Cry No More
by Headie One (featuring Stormzy)

Album: The Last One (2024)
Charted: 33
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Cry No More" is the lead single from Headie One's third full length album, The Last One. It finds Headie dropping some deep, reflective lyrics.

    The North London rapper looks back on his past, spitting tales now that he's older and wiser. He's saying it's time for everyone to choose peace over the street life. No more trapping, no more perjury in court.

    Nobody don't wanna cry no more
    Nobody don't wanna die no more
    I'm sure nobody don't wanna go hide no more
    You don't wanna go court, have to lie no more


    Back in 2020, Headie did a stretch in jail for carrying a blade. During his trial, Headie took the oath to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, and straight up lied.
  • Stormzy comes in with aggressive energy for the second verse, bragging about his success and resilience, but also hinting at the loneliness that comes with it. His verse incorporates a vocal sample of Asake's 2023 track "Lonely At The Top."
  • "Cry No More" marks the third time Headie One and Stormzy linked up. First, they bodied "Ain't It Different" on Headie's debut album Edna (alongside AJ Tracey), then they teamed up again on "Audacity" from Stormzy's 2019 album Heavy Is The Head.
  • Big-name producers from across the pond cooked up the beat: Tay Keith (who's worked with Travis Scott and Drake), Tommy Parker (collaborated with Ariana Grande and 21 Savage), and Pooh Beatz (made tracks for Jack Harlow and DaBaby).

    "This is one of my favorites from the album," said Headie One." I loved the sample and 808s straight away when Tay (Keith) and Pooh (Beatz) played it in the studio. Stormzy went crazy on it, too."
  • The video, directed by RAWTAPE (who's done work for Keshi, Kasabian and NTS), shows both rappers on the streets of their hometowns. We see Headie in his ends, Tottenham, and Stormzy in his local area of Norbury. Both keep it real, showing the London they know.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Tom Johnston from The Doobie Brothers

Tom Johnston from The Doobie BrothersSongwriter Interviews

The Doobies guitarist and lead singer, Tom wrote the classics "Listen To The Music," "Long Train Runnin'" and "China Grove."

Rickie Lee Jones

Rickie Lee JonesSongwriter Interviews

Rickie Lee Jones on songwriting, social media, and how she's handling Trump.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

Lori McKenna

Lori McKennaSongwriter Interviews

Lori's songs have been recorded by Faith Hill and Sara Evans. She's performed on the CMAs and on Oprah. She also has five kids.

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Richard Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Richard Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Psychedelic Furs lead singer Richard Butler talks about their first album since 1991 and explains what's really going on in "Pretty In Pink."