Artist Interview

Which artists do you think are the most influential in the Hip Hop genre?

Hmm...Definitely Tupac, Biggie Smalls and Nas and that’s because these artists create music that have meaning. Obviously there’s the occasional inappropriate song here and there [laughs] but yeah

.. There’s this song by tupac called ‘Changes’. This song is so meaningful and Tupac for me was a very inspirational person. Not just because of the music that he made but because of his morals. I think it’s important to know what you’re actually rapping or singing to. There are some songs nowadays that just don’t make sense. Like… lyrics used to be like “Let’s change the way we eat, let’s change the way we live and let’s change the way we treat each other.” Now they’re just like “She got a big booty so I call her big booty”. I’m not gonna lie these songs are catchy and I have a lot of respect for these artists in the game and all that but where’s the meaning in some of these lyrics? I admire J.Cole. I think he’s amazing man. I can’t even choose my favourite song from any of his albums cause they’re all just great. Hmm, who else. Yeah, Drake and of course Jay-Z. I really respect Nicki Minaj. I love what she’s doing. There aren’t many female Hip Hop artists but she’s not letting that get to her and I respect that for real. She’s doing her thing big time. One person I really admire is Chris Brown. Really and truly he’s more like an RnB artist but over the years he’s produced some proper Hip Hop stuff and it’s really good. I love that he can rap on his song and sing his own chorus aswell. He’s amazing man.

What audience were you targeting with your new album ‘Pain Vs Pleasure’?

Mainly people from the age range of about 16-25 years old but I don’t really have a specific target audience. I mean, anyone can listen to my music. I wanted my album to have a mixture of sound even though I am a Hip Hop artist. I collaborated with artists that my fans weren’t expecting. I did one track called ‘Living Large’ with Tinie Tempah and another track called ‘Painful Love’ which featured the amazing Jhene Aiko. That track was more relaxed and soulful rather than the usual head banging hip hop music. It’s just so truthful aswell cos where am I gonna get talking about shooting and getting arrested? Nowhere… There’s a mix of slow jams, hardcore rap and soft Rnb on my album and that’s good cos I get different target audiences listening to my music. My favourite track on the album would have to be ‘Get it right’ which features Big Sean. It’s just the realest track I have. My favourite line from the song would be [raps…] “Who are you to judge the life I live uh, I know I'm not perfect and I don't live to be, but before you start pointing fingers make sure you hands are clean!”. Big Sean’s flow on this track is mad! I rate him for that.

Wow, so what are you currently doing right now since you’ve released ‘Pain Vs

Pleasure’ ?

Well, by the end of December, I’ll be going on tour with Kid Ink who also features on my album. I can’t wait. But for now I’ve just been doing shows across London and America. I’m working so hard. I just wanna be the best I can be.

That’s great! Have you had any embarassing moments whilst performing?

Ahh, yeah. [laughs]. I was just casually doing my thing on stage and there was a wire that Ididn’t see and I almost fell over. Ahh, it was so embarassing [laughs]. But it’s cool cause the ladies still love me ha.

Ha ha, that must’ve been embarrassing.Well now that that’s out they way, are there disadvantages of being in the music industry as a Hip Hop artist?

Well I’m currently signed to the major label ‘Columbia’ and it’s a great thing being signed to a major label but I’m not gonna lie it does limit my creativity a bit. It’s cause they have rights to my music I guess. But it’s all part of the game man. I love it. I like being recognised by many people and also getting the chance to meet amazing celebs. And of course the ladies [laughs].

Are there any disadvantages of being in the music industry as a Hip Hop artist?

I don’t get enough sleep though I’m always up rehearsing and doing things. It does get hard but it all pays off I guess. I love to please my fans. I can’t be slacking you know, that would just put my fans off. I always take on board feedback aswell, like, even if someone hated me so much and didn’t like my music. I’d like to know why.

I’m currently signed to the major label ‘Columbia’ and it’s a great thing being signed to a major label but I’m not gonna lie it does limit my creativity a bit. It’s cause they have rights to my music I guess. But it’s all part of the game man. I love it. I like being recognised by many people and also getting the chance to meet amazing celebs. And of course the ladies [laughs].

Ha, so I take it you’re not in a relationship then?

[laughs] Nah.. I just don’t have time for one. I wouldn’t want to put myself in the position where I don’t have time to even spend with my girl cause I’m a busy young man. I’m not gonna put no girl through that. Maybe later on when I’m ready to settle down properly. For now, I’m living the single life!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I want to have sold out shows in numerous amounts of countries. I want to travel and do things! It’s also my dream to collaborate with some of the biggest artists of today. I’m talking Jay-Z, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, J.Cole… the list goes on. I am a fan of them and their music and I would love to feature them or even have them feature on a couple of my own tracks. I want to be able to look at myself everyday in the mirror and be like “Wooowww, is that me yeah?!” haha. I’m kidding. But I would really love to look back at my progress and see how far I’ve come. I’ve already come a long way in the industry but I want to go further.

What advice would you give to young individuals trying to make it in the music industry as a hip hop artist?

Just have faith init, believe that you can make it and keep pushing yourself. That way you’ll make it. Oh, and be yourself. There’s no point trying to be an artist that people want you to be. Be the artist that you want to be. There’s no point in forcing yourself to be like someone else, is there?