Rapper Stormzy Banned From Driving After 'Dangerous And Irresponsible' Act

British rapper Stormzy has been handed a nine-month driving ban after admitting to using his phone while driving his Rolls-Royce through London. The ruling came down on Thursday at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court, where the judge noted the artist's less-than-stellar driving record.

Stormzy, whose real name is Michael Ebenazer Owuo Jr., is widely recognized for his role in bringing grime music into the commercial mainstream. His groundbreaking debut album, "Gang Signs & Prayer," earned him Album of the Year at the 2018 Brit Awards, where he was also crowned Best Male British Solo Artist—an accolade he won again in 2020.

Despite his success in the music world, the judge highlighted Stormzy's troubled track record on the road.

The nine-month driving ban serves as a consequence of the violation, which has become a growing concern for road safety authorities.

Prosecutor Alice Holloway noted that Stormzy had previously endangered vulnerable road users while driving a Lamborghini Urus with illegally tinted windows. The windows allowed just 4% light transmission, far below the 70% minimum requirement for legal tinting.

Stormzy, who did not appear in court for the hearing, pleaded guilty in writing to the cellphone driving charge from March. He had also previously admitted to the 2023 tinting violation and has a history of speeding offenses.

The rapper was also fined £2,010 ($2,500), and penalty points were added to his driving license.

Defense lawyer Peter Csemiczky stated that Stormzy apologized and fully accepted responsibility for his actions.

In England, driving bans are a common consequence for traffic offenses. These bans can be either discretionary or mandatory when it comes to using a phone while driving, depending on the severity and circumstances of the violation.

In addition to his rap career, he also launched his own publishing company, Merky Books.

“There’s a whole side of blackness and black Britishness that doesn’t often fall under the kind of umbrella term that everyone uses of ‘black culture.' It’s like black culture almost becomes music, acting, sports and just kind of celebrity and whatever," he said when speaking to TIME Magazine. "I was like, 'Yo, there’s theater, there’s literature, books, there’s ballet'.”

“The more I become self-aware,” he added. “It’s like we can’t shy away from [politics]. Especially being an artist who has a platform.” Stormzy also spoke on his Glastonbury set, which made him the first black British solo artist to headline the festival: “For the first time ever in my life, maybe in my career. I’ve achieved something and it’s given me perfect peace.”

Of his dedication to supporting black British culture, Stormzy said, “Being so championed by my community, I feel like everyone’s put me on this pedestal and, like, everyone’s put me on top of the world … I know it’s my purpose to just shine a light where I can, do something where I can, just whatever I can, in whatever way, shape or form.”

​Stormzy also etched his name in history as the first British man to appear solo on the cover of British Vogue in the magazine's 107-year history.

Stormzy has made significant contributions to activism and philanthropy, using his platform to drive meaningful change.

In 2018, he launched the Stormzy Scholarship in partnership with Cambridge University, providing tuition and living expenses for Black students facing financial barriers to higher education. Two years later, he established the #Merky Foundation, a charity dedicated to fighting racial inequality, addressing social injustice, and supporting underprivileged communities across the UK.

Beyond financial contributions, Stormzy remains a vocal advocate for social justice, consistently speaking out against racism, police brutality, and inequality, while lending his support to movements such as Black Lives Matter. Through these efforts, Stormzy has solidified his role not only as a musical icon but also as a powerful force for social change.