Stormzy threatened to quit record label over controversy of boss in black face

Grime legend Stormzy was left fuming as record label bosses failed to act for over a year on a case of a high-up wearing black face.

The rapper, 26, even threatened the leave the label, Atlantic Records, if action wasn't taken against Ben Cook, 42.

Ben, who was responsible for launching the career of Ed Sheeran , had appeared in black face in 2012 in imitation of a member of American rap group Run DMC.

Yesterday, Ben quit the company, after sources told The Sun that Stormzy had told parent company Warner Music that he wouldn't stand for it - and would even quit the label.

A source told the publication: "When Stormzy found out what had gone on, and that he had been allowed to stay, he was furious.

Stormzy's a grime icon (Getty Images)

"He stepped in and made it clear he would not be prepared to keep working with them if Ben stayed, and also that he might go public with the details of why.

"He clearly saw this as a major issue and felt he had a responsibility to use his influence to highlight it - and to ensure incidents like this are taken seriously.

"He absolutely believes this was the right thing to do."

Cook himself made a statement in which he admitted that wearing black face was the wrong thing to do.

Stormzy headlined at Glastonbury (PA)

He said: "While my intention was to honour a musical hero, I recognise my appearance was offensive and I made a terrible mistake.

"I am devastated this mistake has caused upset and has called into question my commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion."

Stormzy headlined Glastonbury in June, and made waves wearing a stab vest decorated with the Union Jack to protest the tide of knife crime in London.

He told his legions of fans: "This is the greatest night of my life."

Stormzy had opened his show with a video of US rapper Jay-Z giving him advice on his career and how to inspire black children who might look up to him.

Jay-Z said: "Culture moves the world. When you step on that stage, you're going to see it because they are really ready for it."

Stormzy's also close pals with Ed Sheeran, who he recently collaborated with on their smash hit Take Me Back To London.