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  Awkward Interview
interview 0419 added
02.06.06 words:
Safesoul
technical:
QED
Awkward has his fingers in all the pies, he
raps, DJ’s, B-Boys and Graff’s. He lives the life of what
Hip Hop is supposed to be about; raw and keeping it old skool. Check out
what he had to say to Safesoul...
“...Most
of the ‘real’ players are often sidelined by business people...”
Safesoul: When did
you fall in love with Hip Hop?
 Awkward: Well it was probably in 1985 at the age of 9! I went to see a
graffiti exhibition at the Arnolfini art gallery. The Wild Bunch played
at the opening and it was the first time I heard the music, saw the art
and witnessed B Boying all at once.
Safesoul: Who or
what are your main influences?
Awkward: I’d say that that event was my main influence, but it was also
other local groups such as 3PM and Fresh 4 along with the Electro street
sounds albums that really made me want to be involved. The book Subway
art and the film Wild Style were also very important influences.
Safesoul: For the
rest of the UK, tell me about yourself and your contribution to the
Bristol Hip Hop scene.
Awkward: Well, apart from regular DJ slots over the last 13 years I've
released one 12", 2 tapes and 2 CD albums. I contributed scratches to
the Hundred Strong and One Cut LP's on Hombre. I’ve been in 3 bands and
I'm currently organising Bristol B Boy/Girl convention with the 4th one
coming up this summer, as well as getting ready to self release my new
CD "The Bones at the Bottom".
Safesoul: You can DJ
and MC, what do you prefer?
Awkward: B Boying and Graff!
“...Recently
Hip Hop Connection told a friend of mine that they weren't aware there
was a hip hop scene in Bristol at all!...”
Safesoul: Who do you
think are the main players in Bristol Hip Hop?
 Awkward: At the moment, Sir Plus, Beans OBE, Souljah Clique, Stepchild
and Rogue, Physical Jerks and Vertebrae crew... too many to mention!
Safesoul: What can
Bristol Hip Hop acts/artist do to make themselves more well known in the
UK?
Awkward: Self promotion through the Internet and gigs!
Safesoul: Every UK
Hip Hop website around focuses more on London acts than anywhere else,
why do you think this is?
Awkward: Being lazy, short sighted and biased, full stop. Recently Hip
Hop Connection told a friend of mine that they weren't aware there was a
hip hop scene in Bristol at all!
Safesoul: Finally,
Who do you feel are the main players in Hip Hop at the moment?
Awkward: That all depends on your view point...its so vast and varied
that real Hip Hop has been lost under a tide of mediocrity...its down to
the individual. The major "players" seem to be chancers making big money
off a deep rooted culture. Most of the "real" players are often
sidelined by business people.
“...I
heard the music, saw the art and witnessed B Boying all at once...”
-
Safesoul
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