Boasty

Album: Single release only (2019)
Charted: 11
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Originally recorded by Wiley with production by Mucky in August 2018, the song was remixed for release by Thomas Mackenzie Bell on January 22, 2019.

    The revamped version of the dancehall-influenced record kicks off with Wiley's chorus before Stefflon Don, Sean Paul and Idris Elba each contribute fresh braggaccio verses.
  • Best known for playing Stringer Bell on The Wire and DCI John Luther on Luther, Idris Elba is also a reputable DJ.

    Man a big DJ, ask Meghan and Harry
    Boast yeah, man a boasty


    Elba references playing at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding reception, earning the bragging rights to call himself a "big DJ."
  • The song was Wiley's first UK Top 20 hit for nearly six years. His previous one, "Lights On," peaked at #9 in 2013.
  • Wiley has a reputation for not turning up to his video shoots so director Henry Scholfield solved the potential problem by casting child-actor Brooklyn Appiah as a young Wiley.

    Shot in London, the visual follows Young Wiley, Stefflon Don and Sean Paul fighting for screen time.
    Idris Elba delivers his verse in a mansion that includes a film set.

    Speaking of the video, Scholfield said he wanted the clip to feel like a competition between the artists "with them crumpling, folding, or stomping on each other to bring us from one to the next." He aimed for a "vibe of bigupmanship and a visual riff on who's the boasty-iest."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes

Chris Robinson of The Black CrowesSongwriter Interviews

"Great songwriters don't necessarily have hit songs," says Chris. He's written a bunch, but his fans are more interested in the intricate jams.

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Fire On The Stage

Fire On The StageSong Writing

When you have a song called "Fire," it's tempting to set one - these guys did.

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")Songwriter Interviews

A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.

Penny Ford of Snap!

Penny Ford of Snap!Songwriter Interviews

The original voice of Snap! this story is filled with angry drag queens, video impersonators and Chaka Khan.