Welcome to Decoded, a new intimate interview series spotlighting the artists behind breakthrough, zeitgeist-defining projects.
Filmed in-studio, each episode sees staff writer and host Shahzaib invite a Clash co-signed artist into his confessional booth, dissecting the creative process through a thoughtful interrogation of influences, themes and iconography.
For Episode 1, we sat down with South London rapper (and former Next Wave star) KAM-BU, examining his trenchant debut project, 'Black On Black'. An expansive body of work, KAM-BU connects historical evocations from his Grandfather – a part of the Windrush generation – to his own contemporary anecdotes. With wordplay that is sobering, anarchic, roguish but always raw, 'Black On Black' is easily one of the most enriching UK rap releases of 2021 – both a remembrance and a call to arms.
KAM-BU shared why 'Black On Black' is a tribute to his ancestors and a cautionary tale for the generation coming up, the leitmotifs behind key tracks on the project, his affinity for idiosyncratic production and why intention governed every step of his process.
Sit back and tune into the conversation below….
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Words: Shahzaib Hussain
Photography: Robert Luca
