Rebel Phoenix: Rapper talks about his plans for a new album

When did you start rapping and what was your first rap like?

I wrote my first verse when I was around 12, my love for poetry guided me towards it. It obviously wasn’t very technical, but I think my choice of words was a sign of good potential.

I know this because my mam still has the piece of paper that I wrote it down on. I took rap more seriously when I was around 17. I think I’ve always had a knack for it, but I’ve been practicing and perfecting my craft ever since.

How would you describe your sound?

I’d describe my sound as unique and uplifting. I feel like this comes from the beat selection, which I am very conscious of, as well as the lyrical content.

Inspiring lyrics are one of my main focuses when it comes to making songs – I want listeners to be energised and feel like they can achieve their dreams when they listen to my music, regardless of their current situation.

What appeals to you the most about creating rap music?

The fact that my music can inspire people to be the best version of themselves is one of the most rewarding things about this art form, for me. I also love the diverse listenership it appeals to; all kinds of people can enjoy rap when it’s done right. It’s also an outlet that allows me to process a lot of the emotions I experience on a day-to-day basis, which I’m sure a lot of my listeners can relate to. So many different vibes can be manifested through rap.

You split your time between Ireland and the US. What do you think are the differences between the rap scenes here and in the US?

The main difference I’ve noticed between the rap scene in Ireland and the US is the level of competition. In Ireland, there are a lot of people making music and for the most part, we’re all supportive of each other.

The same goes in New York, where I’ve spent a lot of time, but there are so many more people doing it, so you really need to prove yourself if you want to get a look in.

Being an Irish rapper over there was very interesting, because most people in America aren’t even aware that a rap scene exists in Ireland.

They love the Irish and they love rap music so when you put the two together, they generally think it’s really cool.

I still had to prove that I was a skilled emcee to gain the respect amongst my peers that I did. There are definitely bigger opportunities in the US as a rapper, but Ireland’s infrastructure still has a lot to offer and is constantly growing. Rap and similar genres of music in Ireland are in a very good place right now.

You recently performed on ‘The Tommy Tiernan Show’ as part of a collective of hip-hop artists from Dublin and Limerick called the South West Meets East Coast Allstars. What was that experience like for you?

That was a truly amazing experience. Being in that studio and watching it back on TV when it aired were both really special moments on my journey as an artist. It aired exactly one year to the day after God Knows asked me to be a part of ‘Who’s Asking’, the song we performed.

It’s also a huge moment for the rap scene in Ireland. Taking to the stage is always great, but to enjoy such a pivotal moment for the culture alongside the artists I’ve come up with was on another level.

I didn’t see rap music on prime-time television when I was growing up so I hope it inspires anyone who saw it with aspirations to pursue rap to do exactly that.

You hinted at being in ‘album mode’ on Twitter back in June, how has that been going?

The album is coming along very nicely. I’m trying to be as open as possible on it.

I think it’s important to be vulnerable as an artist, so that people can really feel what you’re saying and relate to it. I’m having a lot of fun with it too – balance is key. I have a timeline in mind for it, but everything has to be as good as it can possibly be first.

It will come out this year, and it’s undoubtedly my most definitive work, and a level of quality I’ve been aiming to achieve for some time. People can peep any developments when they drop on my Instagram, @rebel.phoenix.

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