Will Slowthai be 'cancelled for the rest of time'?

Slowthai, a rapper from Northampton, has been in the spotlight recently due to a high-profile court case. Known for his unique style and energetic performances, Slowthai, whose real name is Tyron Frampton, has made a name for himself in the UK rap scene. He earned his nickname because he used to talk slowly and sometimes stutter when he was younger. After a three-week trial at Oxford Crown Court, he was found 'not guilty' of the charges against him, which brought a wave of relief and joy to him and his supporters. However, despite this verdict, there are concerns about whether he can fully recover from the stigma of being 'cancelled'. Patrick Gibbs KC, Slowthai's lawyer, expressed that even with an acquittal, the shadow of the accusations may linger, suggesting that the rapper might be 'cancelled for the rest of time'. This situation highlights the challenges faced by celebrities who find themselves in similar predicaments. Slowthai's career has seen significant achievements, including the release of three albums, with his latest, UGLY, receiving critical acclaim and a five-star review from NME. He was also nominated for a Grammy award in 2021 and a Mercury Prize in 2019, showcasing his talent and the respect he has garnered in the music industry. However, following the release of his third album, he faced serious allegations that led to him being dropped from several major music festivals, including Reading and Leeds. Now that he has been cleared of these charges, Slowthai is eager to revive his music career. Yet, the road ahead may be complicated. Marcus Johnstone, a criminal defense solicitor, pointed out that winning a case does not necessarily mean the end of the struggle. He noted that celebrities often experience a rapid fall from grace when they are accused of serious crimes, going from being adored to being shunned almost overnight. To understand Slowthai's potential comeback, it may be helpful to look at the experiences of other artists who have faced similar challenges. For instance, Oritse Williams from the band JLS was accused of a serious crime but was acquitted after a short jury deliberation. Following his trial, JLS reunited and went on a successful comeback tour, performing to over 350,000 fans. In contrast, Rex Orange County, who was once celebrated in the indie music scene, faced accusations that were later dropped. However, he chose to take a two-year break from music, and his return with a new album did not receive the same level of interest as his previous work. This illustrates how public perception can significantly impact an artist's career trajectory. As Slowthai contemplates his next steps, he may draw inspiration from the stories of Williams and Orange County. Some believe there is still hope for him, especially since his fan base may not be inclined to 'cancel' him. His future songwriting could reflect the challenges he has faced, and in his 2021 song CANCELLED, he posed the question, 'How you gonna cancel me? ' Now, he is determined to make a comeback and prove that he can rise above the difficulties he has encountered. The music industry can be unpredictable, and the way the public reacts to an artist can shape their career in profound ways. Slowthai's journey serves as a reminder of the complexities of fame and the resilience required to navigate the ups and downs of the music world.