Giggs Talks Drake, Leaving London and Why British Rap Is on the Rise

SN1’s leader speaks out.

Music
10.3K 0 Comments

Following on from its chat with Stormzy, i-D magazine have sat down with another of South London’s finest musical exports, Giggs, to talk about his background, why Drake is his favorite rapper and the reasons he believes British rap is going places. Since dropping his 2008 album, Walk In Da Park, Giggs has collaborated with everyone from Mike Skinner and Ed Sheeran to B.o.B and JME, and released another three records, leaving him perfectly placed to give an overview on the rise, fall and rise again of the London scene.

British MC’s are currently enjoying a lot of attention – why do you think that is?
I think it’s probably cos we’re owning it more now. Instead of trying to fit in with this country, or that country, we’re actually respecting ourselves a bit more. We’re sick, we’re as hard as anyone and we make bangers, and people are more embracing where man’s coming from.

Where did the scene go wrong?
I don’t think it went wrong at all. Obviously you had a couple of man making some bullshit pop, but everything’s written. So them man there, doing that, if they never done that, we probably wouldn’t be where we are now, in some sense, cos that’s how it worked. They took it where they took it, and that probably made people check us out more. Man never really had direction, everyone’s learning, and now they’re building. Cos this is all shit that hasn’t been done before. What we’re doing in this country hasn’t been done before, so what way was there to do it? You’ve got to try different things.

What makes British music so great?
There’s nothing special about the UK. I don’t look at things like that. Good music is good music.

Who’s your favorite MC?
It’s kinda changed over time, but I’d have to say Drake. I’d be lying if I said anyone else.

Where do you live and what’s it like?
Now I live in the countryside. It’s the simple life. That’s the life for me. I’ve seen enough excitement, you get me.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I never used to think about that, really. I just knew I wanted to be heavy.

Head to i-D magazine for the full interview.

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

McQ by Alexander McQueen x PUMA 2015 Fall/Winter Video Lookbook
Footwear

McQ by Alexander McQueen x PUMA 2015 Fall/Winter Video Lookbook

A futuristic take from McQ on PUMA’s storied classics.

Chief Keef Unveils First 'Bang 3 (Part 2)' Single, "Bouncin"
Music 

Chief Keef Unveils First 'Bang 3 (Part 2)' Single, "Bouncin"

It’s almost like Chief Keef is emulating close collaborator Gucci Mane’s legendary work ethic.

FC Bayern Munich Unveil 2015/16 Merchandise With Tongue-In-Cheek Video
Sports

FC Bayern Munich Unveil 2015/16 Merchandise With Tongue-In-Cheek Video

Germans, with a sense of humor.

Tokyo's Newest Airport Terminal Is an Exercise in Low-Cost Minimalism
Design

Tokyo's Newest Airport Terminal Is an Exercise in Low-Cost Minimalism

An airport terminal that is impossible to get lost in.

Jeremy Scott on Miley Cyrus, His Documentary and Being Bullied
Fashion

Jeremy Scott on Miley Cyrus, His Documentary and Being Bullied

The Moschino designer pays Facebook HQ a visit and answers questions from fans.


Watch Travi$ Scott Working on a 'Rodeo' Song
Music 

Watch Travi$ Scott Working on a 'Rodeo' Song

These are the days before Rodeo, and accordingly, Travi$ Scott is putting in some serious work. As

Listen to The Weeknd's Kanye West-Produced Song "Tell Your Friends"
Music 

Listen to The Weeknd's Kanye West-Produced Song "Tell Your Friends"

Last night, Travi$ Scott teased The Weeknd’s Kanye West-produced track “Tell Your Friends.” A

Drake's Alleged Ghostwriter, Quentin Miller Drops a Mixtape
Music 

Drake's Alleged Ghostwriter, Quentin Miller Drops a Mixtape

Quentin Miller might have made more headlines in recent months for the whole Drake ghostwriting

Gavin Turek - Surrender (Produced by TOKiMONSTA)
Music 

Gavin Turek - Surrender (Produced by TOKiMONSTA)

Gavin Turek and TOKiMONSTA continue to showcase their inimitable chemistry together. Last month,

Pharrell & Pusha T Featured on adidas Originals' "Supershell Experience"
Music 

Pharrell & Pusha T Featured on adidas Originals' "Supershell Experience"

Pharrell links up with Pusha T for a newly-released vignette put together in support of adidas’

More ▾
 
We got you covered. Don’t miss out on the latest news by signing up for our newsletters.