Stormzy kicked off this year on a high-note. As 2016 closed out, Stormzy found himself as one of the leading MC's in Grime music and the anticipation for his debut studio album ran high. He's spent the majority of 2017 promoting his debut album Gang Signs & Prayer by taking it on the road across Europe and the UK as well as playing some major festivals like Coachella. Today, he unveils the mini-film for the Kehlani-assisted "Cigarettes and Cush," inspired by his album.
Stormzy shows off his acting skills in the video for "Cigarettes and Cush" as he takes on the role of the plug. As the video opens up, Stormzy is seen in a marijuana grow-op where his men are picking and cultivating the product. Eventually, he ends up in the club where he finds a girl, played by Andrea Ali, and their relationship blossoms throughout the video. Later on it's revealed that she works for the police and ends up finding out he's the main suspect on a drug bust. While the two of them have no idea of each others occupation, the video takes a twist at the end. It's a pretty slick video that combines love and getting high together very well.
Stormzy recruited UK-director Daps for the video. This is the second time the two have teamed up for a visual. Daps directed the video for the first single off of Gang Signs & Prayer, "Big For Your Boots." Daps has done some notable work for Migos, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, WizKid, Iggy Azealia and many others.
"Cigarettes and Cush" serves as Stormzy's third single off of his album. It's a bit of a softer joint for anyone who is more familiar with his hard-hitting grime bangers. The song was a stand-out on the project and definitely deserved an elaborate video, such as this.