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

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Tim and his brother Richard are the Furs' foundation; Tim explains how they write and tells the story of "Pretty In Pink."

Chad Channing (Nirvana, Before Cars)

Chad Channing (Nirvana, Before Cars)Songwriter Interviews

Chad tells tales from his time as drummer for Nirvana, and talks about his group Before Cars.

David Sancious

David SanciousSongwriter Interviews

Keyboard great David Sancious talks about his work with Sting, Seal, Springsteen, Clapton and Aretha, and explains what quantum physics has to do with making music.

80s Video Director Jay Dubin

80s Video Director Jay DubinSong Writing

Billy Joel and Hall & Oates hated making videos, so they chose a director with similar contempt for the medium. That was Jay Dubin, and he has a lot to say on the subject.

Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne

Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of WayneSongwriter Interviews

The guy who brought us "Stacy's Mom" also wrote the Jane Lynch Emmy song and Stephen Colbert's Christmas songs.

Mike Scott of The Waterboys - "Fisherman's Blues"

Mike Scott of The Waterboys - "Fisherman's Blues"They're Playing My Song

Armed with a childhood spent devouring books, Mike Scott's heart was stolen by the punk rock scene of 1977. Not surprisingly, he would go on to become the most literate of rockers.