Stormy, known as StormyTheReal on YouTube, is an artist with layers—much like the iceberg metaphor at the heart of his album. A Moroccan rapper and singer with a deep connection to his craft, Stormy’s music explores themes of resilience, hidden struggles, and perseverance. When he reached out during a trip to England to create a trailer video for his upcoming album Iceberg, I was excited to help bring his vision to life.
The day felt blessed from the start. As we drove to the South England coast, the weather was unusually perfect—sunny skies and a calm sea stretched endlessly before us, setting the stage for Stormy’s story. In Iceberg, he raps about the unseen forces that shape us: “الجليد اللي ظاهر فوق الماء نصف الحقيقة” (The ice above water is only half the truth). These words rang true as we filmed, capturing not just the visible beauty of the scenery but the unspoken depth Stormy brings to his music.
With my FPV drone, I filmed Stormy moving towards the cliffs and then on top of them. I made the drone dipping and weaving to emphasize the tension between the seen and unseen, from bottom of the cliffs – representing the Iceberg – to the top of them. Each shot felt like it mirrored his lyrics, “كنقاتل تحت الماء باللي ماشي باين” (I’m fighting underwater with what’s not visible). His solitary figure against the vast expanse of sky and sea embodied the struggles he describes, standing strong despite life’s hidden battles.
On set, I also brought along the new DJI Mavic Air 3 I acquired as I was preparing my trip to Asia at the time of the shoot. I used it to film a few cinematic shots. One of these—a breathtaking wide-angle frame of Stormy silhouetted at the bottom of the cliffs—became the perfect ending for the trailer as the drone was focusing on him while going backwards the ocean. It captured not only the serenity of the scene but also the weight of his message: that beneath the calm exterior lies a deep reservoir of effort and endurance.
On our way back to London, we reflected on the day, discussing life, the Moroccan music scene, and his journey as an artist. Stormy shared how Iceberg represents not just his personal struggles but the universal fight to rise above the surface while carrying the weight of what lies below.
I didn’t know his music before and I’m glad our paths crossed.
Filming Iceberg wasn’t just about visuals—it was about capturing the essence of Stormy’s story, one that speaks to resilience, ambition, and the beauty of what lies beneath.
