Words by Art Jefferson
Images courtesy of Ikes
Ikes is a man of his own. Emerging in the Hip-Hop scene during a time period when many emcees around London were tapping into grime, he remained steadfast with his sound and craft, dropping projects like The Intermission mixtape back in 2011 and 2012’s The Intermission: Last Call, which spawned the single ‘Girl Talk’ featuring Scorcher and Jermain Riley. Ambitious from the start, Ikes delivered music with the production quality of big dogs such as Jay Z or Rick Ross, with lyrical content that was utterly clever and relatable to the listener. His videos were equally as sharp, looking like mini-movies at times. Clearly Ikes is not out to just “make” music, but be the best at it.
It could be argued that Ikes had a competitive nature from birth as his talent and love for football manifested into reality with the rapper eventually training with the Tottenham Hotspurs. However, it would be music that would continue calling and the path that would ultimately be chosen to walk.
Releasing his latest album OutsideIn at the end of 2015, Ikes continues to cut through the noise working with producers like oneBlackRussian and Justice L.E.A.G.U.E affiliate Edward Nixon. Championed by BBC Radio 1xtra’s Charlie Sloth and DJ Target, his single ‘Clarity’ featuring Hayley Cassidy is a smash that not only can true lovers of Hip-Hop, r&b and soul can appreciate sonically, but the content is accessible to anyone regardless of age or gender. This is just more proof that the Londoner is gunning for the top position in the game, with the target looking spot on.
Although you are considered an amazing lyricist, I read that music was really just a hobby for you? Is that true?
Ikes – Thank you so much! I mean it begun as a hobby I guess, just something I enjoyed doing but I never knew my music would affect people the way it does. And the feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment I get when folk send me messages of praise or stories of how a song of mine has connected with them is what really made me want to do this full time. I wanted to feel like that every day.
At what age did you first start writing rhymes and when did you know that you had a gift for it?
Ikes – I began as an MC, writing rhymes over garage music at the age of 14 I’d say. As I grew up to around 17/18 garage was evolving into grime and I evolved also, but into a rap artist. I just felt that the Hip-Hop culture resonated with me more. I remember when I first made a MySpace profile around 2005 and the response I got not only from UK folk but from people all over the world was amazing. That’s when I felt like I was onto something.
Growing up, what artists inspired you musically?
Ikes – I grew up listening to so many greats such as Nas, Pac, Biggie, Wu-Tang, Big, Jay Z, Busta Rhymes and LL Cool J. But it wasn’t all rap; my father used to play a load of African music along with Michael Jackson, Tracy Chapman and Lionel Richie.
Whilst many emcees were coming into the music scene with crews, I’ve mostly known you to kick in the door solo, although you’ve recorded with Scorcher, etc. Were you actually a part of a crew in your ends?
Ikes – Yeah I came in solo and maybe that played against me a little but I’ve just never really been a part of a “crew”. I’ve just always been someone who knew everyone and got along with everyone. Also I kind of dropped out of the blue; I’m not sure anyone knew I was serious about making music till they saw me doing it. I want to change the game. I’ve always thought of myself to be a leader and I’m willing to make the necessary mistakes whilst pushing the relevant boundaries.
Talk about your EP OutsideIn. You’ve called it a rebirth of sorts. How would you describe the new sound compared to your previous records?
Ikes – I think you can expect growth and a more cohesive project here. It was the first time I’ve locked in with only 2 other creatives, producer OneBlackRussian and engineer/producer Edward Nixon, to deliver something of this length and depth, it was a new experience. I think it keeps the listener guessing musically; you never know what I’m going to do next and takes you on a real journey. It’s my most honest project yet so I just want people to feel like they know me after listening.
I think many people can relate to the lyrics in your song ‘Clarity’. What inspired you to write it?
Ikes – It wasn’t a specific situation but I stepped in the booth and the song more or less wrote itself; it’s just a blessing that it came out this way haha, but I think everyone can relate to this song on some level. We’ve all been in that place where you start seeing someone and then a little down the line when things develop you’re wondering where you both stand.
Your skills as a footballer is definitely known as you even trained with Tottenham. With your music career in full swing, are you able to still hit the field a bit?
Ikes – I’ve not played in a while as I’m currently nursing a lower back injury but I’d love to play when I recover. The other night I went to watch a good friend of mine play in a cup final and I really missed playing. It made me sad a little.
You’ve been supported by heavyweights such as Charlie Sloth. What do you have coming up for the rest of this year?
Ikes – Big up Charlie! That’s a real dude right there. Right now I’m just in the lab with some new exciting producers and I really feel like I’m making the music that’ll really define my whole career! No pressure then! Haha, stay tuned I’m just warming up that’s all I’m gonna say!
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https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/outsidein/id1024590278