | {{nom}} |
| rowspan="2"|Most Bizzare
| "Cancelled" {{small|(featuring Skepta)}} | {{nom}} |
| rowspan="2"|2023
| rowspan="2"|"Yum" | {{won}} |
| Best Music Video
| style="background:silver"| 2nd place |
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{commons category-inline|Slowthai}}
- {{Official website|https://slowthai.com/}}
- {{allmusic}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:English hip-hop musicians
Category:21st-century male rappers
Category:21st-century British rappers
Category:English people of Barbadian descent
Category:English people of Irish descent
Category:Musicians from Northampton
Category:People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder