I am a lyricist and producer from the midlands, UK. My career spans over a decade, beginning in 2000 as the founder of a small independent grass roots record label, and then going on to gain national radio and television airplay and performing to crowds in arenas across the country.
My formative years were spent deep within the UK Hip Hop scene as a rapper. I worked my way up the ranks, gaining radio support from Tim Westwood, Colin Murray, Zane Lowe, Huw Stephans and Sara Cox from BBC Radio 1, BBC 1Xtra and many more reputable stations and DJs, as well as video support on MTV Base and MTV Hits. In 2007 I was a finalist in the Diesel Clothing U-Music awards and in 2008 a BBC Performing Arts bursary winner.
My work on the underground paid off and resulted in me receiving a guest vocal slot on Mark Ronson & Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie” official B side remix. The single released by Sony BMG sold over 400,000 units in the UK.
Off the back of the single, I was invited to join Mark Ronson on tour promoting his hugely successful “Version” album, and then went on to support US rap superstar Jay-Z in his UK arena tour as part of Ronson’s band.
During this time I collaborated with UK hip hop producer Baby J and released a single called “Wake Up” which we were asked to perform with a full band and string section at BBC Maida Vale Studios for Radio 1.
After the Jay Z tour I began writing new material with live musicians, which led to me forming The Diggers, a group of local musicians who would provide the musical back drop for my wittier dittys and provide me with the chance to produce and write with live musicians in the studio as appose to samples and synths.
The Diggers played notable festivals such as Headstock, Y Not and Bus Stop Over, as well as shows at leading venues including Rock City, The Roundhouse, The Queen of Hoxton, Cargo, The Rescue Rooms and Night n Day. Recent gigs include support slots for acts such as Devlin, Asian Dub Foundation, The Lightening Seeds, 2tone legends The Beat, Dreadzone and Jerry Dammers of The Specials.
As an established lyricist and accomplished performer with a reputation for humour laden content, I’m now exploring one man show territory and dipping my muddy boot into spoken word with strands of comedy mixed in.
As an experienced producer with over 10 years worth of self produced releases in my discography, I’m now producing for other artists, bringing my unique sound and eclectic influences combined with extensive studio experience to the next generation of MCs and rappers.
I am also a passionate creative practitioner and currently spend the bulk of my working week delivering workshops and classes to some of the most hard to reach young people across the east midlands.
