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Well if you are into UK hiphop and haven’t heard of Hackney born Iceberg Slimm yet, then you really are sleeping. He’s been signed to Polydor which is huge for an artist of any genre of music, let alone UK hiphop. With is single ‘Nursery Rhymes’ out on CD, yep that’s right a UK artist with a CD single, he’s set to take UK hiphop to a new level. Mad rotation of his latest single on MTV and Radio 1 has set a new standard for UK artists to follow, and with more Quirk than Pauline, you can’t fail to miss him. Whether you like the purple haired Slimm, there is no doubt he ain’t going anywhere.
Alright man? Give yourself a bit of an introduction
*In Chorus*
So you grew up in Hackney, what are your memories of the place?
Basically, lots of friends, living every day free as a young child having no problems just wanting to fulfil my childhood dreams, being a rapper or entertainer
When did you first decide you wanted to be a hiphop artist? And how did you take those first steps?
From the age of say 9 doing break dancing and body pumping and concentrated on becoming a rapper from the age of 11. Basically researching on every rapper that I liked like Redman, Method Man, EPMD, LL Cool J, Busta etc. etc. and trying to get as much information on the industry.
When you signed to Polydor you dyed your hair, it must have been a great feeling to sign to such a big label, what was it like?
A DREAM COME TRUE! Having a label that has lots of mainstream music and an urban artist makes what I do & the Frojak team also feel special.
How do you feel about the way you are positioned within the market place and is that through your wishes or the marketing department of a larger label?
The positioning is a 50/50 thing, everything that we do comes with compromise, both ways - label & artist. Having such a great relationship, Polydor wouldn't force me into anything I didn't want to do.
Do you feel that working on a major has restricted you like so many people think it does?
Not really, umm you have to learn as I said before to adapt and compromise with the record labels in this industry. The UK is not just urban music so you have to be universal in the way you think as a musician/entertainer.
Right your name, Iceberg Slimm was a writer who heavily influenced the likes of Ice-T. I think he was a pimp, no?. But how do you feel about using such an influential name and how did it come about?
Yes he was a pimp but it has nothing to do with the reason why I chose his name. He influenced and inspired me through his personal life. His parents separated when he was at a young age and him learning how to fend for himself and growing up at a young age was similar to my personal life which is why I took on the name. RIP the real Iceberg Slimm.
In the video for ‘Nursery Rhymes’ Trevor Nelson appears, you good mates?
Yeah, Trevor has known about my stuff for a long time. So him knowing my manager, showing love to UK talent he came & represented in the video.
Was that song aimed at children or did it just sort of come about a different way?
Yeah basically the whole planning of the song was based on a freestyle I done and me and Skillagan (my producer), we never sat out to make a children's track it just naturally came from the freestyle I done.
What are your thoughts on the state of UK hiphop?
Umm, its changing slowly due to the UK music industry starting to accept American Hip Hop more into our national charts which I feel has helped me to get signed to a major label and hopefully be successful to help other English acts to get through.
Can you see it furthering itself in the future, or is it Stagnating?
I definitely see it improving because I feel the UK hip hop scene is as good as the US, as well as R & B also. It just takes time & progression.
Do you think you play a major role in the direction of UK hiphop as you seem to be having great success where others have failed?
I wouldn't say a major role I'd say I'm one of many to open the door in UK hip hop. If it means taking criticism for what I do and I can help other acts to get signed, then criticise.
What do you feel your success is down to? And do you think you will be able to carry that success over the pond?
My success is down to having positive people around me and focusing on goals Frojak and myself have set out to achieve. I believe if it carries it will depend on if the UK public are ready to support not just me but UK hip-hop music.
Who are UK artists you listen to and admire? Who are your UK influences? As your from Hackney I take it you know Funky DL?
57th dynasty, Rodney P, Black twang, Jamelia, Damage, Craig David etc. Richard Blackwood for what he's done for black people. If people criticise him for getting into music but who are we to judge his rise to success? Funky DL, I've met him once, don't know him personally well. From Hackney I know Glamma Kid & Overload X from back in the day.
Some have mentioned your slight American accent, how do you feel about these allegations?
Being influenced from nine years old listening to hip hop music it was hard for me personally to get my hands on UK hip hop. I only heard hip hop through my uncles & family members, so that's why my influences are from the US but my heart & mind is British.
Your crew Frojak, Any of them we need to look out for?
Yeah! A rapper called J Fabulous who features on my album. A singer called Perry Morgan and a good friend of ours called Royston. That's just some of the names to mention from the forthcoming Frojak entertainment.
Just quickly, what do you feel out Britain in general? Would you ever want to live anywhere else?
I'm proud of where I come from, that's all I can say for that. And as for living somewhere else, no not at the moment. I LOVE THE UK!
Are there many MC’s, Producers and Beatboxer’s you would like to work with?
From the UK, Damage who I am working with on a single from my forthcoming album, also hopefully Jamelia & Craig David but they are not yet confirmed. US wise from the likes of Redman to Eminem, Jay-Z, and Busta rhymes etc.
What can we expect from Iceberg Slimm in the future?
Everyone knows about my mainstream side of the music but the album contains more of the hardcore stuff that the real hip hop heads want to hear.
Any shout outs or final words?
Yeah, stay focused and positive in anything you do. Don't let anyone mislead you, follow your heart, friends & family and you will be whatever you want to be.
Thanks Very much for your time man!
If you want to know more about this character they call Iceberg Slimm then pick up his latest single which you can find anywhere or take a look at his website http://www.icebergslimm.co.uk And be sure to play the Iceberg Slimm game y’all http://www.icebergslimm.co.uk/icegame.html
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Iceberg Slimm Interview
interview 0027 added 23.09.00 words 2Hip
They call me Ice-Berg-Slimm, Outa England, Outa England (Slimm Laughs)
UK hip-hop is changing slowly due to the UK music industry starting to accept American Hip Hop more into our national charts which I feel has helped me to get signed to a major label...
