Slowthai's Biggest Collaborations

Slowthai has garnered a reputation for having a knack for hit-making collaborations throughout his career. However, it's been a rough week for Britain's iconic MC. On Monday, the 28-year-old was hit with two counts of raping a woman in Oxford, England back in 2021. After the news, he was dropped from a slew of festival bookings throughout the UK, including Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, and Parklife. Released on bail after an online hearing, his official court appearance has been set for June 16, where he will appear in front of the Oxford Crown Court. Via an Instagram post, he's already denied the allegations, asking for fans to give him and his family space.

The accusation is a big hit to what has been a blossoming career. Pioneering a new wave of punk rap throughout the UK, he's re-invigorated the regions' hip-hop scene on a worldwide scale. He's curated hit collaborations with artists from the UK and abroad, propelling him to a Grammy nod and multiple chart-hitting songs. Back in March, he released his third studio album Ugly. In light of the album's release, Slowthai has received a strong reception for his dark lyricism and punk-based production amidst iconic collaborations.

For many fans, "Doorman" was their introduction to Slowthai. A collaboration with electronic UK producer Mura Masa, "Doorman" remains the most commercially successful song in Slowthai's growing discography. Slowthai drives the listener through a wild night out, chronicling a night of cigarettes and binge drinking. While Mura Masa is usually known for upbeat dance-pop, he would instead opt for menacing guitar licks and distortion on the aggressive track. Moreover, Slowthai attacks wealth disparity on "Doorman," expressing his disdain for "high society." The track would eventually solidify his presence on the worldwide stage of hip-hop.

The lead single for Slowthai's sophomore album Tyron, "feel away" symbolized a distinct narrative shift in his career. While his debut studio album Nothing Great About Britain was primarily a criticism of social ills that go unaddressed, Tyron was far more introspective and relative to Slowthai's personal life. Recruiting James Blake joins slowthai on the song, which they recorded in Los Angeles. A stark contrast to his usual punk production, the somber guitar strings of "feel away" parallel the anniversary of his late brother's passing.

Slowthai garnered his biggest collaboration to date on "MAZZA." Featuring a booming 808 and an excellent verse from A$AP Rocky, slowthai's punk sensibilities lean into the Harlem rapper's boundary-pushing ear for production. In reference to their collaboration, Rocky stated, "I met him by looking at his work. When I saw his work, I was an instant fan. What I love about him and what I see parallel with us is we don't f**k with a lot of people...". That sentimental energy from Slowthai and Rocky would translate directly into "MAZZA." The two of them flex money and fame for a celebratory anthem. Consequently, the track fits seamlessly into the banger-heavy side of Tyron.

A collaboration with Disclosure and Amine, the high-energy dance track would mark Slowthai's first and only Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording. Slowthai's successful verse cemented his chameleon-esque tendencies as a rapper, proving that he could steal the show over electronic production or a punk-grunge odyssey. In fact, it wasn't the first time he would dabble in the electronic world. He also worked with Flume on "High Beams."

While "MAZZA" stole the show as the hallmark banger off of Tyron, "CANCELLED" was a close second. A UK anthem through and through, Slowthai and Skepta conducted a rage-filled collaboration for the second track of the project. Introducing us with a soothing flute, the track quickly morphs into a bass-filled banger. The title of the track is in direct reference to Slowthai's appearance at the NME Awards back in February 2020, when many condemned his unhinged behavior towards the host, Katherine Ryan.

No matter how big an artist is, collaborating with Gorillaz will always be a career-defining moment. Even though the English virtual band is one of the biggest music groups in the world, they're highly picky about who they collaborate with on their projects, often opting for sensibility over popularity. The eleventh track off of Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez, "Momentary Bliss" is rooted in shoegaze indie guitar chords and a fair bit of distortion. Surprisingly, it would become the most successful track from the album, bringing in over 50 million streams on Spotify.

Before Brockhampton's Ginger, the hip-hop boy band hadn't often collaborated with artists outside of their circle. However, the dramatic departure of Ameer Vann forced them to look outwards. One of their first features came in the form of "Heaven Belongs To You" ft. Slowthai, who's the driving force on the song. Fittingly enough, the track falls within a dark corner of the record. Slowthai's verse mirrors the grim mindset of Brockhampton, blankly stating, "Immerse myself in discontent." In addition, his verse epitomizes the religious themes throughout Ginger.