Stush

Stush is a South London rapper and vocalist associated with grime and dancehall reggae. She first appears on the garage scene in 2001 with the track “Dollar $ign”, a club-focused single that helps establish her as an artist with a distinctive lyrical style and melodic delivery. She uses the stylised name $tush in some contexts.

Background and influences

Her roots are in Jamaica, and she grows up listening to artists including Garnet Silk, Sizzla and Bob Marley. She also learns about her cultural background through her parents, reading history books and drawing on her father’s vinyl collection.

Career

By 2002, Stush signs to Universal. She later works with Wyclef and Needle’s, who is associated with 50 Cent and G Unit. She avoids rushing an album release, instead spending time developing and refining her approach.

In 2007, she features on Groove Armada’s “Get Down”, which appears on Sound Boy Rock. The single reaches the UK Top Ten and the Australian download chart Top 4. Around this period, she tours Australia, New Zealand and the UK, and appears on Channel Four programmes including Transmission and Popworld. Her planned television appearances include The Jool’s Holland show and Jo Wiley’s Live Lounge.

Reception and profile

Early in her career, Stush becomes known as a role model and a visible figure for women drawn to her confident, celebratory attitude. She is also described as an artist with lasting appeal and a strong presence in UK club and rap circles.