Headie One – Different Sorts [ft. Monkey, Dimzy]. Lyrics & Meaning
Headie One [ft. Monkey, Dimzy] – Different Sorts : An Unfiltered Glimpse into the Realities of the Street
Ever met someone who talks a big game but completely folds the second things get real? You know the type. All bluster, no substance. It’s a common scene in life, but it’s even more prevalent in the world of music, where crafting an image is half the battle. So many artists build a persona that’s a mile wide and an inch deep, a carefully curated fantasy for their audience.
But then, you stumble upon a track that rips that fantasy to shreds. A song that feels less like a performance and more like a raw, unfiltered diary entry from the front lines. This is exactly what listening to “Different Sorts” feels like. This track isn’t just a song; it’s a pull-back-the-curtain moment, offering a brutal and honest look into a life that many talk about, but few actually live.
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So, What’s the Real Story in “Different Sorts” by Headie One, Monkey, and Dimzy?
At its core, “Different Sorts” is a powerful declaration of authenticity in the UK drill scene. Headie One, Monkey, and Dimzy aren’t just telling stories; they’re documenting their reality. The entire track is a contrast between their lived experiences—the constant paranoia, the hustle, the ever-present danger—and the pretenders, the “talkers” who they see as frauds. It’s a raw narrative about survival, dominance, and the gritty details of a life spent navigating the streets and evading the law.
Headie One: The Authenticity Check
Headie One kicks things off by immediately drawing a line in the sand. He’s not here to play games. When he says he’s living a certain life, he means it. He paints a vivid picture of the day-to-day grind, which isn’t glamorous at all. It’s about being on high alert, 24/7.
I’m still Live in the T, just last night I had to flush that pack
Now it’s somewhere in the sea
CPS tryna get papers printed and still I NFA on these bitches
Just look at that. “Live in the T” refers to the trap house, the hub of operations. The line about flushing a pack down the drain because of a potential raid isn’t a cool brag; it’s the stressful reality of losing money and product to avoid a prison sentence. He mentions the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) trying to build a case against him, only for it to result in “NFA” (No Further Action). This isn’t a fictional rap trope; it’s a real legal battle, a constant weight on his shoulders. He’s telling us, this is my actual life.
Dimzy: Stepping Out with ‘Different Sorts’
Dimzy’s verse builds on this foundation of authenticity but adds a layer of quiet menace and superiority. The song’s title comes from his hook, and it’s a powerful flex. While other crews might have a single weapon, his team is better equipped, more prepared. They have “different sorts.”
Feds on my case for years, they want a man sitting in London courts
I wake up with the wildest thoughts, get money if I didn’t then I’ll do it by force
That line, “get money if I didn’t then I’ll do it by force,” is chilling in its simplicity. It’s the sound of a man who sees no other option. It’s a survival-of-the-fittest mentality born from a harsh environment. He also echoes Headie’s theme of legal troubles, with the feds building a long-term case against him. The pressure is relentless, and his music becomes the outlet for these “wildest thoughts.” He’s not just rapping to be famous; he’s putting his life into his rhymes, to the point where he can’t endorse others who try to copy his style without living his reality.
Monkey: The Unapologetic Hustle
If Headie set the scene and Dimzy established the stakes, Monkey comes in with pure, unfiltered aggression. His verse is a whirlwind of raw energy, depicting a life where danger is not only present but actively sought out. He makes it clear that this isn’t a game; it’s a hunt.
Bang on them and just giggle, look and find a boy like a riddle
S&D, your life’s in a pickle
…
Take risks that’s everyday, cos everyday the feds onto me
…
Take risks and prosper, hand on heart, them man there Usain when I’m up front like Costa
The imagery here is incredible. Comparing a manhunt to solving a “riddle” is both clever and terrifying. Monkey’s narrative is all about the “take risks and prosper” philosophy. It’s a high-stakes, high-reward lifestyle. The reference to “Usain” Bolt (running away) when he’s up front like the aggressive footballer Diego “Costa” perfectly captures the dynamic of predator and prey that defines his world. He’s not just surviving; he’s aiming to thrive within this chaotic system.
You know, hidden beneath the tough exterior and the graphic descriptions, there’s a message here. It’s not a preachy, feel-good moral, but something far more raw and real. It’s about unflinching honesty. The artists are laying their lives bare, showing the good, the bad, and the very ugly. There’s a powerful lesson in their resilience and their commitment to their truth, no matter how grim that truth may be. It’s a story of loyalty to a code and a crew, and the relentless drive to prosper against overwhelming odds.
Ultimately, “Different Sorts” is a masterclass in musical documentary. It’s confrontational, unapologetic, and incredibly specific. It forces you to look beyond the beat and understand the world that fuels the lyrics. It’s a stark reminder that for some, this music isn’t entertainment—it’s a testimony. But that’s just my interpretation of it. What do you hear when you listen to this track? Do you see it as a raw documentary, a cautionary tale, or something else entirely? I’d love to hear your take on it.