Tinchy Stryder
August 2009 | Urban
Don't be fooled by the little man with the big sound. Although only 22, Tinchy Stryder is no newcomer to the music scene - he's been MCing since he was 13, and has one album and a string of singles (including two number ones) underneath his belt. And he has plenty to talk about - "Catch 22" is his latest record, set to tear up the charts big time. It contains 18 tracks delivered with the confidence and self-assurance that have become his trademark.
Not content with his success in music, he has also branched out into clothing, launching his own unique Star In The Hood fashion range. We spoke exclusively to the Stryderman to find out exactly what makes him the most promising British urban music star on the scene today...
The interview
You had your first number one (with "Number One") and then your last single ("Never Leave You") went in at the top of the charts as well. Was that a surprise?
I actually wasn't expecting a number 1 with Number One. As soon as I recorded it I knew it was a big track, but I never thought I would be a number one artist. I thought the song was good, but I didn't think that far ahead with it. It was a different feeling getting to number one, though.
How did you work with Dappy from N Dubz on "Number One"?
We first met a couple of years ago at the MOBOs. It was like, we should do something together, but there was never no time. Then we hooked up and got in a studio together. It turns out that we just needed to be in the same room together to write a song.
The new album is "Catch 22" and it's out to buy on Monday - how is it different from the first one?
It's like a growth in every way. I've got more to talk about in the music, tried a lot of new things, it's more like musical, it gives you more of an insight into what I'm like. It's a whole new sound. A whole different thing.
More of a commercial sound?
Yeah, it's more commercial compared to the first one. I don't think that was over planned, I didn't set out to do that. All the singles are on there and the other songs are not as dark as what I have done before. It all comes of what space you are in at the time. I always try something new.
Who are the main players on the record?
Taio Cruz, Amelle from Sugababes and Ruff Squad, which is my clique that I roll with. Frankmusik produced a couple of tracks.
Tell me about Star In The Hood, your new clothing line.
It came about from the title of the last album... I always feel like I can relate whatever situation I'm in at the time. At the time I was treated like a "star in the hood" - and there are positives and negatives go with that tag, but that's where I was at that time.
We did a few t shirts, about three years ago. Then we turned it into a clothing line and everyone started wearing it.
The big dogs in US hip hop all have their own fashion ranges - guys like Jay Z (Rocawear) and 50 Cent (G Unit)... are they your inspiration?
Yeah, I think Rocawear is really influential; I'd like to go in that direction. G Unit as well - that's fresh.
Do you design the gear?
Yeah, when we started it was just t-shirts - so there was not too much to design. As we're making new things, I ain't got much time to design things, but I always approve.
You finished your design course you were doing at college, yeah? How did you fit that in with the music?
It was hectic. The last year was the worst part. The first two years were tough too, but it was a few days a week, you could handle it. In my last year the music started happening. I could have quit, but then I thought there was only a year left, I might as well get through this.
It must be something you can fall back on if you ever exit the music scene...
Yeah, it's a skill I have more knowledge about. It'll come in handy one day.
Who's the next big star on the UK urban scene?
Who is gonna big real soon? Chipmunk. If you're talking on the level of being chart success, he's someone who can hit the top ten. It'll be him.
Do you roll with other stars of the urban scene - guys like Wiley, Dizzee, Ironik?
I'm cool with everyone you mention. We don't all roll together... Wiley and Dizzee roll from the same area. Wiley's been a big supporter. I'm cool with N Dubz.
Do you see yourself as a role model for the kids?
Nah, I don't think so... personally, I just try to be myself. People do look up to you, and they listen to your music. With our scene it was just like whatever goes. We just loved the music, loved writing music. When it blew up, it wasn't like I was a role model and I speak for the community. But you have to be aware of that, 'cos the kids do look to you.
I hear you man. Thanks for speaking to we7 today - good luck with the album, we reckon it's gonna blow up big style!
No problem, you take care man.
