As evidenced by Skepta’s Mercury Prize winning album last year, grime music in the UK is currently in a great place. But in the U.S. it’s still trying to catch up to the popularity that trap is enjoying. On Gang Signs & Prayer, Stormzy attempts to show his sensitive side along with his aggressive, scrappy side—as the title would suggest. Album closer “Lay Me Bare” is the perfect harmony of these two ideals. It’s a five-minute, unflinching personal examination with a mid-tempo breakbeat and Stormzy in complete control of his flow.
