
At Metacritic, which assigns a normalised rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 82, based on 17 reviews.

Upon release, Heavy Is the Head received widespread acclaim from critics. Critical reception Professional ratings Aggregate scores Stormzy officially announced the album through his social media on 19 November, revealing the track list and cover art, which shows him holding the stab proof vest featuring a black-and-white Union Jack that he wore during his set at the Glastonbury Festival 2019, designed by Banksy. The album was promoted with numerous projections of the initials H.I.T.H around London. By January 2020, it was certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). Heavy Is the Head received widespread acclaim from critics upon release. It eventually topped the chart on 10 January 2020. Heavy Is the Head debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart, behind Rod Stewart's You're in My Heart: Rod Stewart with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and ahead of Harry Styles' Fine Line. Additionally, "Crown" reached the top 10 on the chart. "Vossi Bop" was Stormzy's first number-one song on the UK Singles Chart, while "Own It" also reached number one on the chart.


Heavy Is the Head was supported by the singles " Vossi Bop", " Crown", " Wiley Flow" and " Own It". The album features collaborations with Aitch, Burna Boy, Ed Sheeran, Headie One, H.E.R., and Yebba. It was released on 13 December 2019 through #Merky Records and Atlantic Records UK. Heavy Is the Head (abbreviated to h.i.t.h on the album cover) is the second studio album by British rapper Stormzy.
