Get to Know: Bugzy Malone
This week's featured artist is one of the UK's most exciting rappers: Bugzy Malone.
Bugzy has been making a name for himself in grime ever since he released his first mixtape in 2010. Since then he has earned the adoration of thousands of fans and established himself as one of the UK'sbest. His first two EPs: 'Walk with Me 'and 'Facing Time'debuted at 8 and 6 on the UK albums chartand it looks as though his new EP 'King of the North' could outpeak them.
We were lucky enough to catch up with the 26 year old to find out a little bit more about him.
Check it out here...
1) For those who don’t know about you and your music, tell us a little bit about who you are and where you’re from…
My name’s Bugzy Malone, I’m 26 and I’m from Manchester. My previous two EP’s went top ten in the album chart and I’ve had over 100 million views on YouTube. My music is quite diverse, but it blends Grime, Hip-Hop, Old Skool and other urban genres together. I like to tell real stories in my songs, which seems to really connect.
2) Describe your sound in three words…
Evolution of Grime
3) Who inspired you to start a career in music?
It was just a big mixture of sounds when I was growing up. Music was a great way for me to express myself, there’s topics I talk about in my songs, which I wouldn’t have a conversation about in real life. My music is a diary of events that have happened in my life, so we’ll soon see what the next chapter has in store.
4) Who are your biggest musical influences?
There’s loads to be honest, Tupac Shakur was and still is one of them. I was also definitely influenced by ‘House and Garage’ growing up and obviously being from Manchester, Oasis. That’s why it’s great that I have those influences on the new EP 'King of the North'. Oasis allowed me to use lyrics from 'Wonderwall', so I’m super gassed to re-version the track and get it to a new audience, as it’s a classic.
5) Tell us about the writing and recording process for your new music…
The writing and recording process is what I enjoy, it allows me to be creative and work with different artists and producers. On my new EP ‘King of the North’ I worked with Toddla T, Z Dot, Producer S-X, SHIFT K3Y, Tom Grennan and the old skool garage legends DJ Luck and MC Neat.
6) What can we expect from your live shows?
Expect surprises, energy and mosh pits.
7) What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
It was last year performing on Jools Holland with Chase and Status, as it’s my mums favourite show, so I got to take her along and she was over the moon.
8) Have you met anyone and been totally starstruck?
Not yet but I’m sure that it will happen soon.
9) What’s on your iPod/playlists that people wouldn’t expect?
I’m listening to some old skool Shola Ama at the moment. She has an amazing voice.
10) When can we see you live?
I’ve got loads of festivals coming up this summer, including headlining the 1Xtra Stage at the Reading and Leeds Festival. You can also catch me on my UK and Ireland tour which starts in October.
His new single 'Bruce Wayne' is out now, check it out below!
