“The core and the belief of what I want out of this will always be the same.”
artists pigeonholed as part of the Bratpack - but Tinie is confident that his music will shine through any classification. ‘To be honest with you, I’m just going to be myself. People will always try and put us in the same box but there are very obvious differences. I’m just going to keep doing my thing and making music for the public to enjoy.’ We have all heard that some people aren’t too happy about the type of music grime artists make once getting signed. Tinie denies that there’s going to be a major shift of gear between Hood Economics and The Disc-Overy, though: ‘If you really listen to Hood Economics there’s many different types of music in it, from a left field track which is a little indie, to the Lily Allen one which is a bit more scat, to grime tracks. I have always made it a prominent thing to be a product of my environment. In that environment I listen to Jay-Z and I listen to Coldplay and I appreciate both types of albums the same. I’ve always made music I love: Wifey and Pass Out are two different things.’ Throughout the interview Tinie’s love for music shines through. His excitement to be at a record label that has such an impressive history of great British acts only spurs him on to achieve more. ‘I’ve been into the offices and seen plaques and held awards, like the MTV one with the gong thingy, its so inspiring to be at a place with a good British history. I just want to continue that.’ Since Tinie Tempah has one of the biggest buzzes around him this year, how important is it for him to stay true to himself? ‘My mum will make me stay true to myself! At the end
of the day I’ve been doing this for a very long time: you have a little bit of the limelight and if you’re walking down your high street and feel a bit famous then you get carried away, but then it dips down. The whole thing has been a learning curve,’ Tinie pauses for a moment, like he has something to confide. ‘The core and the belief of what I want out of this will always be the same. I don’t think I will change, but if I do you will be the first to let me know.’ As we wrap, I promise to tell Tinie if he turns out to be a diva with all his new found success and he promises us that he has more in store for us in 2010 and beyond. ‘I’ve put a lot of work into this, so whether or not, you look out for me I’m going to be there and be in your face, so you might as well acknowledge it and embrace it, rather then it coming and waking you up like a nightmare. Discover it now!’ Words by Damian Malontie Photography by Akwasi Tawia-Poku and Jemil Saka Styling by Shamz Le Roc White Vest by Topshop; green shorts by Mishka; Trainers by size?; Jacket by Levi’s Vintage; Jeans and T Shirt models own.
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