Thai Matic… looking to bring it all together.

Thai looks a lot younger than his actual age, but in truth his mind set is definitely age appropriate. He talks with an intensity and maturity that generally comes from having seen a couple of things.

Whilst he tasted success within a group his solo career has really set a bench mark. Opening up for Jay Electronica has been a highlight but as I sit with him in a noisy Starbucks this bars galore emcee quickly emits the vibe that his sights are set far higher than I expect.

Thai Matic what gives with the name?
Well Thai is a name I have had as long as I can remember. The Matic part comes from Illmatic (1999) Nas’s first album. It was one of the first albums that really made me want to rap so I felt it only right to make it apart of my name as a sign of respect.

Who are your greatest inspirations in terms of getting into rap and are there any UK emcees that you look up to?
Nas, Biggie, Jay and Tupac, it’s a bit of a clique list but they really are the greatest in my books, as far as UK artist definitely Kano, Roots Manuva and Skinnyman.

Was rap always the destitation?
Yes pretty much. Although I had a spell where I wanted to own a magazine, but that desire to express myself was just too much to ignore.

What’s the state of UK hip hop?
It’s good right now a lot of outstanding artist are emerging.

Can UK hip-hop emulate the success of US rap and indeed why has it not already achieved this?
I think we can, and right now more than ever we’re on the road to doing that but only time will tell.

So what was the watershed moment for you in terms of taking up rap seriously?
Just having the right people around me and feeling overall ready to undergo this monster of an industry. It just hit me.

How would you describe your style because it sounds like you go all out?
I can’t describe it. But I would say it just represents an element of me..I will leave it to the public to let me know their thoughts I am just here to make music and I hope they will listen.

What are you doing presently any mix-tapes or other projects?
Yeah I am working on my project Almost Together expect it soon, no dates yet but I am working on it as we speak.

Tinnie Tempah said he wanted to be a brand, is that a plan of attack for you as well?
Yeah I think in this day and age all we can be is brands, I would hope I can just touch the hearts and minds of my fans… the life style and branding will come as a result.

Whose killing it apart from yourself at the moment in terms of UK hip-hop?
I have no idea, I have tunnel vision right now all I see is team Thai Life. I guess when the train slows down I will be able to look out at the scenery.

Words by Semper Azeez-Harris