The last year has been an important one for UK rap music to say the least. From the emerging of young talent such as Little Simz to the growing recognition of grime artists both in the UK and even more impressively in the U.S, it is safe to say that the U.K rap scene is showing no signs of cowering beneath the huge American market. That being said, one artist worth keeping your eye on is Banditsu whose individual style of music has been turning heads as of late. His new project ‘The Miseducation of Itsu’ was created over a 2-year period with the aim of stimulating and educating young minds. Listeners are taken on a journey detailing the highs and lows of growing up as part of the stigmatized British youth of today. I was lucky enough to sit down with the man himself and discuss his latest project along with his plans for the future.
ISM: Your latest project ‘The Miseducation of Itsu’ is impressive to say the least! Tell us about your two-year journey of making the album.
Thank you very much! The journey was full of ups and downs, trials and tribulations, with also disappointments and glory… I’m grateful for this though other wise the project wouldn’t sound as good as it does! It’s funny how things work out sometimes.
ISM: The majority of rap these days is all about drugs, money and women. How important was it to you to create something with a deeper message?
Highly important. No disrespect to anyone but it gets boring and repetitive. I know there are kids out there who want to hear the other side of the spectrum. Now I’m no role model and corny rap is also a huge no no. But I just know London especially the movement I’m in “New Wave London” has so much more to offer!
ISM: Who is your biggest inspiration when it comes to your music?
My biggest inspiration has to be my Mother, she was a designer and as a kid I watched her strive and work hard till she made her own dreams a reality, she’s who I think about when I pass every stepping stone musically.
ISM: You’ve collaborated with other London creatives such as rapper Thai Matic and spoken word artist Suli Breaks – have you got any more collaborations in the pipe line?
Of course! It’s really exciting because I plan with people who are like-minded souls, like J Flowz and Che Lingo for example. But I also plan to collab with singers and I really want to work with a cartoonist for a visual this year, it’s only right cause it’s one of my favourite past times!
ISM: If you could collaborate with any artist in the world who would it be?
Ah man this question is way to difficult to answer, I love way to many genres so we’d be here all day haha, but off the top of my head I’d say the late Bobby Womack. Old music creates feelings that new music cannot. I feel like his voice would of given me an authenticity like no other, especially on a rap beat!
ISM: You look like a guy that’s clued up about fashion and we all know it goes hand in hand with music. Planning any projects that combine the two?
Funnily enough I was recently involved in a shoot for the popular London based jewelry brand “Stööki” I’ll be in the lookbook for there latest pieces. I also am in company of a lot of designers so there will be clothing in the pipeline but nothing I can speak of as of yet!
ISM: Who’s the best in the UK hiphop scene at the moment? (Apart from you of course!)
I think in terms of who speaks to me the most right now on the scene I’d have to say Little Simz. I’m proud of the girl although I don’t know her, I really like how far her sound has gone and she’s a good lyricist and a great example of showing London’s other side of rap. Hats off to her.
ISM: What are your goals for 2015?
More shows, building more of a fan base and even greater music!! I want the name Banditsu to be known all over and this year is about taking more steps to ensure that!
ISM: Anyone you want to shout out?
I want to shout out all my supporters and anyone who has ever shared a Banditsu link or come to a Banditsu show, you are all part of my journey. I gotta shout out the whole New wave London scene as well: Big up Lost world London, Dope x Broke, Sonne Bien, 30W, Paradime Ent and Creative Elevation. We all apply something different to an ever growing sound, let’s kill this shit!!
– Interview and photos by Luci Wilden
Floral Bomber Jacket – Hype
Blue Tracksuit – Diesal Black Gold
Footwear – Dr Martins
Black Coat – Vintage
Hoodie – SikSilk
Football Jersey – Other Uk
Shorts – Other Uk
Camo thermals – Uni Qlo
Follow
