Questions for my double page spread

Hello, it’s great having you here! Now let’s crack on shall we...Firstly, for those who don’t yet know, how did you build the foundation to your music career?
Well it basically started back when I was a teenager; I remember I used to create mix tapes in my room at the bottom of my bunk bed that I shared with my lil’ bro! I used to upload some tracks on my Facebook page and I remember I would get 35 likes within 10 minutes Zain begins to smirk slightly); ha, most of them were from the ladies of course. People used to tell the others about my tracks and so word got around. 

That sounds promising! So where have you gotten your inspiration from?
There are so many artists out there that have exploded in the Hip Hop scene! So many rappers have inspired me throughout my journey. To name a few, I would definitely say DMX and Snoop Dogg. They rap about situations where you, me and everyone can relate to; and that’s what I’m all about. When people listen to my music, they feel were I am coming from and I no that some may be able to relate to my situations too.  

Oh we’re huge fans of DMX! In what ways has he inspired you then?
I remember DMX’s album ‘The Great Depression’ came out in 2001 and I would listen to it when I came back from school. He raps about his past life and the mistakes that he is not proud of. The lyrics were too deep, and they would really get to me. As a person he inspires me and he has shown that there is no time to give up. I have to keep carrying on and keep my chin up if I want to be successful.

Ah, I see. Do you think the Hip Hop world has changed the whole of the music industry?
Hmm...(Zain looks up towards the Biggie Smalls poster) yeah definitely, I mean look at the current artists, their mixing Rap music with Indie which is a completely different genre, and so this collabo creates a whole new genre and brings a different sort of vibe to it to.  The industry is changing day by day.



I saw you looking at Biggie’s poster, so I’m guessing rappers such as Tupac and Biggie Smalls motivate you to create music?

Tupac and Biggie are the Hip Hop legends; they speak about their struggles and how life in the hood. It’s sad though cos’ they were heading towards the right path, and died trying to make it big. 

So do you see yourself different to other rappers?

I like to keep myself original. If you’re not original with your music, then what’s the point in creating tracks. 

That’s so original! What kinds of challenges do you face on a daily basis?

It’s only been a year since I made it to number 1 in the UK Hip Hop charts, and after that I’ve been receiving phone calls from record producers such as Def Jam, asking me to come to their studios and do a lil’ something for them. I have to take some time out to go and visit them, it’s crazy!

You said in one of your interviews on MTV that people usually think of you as a street-wise kind of guy, how do you feel about this statement?

Yeah, I’ve heard that so many times. It’s wrong for people to judge others straight away, but we all do it. People don’t know that I’m an educated man with 12 GCSES, (Zain laughs quietly), they just see me as a rapper of course; and we all know the stereotypes that rappers have.

Describe your type of rap music in three words.

Fresh, current and old-school

That sounds great! How do you manage to keep your tracks current?

Sometimes I visit the local youth club, and chat to the youngsters to get an idea of what type of music they are interested in. This helps me with the lyrics I write and directs me to create current music. 

Now, lets move onto the relationships and love shall we...is there anyone who you’ve got an eye on?
Ha, I’m not really a relationship sort of guy. But of course, one day I want to get married...just give it about ten years from now and I’ll have two kids by my side! Time will tell I guess...


You must have a busy schedule, but I’m sure your fans would love to know what you do in your free time?
I just do normal things, I guess. When I come home from the studio I just relax and spend time with my dog, Spikes. Sometimes, I visit the local gym and try working out my biceps, to keep myself fit. But that’s it really. 


Would you like to give your fans a little message?
Yeah definitely ...I love my fans like crazy; if it wasn’t for y’all then I would still be making my mix tapes in my mum’s house. Thanks for supporting me , I love you all!

Anything else that you would like to add on before you go?
Well, make sure y’all keep updated because my new album ‘Chapter III’ is coming out on May 10th! Make sure you buy yourself a copy too.