Stormzy’s emotional rap verse for Simon Cowell’s Grenfell Tower charity single has been praised as the most “powerful” part of the song after it was aired for the first time.
The grime star opens the track with the lyrics: “I don’t know where to begin so I’ll start by saying I refuse to forget you/I refuse to be silenced/I refuse to neglect you/That’s for every last soul up in Grenfell/Even though I’ve never even met you.”
He ends the verse: “With my friends on the ground trying to see up there/I just hope that you’re resting and free up there.”
Stormzy's verse on the Artists for Grenfell single is so moving. pic.twitter.com/2oZHmVGCZb
— Mark Savage (@mrdiscopop) June 21, 2017
The London-based musician joined more than 50 artists, including Rita Ora, Robbie Williams, Liam Payne and Jessie J for the recording of Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water, released on Wednesday.As the song was debuted across BBC radio channels, fans shared their thoughts…
Listening to 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', the charity single for Grenfell. Stormzy's verse is so powerful – glad it came first.
— Jennifer Hassan (@GuinnessKebab) June 21, 2017
Also. Gotta say the Stormzy rap at the beginning of BOTW for #Grenfell is the most powerful part of that song. Wowsers
— Sarah Baker (@princesssb72) June 21, 2017
Swathes of listeners said the segment had left them in tears, even affecting people who would not describe themselves as Stormzy fans.
Made me cry. Stormzy's music is not something I listen to, says middle aged woman shocking no one, but the man is clearly gifted.
— Sally Dobson (@SallyDobson) June 21, 2017
For those who missed the track’s first plays, it will be broadcast before ITV’s evening episode of Coronation Street.Other artists who lent their names, and their voices, to the song include Bastille, Brian May, Ella Eyre, James Blunt, Louis Tomlinson, Nile Rodgers, X Factor winner Matt Terry and recent Britain’s Got Talent winner Tokio Myers.Stars came together to take part in a weekend of recording at west London’s Sarm Studios, half a mile away from Grenfell Tower.Proceeds from sales of the song and extra donations will go to Artists For Grenfell, set up to support the survivors of the tower block fire that killed at least 79 people last week.
As well as buying the single, we hope people can support those affected by the Grenfell fire by donating. https://t.co/071cWmDNs1
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) June 20, 2017
Singer Liam tweeted: “My thoughts go out to all of those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire. Please donate what you can”, while Tomlinson posted: “Please give all you can to help!”
Also featuring on the track, singer Leona Lewis shared a link to the online fundraiser page and wrote: “Please support those affected by the Grenfell tragedy by donating here.”
Original Bridge Over Troubled Water singer/songwriter Paul Simon posted: “Artists For Grenfell recorded Bridge Over Troubled Water for West London disaster victims artistsforgrenfell.com.”
