Tottenham rap icon Headie One releases one of the most eagerly anticipated albums of 2020 - EDNA featuring Aitch, Future & more | Headie One releases two visuals for singles lifted from his debut album EDNA - Parlez-Vous Anglais & Princess Cuts

Although Headie One has featured on collaborative singles since at least 2011, he started to receive viral recognition as a result of a retaliatory track entitled Know Better released in 2018. A single which set trends, it was aimed at opposition members of the collective Headie grew up alongside in Tottenham, where a gang war persists between Headie’s own OFB collective and their ‘opps’ known as Wood Green. Indeed, one of the earliest singles Headie featured on was a track entitled Wood Green Diss, proving their long standing dispute.

Know Better was released shortly after Wood Green members uploaded videos on social media of Headie One being pressured at Bedfordshire university, although Headie escaped the incident unhurt. In the lyrics for Know Better, Headie discussed the incident with discreet, yet clinical references. The second verse which features his long time affiliate RV is quoted to say, “24 hours later / Shh got slapped with a stick / Now opps can’t stand on their strip.” The single reached over million views within a week, its success penetrating the mainstream at a time when UK drill music was yet to be popularised. A combination of the brazen controversy, clever wordplay and the wavy instrumental courtesy of producer 808 Melo propelled the renown of Headie One and RV worldwide. With this newfound success, Headie made mad moves as he focused more on his music career. This decision proved worthwhile, as he is currently widely regarded as one of the UK’s most innovative and popular rap artists.

Despite being arrested in June 2019, sentenced to serve six months for being in possession of a blade, Headie still shut down stages at Glastonbury and Wireless Festival’s after being bailed. He also managed to complete a UK tour promoting his Music X Road release before the year ended, before listing no more shows afterwards. Another highlight of 2019 was releasing the 18Hunna single, featuring Mercury Prize winner Dave - peaking at number 6 on the UK music charts, the music video has reached over 13 million YouTube views to date. Officially jailed in January 2020, upon his release Headie One finalised the creation process of his long-anticipated debut album, EDNA - named after his Mother, who passed away when Headie was aged 3. As Headie himself states, “As a debut album, there’s no one else I could really give the name to. She’s a huge motivation behind my journey and my music. She keeps me going.” 

His most open-hearted project thus far, EDNA touches upon Headie’s faith in God, whilst remaining tied to his hometown Tottenham. He also speaks on the flaws of the prison system, the discrimination and prejudice many face. Then there are singles which highlight Headie’s emotions, the importance of maintaining mental health and love. It is an all-encompassing record, detailing Headie’s journey from his younger days spent hustling, through to his development into becoming a famous rap artist, and a lot more. Featuring production from the likes of Kenny Beats, 169, M1onthebeat and others, instrumentally EDNA blends murky, drill inspired basslines with beautiful orchestral undertones underpinning the project, blending each single into a smooth overall composition. EDNA also features multiple guest lyrical appearances from the music industry’s finest, including Future, Skepta & more. This album shall certainly solidify Headie One’s stance as the current king of drill, whilst establishing his renown stateside - which the entire UK music scene will benefit from too. 

Last night, Headie One released a visual for the first single lifted from EDNA - Princess Cuts, featuring Young T & Bugsey. Channeling the spirit of Afro-swing combined with Latin influence, the visual directed by Craig Capone portrays their lavish lifestyle, whilst the lyrical concepts dip between romance and criminality. This morning, another visual dropped for a light-hearted single called Parlez-Vous Anglais featuring Aitch. The emcees spit back-to-back, complimenting each other’s flows with apparent ease and finesse. Go peep both these singles, show support for the album if you’re feeling them. 

Headie One - ‘EDNA’ is available to purchase now from Spotify, iTunes and all good music retailers.

Words by Evo @ethanevo