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

Paul Stanley of Kiss, Soul Station

Paul Stanley of Kiss, Soul StationSongwriter Interviews

Paul Stanley on his soul music project, the Kiss songs with the biggest soul influence, and the non-make-up era of the band.

Richie McDonald of Lonestar

Richie McDonald of LonestarSongwriter Interviews

Richie talks about the impact of "Amazed," and how his 4-year-old son inspired another Lonestar hit.

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."

Yoko Ono

Yoko OnoSongwriter Interviews

At 80 years old, Yoko has 10 #1 Dance hits. She discusses some of her songs and explains what inspired John Lennon's return to music in 1980.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

In The Cards

In The CardsSong Writing

Songwriters have used cards and card games to make sense of heartache, togetherness, and even Gonorrhea.