This EP is a long awaited follow up to their 2017 EP Adrenochrome which was received to much fanfare in the local music scene and beyond, netting them steady club and festival gigs since it’s release . They have upped their game tremendously since then and are very proud of their new output. The hip-hop scene in the North of Ireland is criminally overlooked even though the talent is present. They represent Belfast without tired tropes and clichés and are an example of staying true to theirselves through their sound.
I feel like I don’t have a style to be honest! Im an artist and love doing music. My music is very versatile I just can’t describe myself.
You have a new album titled “Alius Amina”. Tell us a few things about it. Which song of the album reflects you the most?
ALIUS AMiNA is a Latin word meaning I’ve always felt I’ve been different because I’m not scared to be vulnerable on my records. I’m able to be TeeshyBaby. The song that stands out the most for me would have to be “ Fuck Love” I put a lot of thought & emotion making that song. I feel like it’s easy to relate too.
For which lyric you are most proud of?
I would have to go with my song”Hood Dreams” coming from montreal we grow up playing ball and having dreams. But that street life is always around you. Just me tryna share what I’ve been going thru growing up but also letting someone relate to what I’m saying.
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
Hip Hop is like back in the 70’s in basketball. Basically the foundation of everything. If it wasn’t for hip hop I probably wouldn’t be doing music right now.
Trap music came to rule the world, but at the moment the genre feels stagnant. What does the future hold for hip hop in general?
I feel like music in general changed. And life will always change and evolve we just have to adapt to it.
When not writing music, how do you spend your time?
I like to spend my time reading books understanding the mind as well. Anything that gives me knowledge I love doing. The more knowledge you have the more powerful you are.
One last thing we should know about you?
I feel like my time is coming soon. And that I want to be one of those people that will be in the game for a while. I’m here to inspire and share my experiences with the people that support me. Once it’s all said and done I want to die a legend.
This is Fate is a story that takes you through John’s internal battle with his demons in a tale of transformation and rebirth. For John to reach liberation, he has to first shed layers of his past, ultimately being forced to lean into his shadows to get to the light. It is then that he’s further confronted with letting go and accepting the unknown in order to actualize his most authentic and empowered form.
The EP seeks to inspire the next generation of youth towards truth and enlightenment whilst encouraging them to build their own nations, take up space and share the narrative with others so that they too can find truth and value within themselves.
What is a Metropolitan Ronin? Tell us a few things about your new song.
‘Ronin’, commonly know as an drifter or wanderer in Japanese dialect, was a samurai without a lord or master during the feudal period (1185–1868) of Japan. A samurai became masterless upon the death of his master or after the loss of his master’s favour or privilege. So, taking that information, a Metropolitan Ronin is a city goer who has no boss and nothing to tie them down. Someone who goes against all odds to make something of themselves without the help of a power figure.
Which is your most personal and honest lyric?
You show them love but underrate mine,
Trap music came to rule the world, but at the moment the genre feels stagnant. What does the future hold for hip hop in general?
Hip Hop is in an evolutionary process. I feel as if the genre is patiently waiting for someone in the new generation to push the genre into a new realm of music and this stagnant period is a result of that. The interesting question is who is going to instigate this process. Maybe that person doesn’t even know they are the Hip-Hop Moses or this specific person is still in an early stage of their career. Positions like this can not be forced they can only be made, so I suppose we just have to wait and see what is to come for the future.
Do you have an artist that you would describe as a hidden gem that we should know about?
There’s nothing but gems in this vast industry! A few I listen to regularly and I’d say look out for are, June Lizon, Toro y Moi, Clyde, Eli Sostre, SORIANO, Yani, CA7DO, Zuko Hardy
What would you change in the music industry?
One thing I’d like to change in the music industry is perception. If I can change someones perception for the better through my music then I’ll be happy. I think as artists we are very impressionable and way more people take note than we realise. I want my impression to open ones perception to more than just fame, money and glory. I want them to perceive the idea that there’s way more to gain from success and there’s loads to be grateful for. The first step to a better world is a better mindset.
Future plans?
My future plans is to just grow and learn and to become the best human/artist/creative I possibly can.
Tell us a few things about your new work ‘Do That…’ and your creative process in general.
When I made the beat, I knew I had something, cause my neck was snapping… hard. Lyrically it went through a few iterations before I found a flow that fitted. The process has changed over the years but now it’s work on a record for a few weeks… and most don’t even get heard by anyone.Still trying to define and cultivate a sound, so I’m cherry picking ones that I like.
Mauritius, Nigeria, Glasgow..What do you love and what do you hate in each place?
Love. The people in every place. The interactions u have with locals is so important as a child. Showed me that we all the sameThe food. The lifestyles are so different and I enjoyed embracing it. Coming from a mixed background this was actively encouraged in our house. Hate is a strong word, and I’m all bout the positive vibes.
You have experience from different audiences as a stand up comedian and musician. Are the tactics to warm up the people similar and which of the two is easier?
