Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Own It
View on Wikipedia
| "Own It" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Stormzy featuring Ed Sheeran and Burna Boy | ||||
| from the album Heavy Is the Head | ||||
| Released | 22 November 2019 | |||
| Genre | Dancehall | |||
| Length | 3:37 | |||
| Label |
| |||
| Songwriters | ||||
| Producers |
| |||
| Stormzy singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Ed Sheeran singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Burna Boy singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Own It" on YouTube | ||||
"Own It" is a song by English rapper Stormzy featuring English singer Ed Sheeran and Nigerian singer Burna Boy, released on 22 November 2019 through #Merky and Atlantic Records as the fourth single from Stormzy's second studio album, Heavy Is the Head.[1] It is Stormzy and Ed Sheeran's second collaboration of 2019, following Sheeran's "Take Me Back to London".[2] It reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in January 2020, becoming Stormzy's third UK number one, and second as a lead artist, as well as Sheeran's ninth. It was also the first number one of the 2020s.
Background
[edit]A press release described "Own It" as "another supremely slick release" from Stormzy, writing that his "South London flow [is] aligned to a dancehall-tinged production, [...] with his word play empowering and uplifting a female love interest".[3]
Music video
[edit]The video was released on 22 November 2019, the same day as the song.[4] It was directed by Nathan James Tettey and shot in various locations around London.[3]
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[36] | Gold | 35,000‡ |
| Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[37] | Gold | 20,000‡ |
| Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[38] | Platinum | 90,000‡ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[39] | Platinum | 30,000‡ |
| Portugal (AFP)[40] | Gold | 5,000‡ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[41] | 3× Platinum | 1,800,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | 22 November 2019 |
|
[42] | |
| Australia | Contemporary hit radio |
|
[43] | |
| United Kingdom |
|
[44] | ||
| Urban contemporary radio | [45] | |||
| Italy | 6 December 2019 | Contemporary hit radio | Warner | [46] |
References
[edit]- ^ Murray, Robin (22 November 2019). "Stormzy Shares New Single 'Own It'". Clash. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
- ^ Brandle, Lars (22 November 2019). "Stormzy Teams up With Ed Sheeran (Again) on 'Own It': Stream It Now". Billboard. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
- ^ a b "Stormzy Releases 'Own It' Featuring Ed Sheeran and Burna Boy". 24 November 2019. Retrieved 4 December 2019 – via American Songwriter.
- ^ Renshaw, David (22 November 2019). "Stormzy shares "Own It" video featuring Ed Sheeran and Burna Boy". The Fader. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
- ^ "Stormzy feat. Ed Sheeran & Burna Boy – Own It". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
- ^ "Stormzy feat. Ed Sheeran & Burna Boy – Own It" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 5 December 2019.
- ^ "Stormzy feat. Ed Sheeran & Burna Boy – Own It" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved 4 January 2020.
- ^ "Stormzy feat. Ed Sheeran & Burna Boy – Own It" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved 4 January 2020.
- ^ "Stormzy Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
- ^ "Top 100 Colombia" (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 28 February 2020. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
- ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 28. týden 2020 in the date selector. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
- ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 48. týden 2019 in the date selector. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
- ^ "Stormzy feat. Ed Sheeran & Burna Boy – Own It". Tracklisten. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
- ^ "Stormzy feat. Ed Sheeran & Burna Boy – Own It" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
- ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Dance Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
- ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Stream Top 40 slágerlista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved 7 December 2019.
- ^ White, Jack (20 December 2019). "Before You Go by Lewis Capaldi makes it four weeks at the top to claim Ireland's Xmas Number 1 single". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
- ^ "2019 48-os savaitės klausomiausi (TOP 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. 29 November 2019. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
- ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 4, 2020" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
- ^ "Stormzy feat. Ed Sheeran & Burna Boy – Own It" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
- ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 2 December 2019. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
- ^ "Stormzy feat. Ed Sheeran & Burna Boy – Own It". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved 8 December 2019.
- ^ Top Radio Hits Russia Weekly Chart. TopHit. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
- ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 4 January 2020.
- ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 07. týden 2020 in the date selector. Retrieved 18 February 2020.
- ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 48. týden 2019 in the date selector. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
- ^ "Stormzy feat. Ed Sheeran & Burna Boy – Own It". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
- ^ "Stormzy feat. Ed Sheeran & Burna Boy – Own It". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 4 January 2020.
- ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
- ^ "Track Top-100 2020". Hitlisten. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
- ^ White, Jack (10 January 2021). "Ireland's Official Top 50 biggest songs of 2020". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 11 January 2021.
- ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 2020" (in Dutch). MegaCharts. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
- ^ "Airplay 100 Topul Anului 2020" (in Romanian). Kiss FM. Archived from the original on 27 December 2020. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
- ^ "End of Year Singles Chart Top 100 – 2020". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 5 January 2021.
- ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2020 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 10 March 2020.
- ^ "Brazilian single certifications – Stormzy, Ed Sheeran, Burna Boy – Own It" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
- ^ "Danish single certifications – Stormzy – Own It". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved 10 March 2020. Scroll through the page-list below until year 2020 to obtain certification.
- ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Stormzy feat. Ed Sheeran and Burna Boy – Own It". Radioscope. Retrieved 29 December 2024. Type Own It in the "Search:" field.
- ^ "Portuguese single certifications – Stormzy – Own It" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
- ^ "British single certifications – Stormzy – Own It". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
- ^ "Stormzy Teams up With Ed Sheeran (Again) on 'Own It': Stream It Now". Billboard. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
- ^ "SINGLES TO RADIO". The Music Network. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
- ^ "Radio 1 Playlist". BBC. Archived from the original on 22 November 2019. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
- ^ "1Xtra Playlist". BBC. Archived from the original on 22 November 2019. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
- ^ "Own It STROMZY FEAT. AND SHEERAN & BURNA BOY". Radio Date. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
Own It
View on GrokipediaBackground and recording
Conception and writing
The song "Own It" originated during the creative development of Stormzy's second studio album Heavy Is the Head, with writing credits attributed to Stormzy (Michael Omari), Ed Sheeran, Fred Gibson, Jay Weathers, and Burna Boy (Damini Ogulu).[6] Stormzy and Gibson began the track by imitating elements from Kanye West's "Waves," aiming to create an empowering song for women that counters sexist or misogynistic themes in music.[7] Stormzy's verses center on encouraging a female love interest to assert control and embrace her allure.[8] Writing sessions took place throughout 2019, during which Stormzy crafted the core rap verses that drive the track's narrative of self-assurance and intimacy. Ed Sheeran contributed the melodic chorus, providing a pop-infused hook that amplifies the song's anthemic quality, while Burna Boy added an Afrobeat-infused verse in 2019 collaborations, infusing the composition with rhythmic energy and cultural fusion.[6] Initial demo concepts emphasized dancehall rhythms to merge Stormzy's grime roots with broader pop accessibility, creating a vibrant, party-oriented sound.[9]Production process
The production of "Own It" was led by producers FRED (Fred Gibson) and Jay Weathers, who crafted the instrumental foundation blending dancehall percussion layers with prominent grime basslines to create a radio-friendly hybrid sound.[10][9] FRED contributed keyboards, drums, programming, guitar, and synthesizer elements, emphasizing a dancehall-flavored groove that infused the track with rhythmic energy suitable for mainstream appeal.[11] Recording sessions for the track took place primarily in London studios during late 2019, ahead of its inclusion on Stormzy's sophomore album Heavy Is the Head. Stormzy's main verse and backing vocals, along with Burna Boy's contributions, were captured at Sleeper Sounds in West London by recording engineer Darren Jones, assisted by Joe Wander.[12] Ed Sheeran's vocals were integrated into the sessions, though specific details on his recording setup remain unconfirmed in available credits.[13] Post-recording, the track underwent mixing by Mark "Spike" Stent and mastering by Stuart Hawkes, resulting in a polished final version clocking in at 3:37.[10] This process ensured seamless cohesion among the collaborators' parts, positioning "Own It" as the 11th track on Heavy Is the Head, released on December 13, 2019.Composition and lyrics
Musical elements
"Own It" is classified as a fusion of grime and dancehall genres, incorporating pop sensibilities through Ed Sheeran's contribution and Afrobeat influences from Burna Boy, creating a rhythmic, cross-cultural sound.[14][15] The track operates at a tempo of 104 beats per minute, providing an energetic pace suitable for club play and radio rotation.[16][17] The song follows a conventional pop-rap structure: an intro leading into Verse 1 delivered by Stormzy with Burna Boy's ad-libs, followed by a chorus led by Stormzy; Verse 2 sung by Ed Sheeran; a repeated chorus with Stormzy and Burna Boy; a melodic bridge by Burna Boy; a final chorus; and an outro fading with Burna Boy's vocals.[6] This format contrasts Stormzy's rapid-fire rap verses with the melodic, sung chorus and bridge, enhancing dynamic flow.[18] Instrumentation centers on a swinging electronic drum groove with percussive claps and an electronic drum kit driving the rhythm, complemented by thumping synth bass drops that underscore the bass-heavy production.[18][19] Electronic synths provide atmospheric layers, while subtle keyboard elements add accessibility without overpowering the core beat.[20] Composed primarily in G minor, the track employs chord progressions such as Gm–F–Cm, which build tension through minor tonality and release via the major F chord, contributing to its danceable energy.[16][21] Production techniques like multi-layered vocals and synth arrangements, handled by Fred Gibson, amplify the track's euphoric sonic profile.[18]Lyrical themes
