In an exclusive interview with Clash Magazine British rapper Dizzee Rascal has revealed the story behind his chart busting return.
Nominated for a Mercury Music Prize with his debut album Dizzee Rascal has been one of the most pivotal figures in UK hip hop for the past ten years. Lighting a fire for the grime scene the rapper has since turned pop in one of the year’s most spectacular comebacks.
Sure, last year’s summer anthem ‘Dance Wiv Me’ should have provided prior warning but the electro / hip hop mash up that was ‘Bonkers’ still astounded all those who heard it.
With follow up single ‘Holiday’ soaking up the last ray’s of the summer sun Dizzee Rascal is preparing to release his new album, the first on his own label. Speaking to Clash Magazine, the rapper revealed that he has learned to accept what ‘pop music’ is.
“I get pop music now” he claimed. “I get what a pop format is, to be up with there with the greats and the best. I don’t think I really knew how to do it when I started out because the environment that I was competing for was the underground pirate radio scene. It was more MC-based. And there ain’t been too many things UK-wise and MC-based that have been in the charts.”
“So that was my only reference. But being in the music industry over a seven-year period, going to all the festivals, all these different events, I actually learnt how to do it along the way.”
Parting ways with long time home XL Recordings, Dizzee Rascal founded his own imprint Dirtee Stank. Releasing his new album ‘Tongue N Cheek’ this week, the rapper is set to storm the charts all over again.
Look out for the full interview with Dizzee Rascal in Clash Magazine soon!
