We caught up with grime artist Deadly to talk about his new music, fashion, career highlights and more.
When did you first get into music?
I was 11 years old when I first started making music, my school opened a studio within the music department and my best school friend Candy/Ryhan Thomas was producing in there so becoming a rapper was literally a no brainer decision at the time.
When did you realise you can make a career in music?
I was rapping at a house party shortly after I started and the response I got from the crowd was immense, it was at that moment I decided music is my life.
Name three artists you had on your playlist when you were younger…
Crazy Titch, Wiley and Dirty Doogz aka Goodz
Where and when was your first ever live performance?
My first live performance was when I was age 13 and it was arranged by my manager at the time, Dj A.D aka (Blaq Max). I was performing as part of a group (DSQ / Disaster Squad) and the performance was in a night club in Leicester and it was absolutely litt.
What’s the best part of being an artist?
For me it’s the joy I give other people with my music, I love when I see people genuinely having the time of their life because of something I created.
Have you got any new music out or coming out?
I’ve recently released my new single Gyal Wanna Know ft P Money, the track has made a big mark for the start of the year and has my following on the edge of their seats waiting for more of the same flavour, I’ve recently made the remix to the same track and got D double E and Big Narstie featuring on it so that’s about to make a nice bang within the music scene.
If you could collaborate with one other artist, past or present, who would it be?
Wiley, because I grew up on Wiley and I respect his journey.
What song have you got on repeat at the moment?
A new song of my own actually, its called No Label.The song is about me expressing my versatility within music and life.
What names do you suggest we have on our radar this year for rep music?
Poverty P, Deep Green, Young Kye.
What has been your career highlight so far?
Wow there’s plenty, Fire in the booth, Fire in the booth Cypher, Eskimo Dance, Ayia Napa Napa Rocks festivals, performing in Vienna Austria, BBC Radio 1, BBC radio 1xtra, the list goes on. I take every performance and stage of my career as major highlights because I see it as each step is a step forward or higher for me and that keeps me humbled.
Where and when was your most memorable performance and why?
I would say The Eskimo Dance performances and my youtube freestyles. This is because in these places I get to release the rawest form of my art and I therefore see that as a better representation of who I really am as an artist.
Where, when & who gave your most memorable performance and why?
Weirdly that would be me at my first performance in Leicester, I have this marked down as my most memorable because I was completely unknown to the crowd and out of my city and only 13 years old, and the hype and reaction that came from me performing my verse is a feeling I’ll never forget.
How do you spend your down time?
Eating, Cinema, bike rides because I love motorcycles, fixing things and creating. I’m most happy when I’m creating something.
If I wasn’t an artist I’d be…
A Producer.
Who’s your dream girl?
Aaliyah, or maybe Bad Gyal Ri Ri.
Favourite film & TV series?
Matrix because the storyline, Prison Break for the same reason.
Drink of choice on a night out?
Captain Morgans Spiced Rum with Ginger beer or Pineapple
If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Curry Goat and Rice.
Describe your style/fashion?
Any decent looking tracksuit and matching head to toe with maybe a snapback and trainers of the same colour.
Who’s your biggest style inspiration?
I don’t think I have a person I’m inspired by when it comes to style because I just dress in what catches my eye when I’m shopping.
What would you wear on a night out?
Some nice jeans with a decent looking pattern that catches the eye and maybe a shirt or fitted t-shirt with a decent pattern or nice looking logo.
What are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Releasing all this music that I have made.
Where can we see you playing live next?
At the moment I’m not doing live performances because I’m working on a few projects but as soon as they are finished I’ll be back on the stage supplying you all with that raw energy again.
