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 Dizzee Rascal Interview
interview 0355 added 04.12.05 words: Ben Spurr
technical: Spoon
Some artists need no introduction. If you’re reading this site then I’m sure you know Dylan Mills. I’m sure you know how he left Roll Deep to be a massive solo star that sells big not only in the UK but over the Atlantic in the States. I’m sure you know how he became the first rapper to win the Mercury Music prize with his groundbreaking debut ‘Boy in Da Corner’. However, if you’ve been living under a rock for the last two years and you don’t know; then get to know! Ladies and Gentlemen, ukhh’s Ben Spurr is proud to introduce one of the UK undergrounds greatest success stories - Dizzee Rascal.
Tell me about Dirtee Stank Recordings your label and what’s to come from you?
Basically Dirtee Stank is the label I started before I was even signed to XL. I actually put out a few instrumentals, I put out ‘I Luv U’, now I’m actually getting a chance to put out other peoples music. I’ve got two groups, one’s called Newham Generals out of London, some of you might have heard of D Double E; that’s his collective. Another group called Class A straight out of Leicester, the Midlands, so it’s a nationwide thing.
That’s a good thing, it’s not so often mans outside of London get their shine on is it?
Y’get me, because me, I love music and I heard their stuff and it touched me and it just had to be done. I also understood that there was no in between- it was like independent or major and there was nothing to bridge the gap. Dirtee Stank; we’re definitely filling that gap y’know what I mean?
Any information on the new album like a title or a single planned?
The album’s called ‘Maths and English’ because that’s what I do, you understand? Whether it’s producing or whatever it’s all numbers y’get me?
It’s all beats and bars…
 Exactly, y’ know what I’m sayin’; and the writing, that’s the English part and that’s the way it is. I’ve done quite a bit, a lot of inspired ideas, not a lot of finished tracks but its there and if I do say so myself; it’s quite banging!
Who have you got on the beats?
I’ve actually worked with Footsie, Newham Generals and a lot of my own production there still.
Have we got an exclusive date for when it’s released?
Nah- it should be about the middle of next year, I’ve actually done a thing with Shy FX as well.
You seem quite eclectic compared to most of the mans out there- working with people like Basement Jaxx. Do you think that this open minded way of making music is why you are one of the only people on this scene to succeed stateside?
“...If I do say so myself, it's quite banging!...”
I think that’s part of it and I think its persistence. You know I’ve had a lot of set backs but it’s about only expecting them to be temporary and just keep strolling on. It could be a lot worse; I just try to be positive, persistent and enthusiastic. I love music, if I wasn’t doing this I would have been happy to settle for being a DJ. Any aspect that I can, whether it’s this, the whole label thing, hosting the show, I love it all man- it’s all good. When I get a reaction, people jumping around enjoying themselves- that’s priceless y’get me?
That must be a good feeling man; to see those people singing back the tunes that you’ve written in your bedroom or whatever?
Yeah man, just to see them happy, to know that you made those people happy with so much madness going on in the world. I don’t even wanna’ start sounding all mushy and all that shit but it just shows that something as simple as music can just bring strangers together and make them happy in the same place.
Any final messages that you want to voice to the UKHH readers?
Yo, Hip Hop will never die… that’s it!
The latest album ‘Showtime’ is out now (and has been for over a year) on XL Recordings- so if you still haven’t copped it then you're in luck- the shops are open late for Christmas!
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Ben Spurr
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