The lyrics of "Own It" revolve around female empowerment and asserting ownership in romantic dynamics, encapsulated in the insistent refrain "Own it, own it, own that shit," which urges unapologetic confidence and self-possession.[6] Stormzy explicitly crafted the track to uplift women, aiming for it to boost their self-esteem and serve as a pre-night-out anthem, while consciously steering clear of objectifying or sexist elements prevalent in certain rap narratives.[22] Stormzy's verses emphasize loyalty and his grounded street credibility, depicting initial attraction at a social gathering where he pledges total devotion to a captivating woman who commands the space.[7] Ed Sheeran's contribution in the second verse reinforces mutual support within the relationship, portraying authentic intimacy and reliability through lines about being "real" and cherishing shared moments.[6] Burna Boy's bridge injects cultural pride, blending admiration for the woman's fire with Afrobeat-infused swagger and references to heritage that celebrate her commanding presence on a global scale.[6] Critics and listeners have hailed the song as an empowering anthem for women in nightlife and relational contexts, where metaphors such as "light up the room" symbolize radiant self-assurance and transformative energy.[18]Release and promotion
Single release
"Own It" was released as the fourth single from Stormzy's second studio album, Heavy Is the Head, on November 22, 2019.[23] The track, featuring Ed Sheeran and Burna Boy, marked a significant collaboration ahead of the album's full release.[24] The single was initially distributed through digital download and streaming platforms, handled by Atlantic Records under Stormzy's #Merky imprint.[25] It became available worldwide on services such as Spotify and Apple Music shortly after its UK debut, emphasizing a streamlined digital rollout.[26] No physical formats like CD singles were issued for commercial sale, focusing instead on online accessibility.[27] Positioned strategically as a promotional lead-up, "Own It" helped generate anticipation for Heavy Is the Head, which dropped on December 13, 2019.[23] This timing allowed the single to build momentum through its infectious blend of grime and afrobeats influences prior to the album's launch.[24]Promotional strategies
Stormzy and his collaborators generated buzz for "Own It" through targeted social media teasers in the weeks leading up to its November 22, 2019 release. On November 21, 2019, Burna Boy shared a promotional post on Twitter announcing the single's midnight drop, explicitly highlighting the features with Stormzy and Ed Sheeran to engage their combined audiences.[28] Similar announcements appeared across official channels, building anticipation for the track as a lead single from the forthcoming album Heavy Is the Head.[29] The high-profile features with Ed Sheeran and Burna Boy enabled effective cross-promotion, drawing on the artists' established platforms and fanbases to extend the single's visibility beyond Stormzy's core UK grime listeners. Sheeran's involvement, building on their prior collaboration "Take Me Back to London," amplified international interest, while Burna Boy's contribution introduced Afrobeats elements that resonated in global markets.[24] Media campaigns emphasized UK radio exposure to drive domestic airplay, with "Own It" securing rotations on key stations and culminating in a live performance on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge on December 16, 2019, where Stormzy delivered an acoustic rendition.[30] The track also benefited from strategic playlist placements on Spotify, including additions to high-traffic editorial lists that boosted its algorithmic reach and streaming momentum.[31] Further promotion integrated the single with Heavy Is the Head rollout events, such as an exclusive album listening party on BBC Radio 1Xtra on December 13, 2019, during which Stormzy provided track-by-track insights, spotlighting "Own It" as a pivotal collaboration.[32] Supporting merchandise tied into the album's aesthetic, with official items like T-shirts featuring Heavy Is the Head branding and thematic motifs available via Stormzy's online store to encourage fan engagement.Critical reception
Professional reviews
Professional reviews of "Own It" were generally positive, with critics praising its infectious energy and successful genre fusion. DIY Magazine described it as one of the album's poppier moments that "never feels forced or like pandering," awarding the parent album Heavy Is the Head four out of five stars.[33] The i newspaper called it a "wriggle-your-belly ragga pop tune," highlighting its danceable appeal and Ed Sheeran's bright-eyed verse amid themes of indulgence.[34] Some critiques noted its departure from Stormzy's grime origins toward a more mainstream sound, though this was often seen as a strength for broader accessibility. Stereoboard.com characterized it as a "reggaeton-infused club banger" that blends Stormzy's raw rapped bars with Ed Sheeran's melodic contributions, positioning it as a deliberate crossover aimed at international success.[35] Clash Music acknowledged its fresh direction but found it less impactful than prior singles like "Wiley Flow" or "Vossi Bop," lacking the same hardness or infectiousness.[36] Specific praise focused on the track's polished execution and collaborative synergy. NME lauded it as a "slick, confident return" for Stormzy, with an irresistible beat that provides uplift amid cultural tensions, though Ed Sheeran's verse was deemed passable rather than standout and Burna Boy's role underutilized beyond the chorus.[37] Overall, reviewers aggregated the song's reception as empowering and accessible, showcasing Stormzy's versatility in blending grime with dancehall and pop elements to expand his appeal.[38]Awards and nominations
