My biggest influence was DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA, just coz I totally admire the guys skills and the way he’s put up with all the shit in his life, faced death in the face and still kept coming back regardless of all the hurdles in his path. I strive to be Hip-Hop’s DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA!

In the words of Cilla, what’s your name and where do you come from?

The name is Blade and I’m from South East London.

Have you been to Oxford before? If yes then what did you get up to?

Yeah, the last time I was there was in 1993, so it’s been a long time coming to be back again. We used to be back and forth quite a lot doing shows round there but for a little while, there were no promoters round that way putting on gigs, but it’s good to be back and I’m looking forward to it; lets just hope this time we don’t have to tie the engineer to the in-house pillar with his own cables again, lol. Long story but maybe I’ll explain it one day.

If you can remember that far back (no offence!), who or what got you into Hip-Hop and who has been a big influence?

I was hooked when I heard SUGARHILL GANG, but totally addicted when I saw wild style. There was no turning back after that. From then on I made a huge effort to be at all the jams, battles, competition, shows, whatever I could get to and it’s been my life since. There’s been times I’ve lost interested for whatever reasons, but people like RAKIM, KRS1, ULTRAMAGNET MCS, CHINO XL, OC, ORGANISED CONFUSION, GANGSTARR, KOOL G RAP AND POLO, L.L. COOL J, RUN DMC, DOUG E. FRESH, the list goes on. Gave me reason to continue my love hate relationship with this all.

My biggest influence was DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA, just coz I totally admire the guys skills and the way he’s put up with all the shit in his life, faced death in the face and still kept coming back regardless of all the hurdles in his path. I strive to be Hip-Hop’s DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA!

You have had numerous releases, worked alongside some really talented people and shared stages with some of the biggest names in the business. Can you think of a favourite moment in your career?

My possible favourite moment in my career was at Reading festival when I was able to bring my son up on stage and let him bust the chorus to YOU DON’T SEE THE SIGNS. The look on his face and the audience’s face just said it all for me.

Another possible favourite moment was at THE MEAN FIDDLER, 23rd January 2001. That was the turning point in my career. It was weird, I looked around and saw all the support and in particular remember seeing the biggest smile on the face of a friend, LYRIC L and for some reason, totally froze.

I shed a few tears internally and was speechless because I just knew at that moment that my life was about to change. The audience didn’t mind the silence and I explained to them why that happened, I got on my knees, kissed the stage and the rest is history.

Next morning our single was playlisted on RADIO 1 and we had a shot at a career in music!! Thanks LYRIC L!!

Your career has not been all plane sailing; you’ve had some big obstacles to overcome. Being dropped by Vir*** and your distributors going bankrupted etc, must’ve been quite hard to pick yourself up and keep pushing your music. What advice can you give other up and coming artists in the UK trying to put music out?

The best advice I can give is to always remember why you got into making music in the first place. The thing that kept me going against all the odds, was that I always reminded myself that it was never about the money but the love of it, so regardless of all the obstacles, I always had a reason to continue, even if I lost everything in the process, as hard as that might be to deal with at the time.

I’ve been fortunate enough to have good friends around me who’ve supported through the hard times as well as the good times.

Other than Respek-BA are there any new artists in the UK that have caught your ear?

Yeah definitely, I’m keeping my eye on HUMURAK D GRITTY, S. KALIBRE, he’s not new but LETHAL (LETHAL & DESTRUCTION), YOGI, RUKUS, SHADE ONE, STIG, WHATHISFACE, RHYME ASYLUM, MANAGE (can’t wait to see him blow), … There’s a lot, but as always, too many to mention.

So what’s in the pipeline for you in the next year or so?

I’m gonna take some time off to decide what direction I want my life to go in and record for fun and whatever happens. Still got a few shows to do so will do those then just chill for a bit and keep an eye on the scene to see what’s brewing in the under currents. I’m also thinking of putting together a compilation of unsigned acts but that’s not definite just yet. Keep watching this space for that one.

Who would be your dream person to work with?

RAKIM at his peak, right now CHINO XL or GOD (couldn’t really go wrong with him on my side huh). I imagine a few doors would definitely open with that collabo!!

In keeping with what seems to be a regular Blunted interview question, if there was anything you could change about the state of Hip-Hop (UK in particular) what it be and why?

The people running it because most of them haven’t got a clue and if they have, they haven’t got the balls to do something about it, to invest the money that’s not even theirs to make things happen. Every country is slowly superseding the UK for output and gain and we don’t really have much too show in the way of success stories for the 20 odd years that we’ve been at it. Something definitely needs to change.

Now for a few quick fire questions, favourite…

Food?

Chinese or Indian

Drink? Lucozade

TV program? Tellitubbies. Just joking. I watch the history channel a lot and also forensics. I like the educational stuff, things you can learn about that reflect on what’s going on, but definitely really hate reality TV. Whoever came up with that needs to be shot!!

City? Probably London as I don’t have a huge experience of too many others except for flying visits, literally.

Myspace page?

Getting pretty bored of it now to be honest

Finally, anyone you wanna shout out?

No names, just everyone who’s been there for me through thick and thin. You know who you are.

Thanks allot for your time Blade. We look forward to seeing you and Respek-BA on the 14th July @ The Cellar.

Thanks, and we look forward to it as much as you do, if not way more. It’s been a long time since we been to Oxford so I’m itching for this one!! Peace