Headie One calls out Government over free school meals in powerful politically-charged Brits 2021 performance

Headie One and AJ Tracey teamed up to make a powerful political statement with their Brit Awards 2021 performance. 

The rappers took to the stage at London’s O2 Arena to perform Headie’s hit single Ain’t It Different, although Stormzy who features on the track didn’t make an appearance. 

Instead, Headie replaced his verse to take aim at the Government over the free school meals controversy, while also highlighting coronavirus pandemic key workers and drill music’s disenfranchised roots. 

One new lyric included: ‘Team work keeps the dream working. It’s only right we show love to the key workers.’ 

Referring to footballer Marcus Rashford’s successful and tireless campaign to feed disadvantaged school children, another line stated: ‘The government is saying eat out to help out but won’t help out Rashford when he’s feeding the youths.’ 

Headie also addressed his previous jail stints and said: ‘What else can a drill youth rap about part from my worst days? You see me on stage but I was in jail for three of my birthdays.’ 

Tackling systemic racism in the UK, they also rapped: ‘Two Black Brits stand here at the Brits but still we ain’t seen as British.’ 

Headie and AJ performed in a set designed by Louis Vuitton’s Virgil Abloh and wore clothes from the brand. 

Virgil said of the collaboration: ‘Supporting next generation’s talent is a part of my ethos. Watching Headie One build his career in music while being a voice of evolution makes his art practice important in contemporary art.’ 

It was a particularly iconic moment for drill music which is often portrayed negatively and blamed for fuelling violence in major cities across the country, particularly London. 

Headie was nominated for British male but was beaten by rapper J Hus, who wasn’t able to accept his award in person. 

The Brit Awards 2021, hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall, is available to watch on ITV Hub.

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