Neither I would say is easy. They both pose a challenge in differing ways, I enjoy both equally and find it therapeutic. Both audiences can be tough, just with stand up you can see them and you get an instant feedback. So that can be great, but when your bombing… u can try change it up or go all jihadi John and take everybody down with u. I like the latter. Own ur shit. Music is so diff these days, it’s all like a video game. I’m just hoping my songs can connect with some people. Just to get someone to listen is awesome. If I can get people checking me on both, that would be awesome. We as artists are brands these days, so you gotta diversify. Show our value. And put the work in.
Favourite album of the past decade?
Okay so we saying beginning to end dope as fuck shit. I can’t lie Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night sweats 2015 album is sooo good for its genre bending revamp. Yeezys cause it had Beats, bars and bar a few tracks was incredible.
What would you change in the music industry?
It’s changed so much in such a short time, so I don’t know. I barely understand it as it is. Are plays real plays? can you ever be sure? Spotify is all that matters? I would just like a way for people to be able to listen to the little people.
One last thing we should know about you?
Something about me. I did the vocals on the GBX (Big Deal in Scotland) classic. Espanglish Nobody knows it’s me and though it still gets played, I don’t get paid. Make sure u do ur due diligence people, don’t be me. Haha
Sixth track of the #CONQUERORSFRIDAYS, ‘Affaires’ is a way for Eagle Sky to talk about adversity that you can face when you build projects, for example about people that don’t support you but want to celebrate with you when you succeed. Through this track, Eagle Sky put in front the fact that he doesn’t want to waste time anymore and that he wants to advance with his team and his growing community.
How many beats do you listen to before you end up using one? Tell us a few things about your creative process.
I have over 500 beats that I’ve collected over time and listen to on rotation. Sometimes I write a song immediately after finding a new beat, and sometimes I stumble across an old beat that resonates with my current mind state. My favorite place to write verses would be in the forest. In Oregon I go on hikes frequently, and find that the solitude of nature puts me in the zone. Where I grew up in California, I used to write to escape. Nowadays, I escape to write.
For which lyric you are most proud of?
In this particular song I chose less complex bars because it was more about the vibe. My favorite line though is “frigid like O’Shea Jackson, this a cold game.” I was giving a shout out to Ice Cube, but also commenting on the fact that I’ve seen some coldhearted things over the past couple decades.
You balance between old school and new school. Tell us which is the biggest influence from these 2 eras.
If I had to choose one influence from each era, it would definitely be Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and J. Cole. Bone is one of the smoothest sounding rap groups of all time, and J. Cole has mastered the art of dropping knowledge while still making me dance.
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
For me, Hip Hop has always been a voice for many who would never be heard otherwise. It’s an opportunity to share yourself, but more importantly, make connections with others through the medium of music.
When not writing music, how do you spend your time?
I enjoy being a father and getting out into nature with my kids. When stuck inside, I produce beats, edit videos, and a variety of other music related hobbies.
One last thing we should know about you?
I am a firm believer in quality over quantity in all areas of my life.
its contantly developing but i would call it Sundance Wave Motion LOOOOL
Tell us a few things about your creative process and your recent EP.
I usual create a beat and go from there then start writing, but in the case of the EP ive had some amazingly talented people to work with (mp beats, jessrain, sipfast, and joe gladman)
Which track from your EP represents you the most?
i would say time but they all come a close second
What is the difference between Trap and Drill? What would you say to the average listener that is still confused?
the high hat pattern and the 808 rythem, thats what usualy defines the two sounds although they are married in other ways
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
hip hop for me is expressing ones desires or will without judgement
What would you change in the music industry?
im not too sure, i cant truly say until im there (God willing) ive still got a lot of work until i can know what i would change
One last thing we should know about you?
stay tuned for more music, its gonna keep changing and improving
Sam Thomas has been well cemented in the local music scene for a good few years now, from playing in metal, punk and indie bands, to solo acoustic guitar driven music he has been working hard for years. Having finally found his niche in the hip-hop world, he describes this current project as “the most enjoyable to date, I’m proud of the current work and super excited to see what’s to come.” Between working together on tracks and playing on the same live shows Sam Thomas has collaborated with hotly tipped North-East artists Kay Greyson, Eyeconic and Jack Fox but he’s now pushing forward to be the name on everybody’s lips.
Following on from the success of his recent single ‘Mr Sunshine’, Sam Thomas released his biggest body of work to date, the ‘Progress’ mixtape. Described by Sam as “10 tracks, all in my unique story telling style, taking the listener through a mixture of emotions from a seemingly personal narrative.” When looking deeper into the listings, Sam gives a further insight into one of the tracks, ‘Another Word’, explaining “this one is a hard hitting, grime style track, narrating my feels on the industry and music scene.”
Jahz is on the rise. With a dancefloor-ready instrumental and a flow which will get you hyped, Jahz brings that magic sauce to the people.
Why you look so down today?
Try and be your say
Why you like to frown today?
Comin’ like… front of me
Bring that magic sauce to the people
Gimme’ that !
Bring that magic sauce to the people
HipHop Paranoia 