"Own It" received a nomination for Song of the Year at the 2020 BRIT Awards, where it competed against tracks such as Lewis Capaldi's "Someone You Loved" and Mabel's "Don't Call Me Up," ultimately losing to the former.[39] This recognition underscored the track's commercial dominance and the innovative collaboration between Stormzy's grime roots, Ed Sheeran's pop sensibilities, and Burna Boy's Afrobeat influences, contributing to its status as a landmark in UK music.[40] The song was also nominated for Track of the Year at the 2020 Rated Awards, organized by GRM Daily, highlighting its impact within the UK urban music scene alongside nods for Stormzy in Male Artist and Album of the Year categories.[41] Critical praise for the fusion of genres helped propel these honors, emphasizing the track's role in bridging diverse musical traditions.Music video
Filming and direction
The music video for "Own It" was directed by Nathan James Tettey, a British filmmaker selected to offer a fresh perspective on Stormzy's persona, emphasizing intimate and dynamic portrayals.[42] Filming took place in November 2019 across multiple London locations, including rooftops, nightclubs, and studio interiors, capturing the city's vibrant urban energy amid challenging weather conditions.[42][43] The production was handled by Untold Studios, with key crew members including cinematographer Aaron Reid, executive producer Tessa Wood, production manager Tom O’Driscoll, and editor Chris Wilson.[42][44] The shoot faced logistical hurdles from persistent November rain, particularly during outdoor rooftop scenes, which required adaptive filming techniques to maintain the video's polished aesthetic.[42] Principal performers included Stormzy, Ed Sheeran, and Burna Boy, who appear as leads navigating the settings, alongside a diverse ensemble cast featuring a prominent female character to underscore themes of empowerment.[42][29] The low-key production prioritized authenticity over high-budget spectacle, focusing on natural performances within London's nightlife-inspired environments to align with the song's lyrical emphasis on confidence and ownership.[42]Visual content and reception
The music video for "Own It" follows a narrative centered on a confident woman embracing her night out in a bustling London club, where she catches the eye of Stormzy and forms a romantic connection amid the vibrant party atmosphere. This storyline is intercut with performance sequences featuring Stormzy, Ed Sheeran, and Burna Boy in sleek urban environments, including a minimalist white studio and a crowded nightclub, symbolizing themes of mutual attraction and self-assured empowerment.[42][43][45] Visually, the video employs a glossy, high-energy style with dynamic camera movements that capture the fluidity of dancefloor interactions and rapid cuts between romantic and performance shots. Vibrant lighting and color grading evoke the excitement of nightlife, while subtle cultural references to the grime scene appear through Stormzy's commanding presence in London settings, and Afrobeat influences are highlighted by Burna Boy's charismatic verses and rhythmic energy.[29][42][46] The video has achieved significant popularity, amassing over 124 million views on YouTube as of November 2025.[25] Through its female-led narrative, the video reinforces the song's lyrical empowerment, portraying the protagonist as unapologetically owning her allure and agency, which mirrors the artists' verses admiring her confidence and serves as a visual metaphor for self-possession in social and romantic contexts.[42][46]Commercial performance
Chart positions
"Own It" debuted at number 5 on the UK Singles Chart on December 7, 2019, before climbing to number 1 on January 4, 2020, marking Stormzy's third UK number-one single and the first chart-topper of the 2020s decade.[47] The track achieved strong international performance, peaking at number 2 on the Irish Singles Chart, number 11 on the Danish Singles Top 40, and number 4 on the New Zealand Hot Singles Chart.[48]| Chart (2020) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| UK Singles (OCC) | 1 |
| Ireland (IRMA) | 2 |
| Denmark (Tracklisten) | 11 |
Certifications and sales
In the United Kingdom, "Own It" has been certified 3× Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for sales and streams equivalent to 1.8 million units as of January 2023.[52] The single achieved this status following its strong chart performance, including a number-one peak on the UK Singles Chart.| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA) | Gold | 35,000^ |
| Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil) | Gold | 20,000^ |
| Denmark (IFPI Danmark) | Platinum | 90,000^ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ) | Platinum | 30,000^ |
| Portugal (AFP) | Gold | 5,000^ |
| United Kingdom (BPI) | 3× Platinum | 1,800,000^ |
