East London’s diamond in the dirt, TIY is gate-crashing the Underground Hip-Hop scene and has been creating waves with his first single “Last Night In Miami” on both sides of the Atlantic. The out of the box rapper blindsided the industry with his raw emotive approach towards his music and connects with his audience on a very personal, relatable level.
The UK rapper’s first release boasts his remarkably refined skill-set over an emotive composition topped off with a bone chilling hook that TIY utilizes to communicate directly to his audience. The much anticipated visuals for the single are eagerly awaited but being held back from the public until the 1st of December this year with further releases to be announced.
Emerging expeditiously from seemingly nowhere, TIY’s music can be perfectly characterized as infectious owing to its ability to captivate and inspire people from all walks of life. He has been dubbed “The best rapper you’ve never heard of”. The real question is, for how long?
What is your background? tell us where you grew up and some information about your upbringing/experiences as a youth:
I was born and raised in Newham, East London. Being from an area like mine, growing up you see ALOT. It’s easy to become a product of my environment and I guess I did by the time I hit my early teens. By 16/17, I had already got my first taste of actually getting money on the roads and I was hooked.
Overtime I learnt some harsh lessons in blood and saw exactly how treacherous the roads could be. I knew that this couldn’t be a long term path to any success. Music was always on & off, I was focused with it up until around 2008 when I was about 15/16 then money became the priority.
When I think back to all the days and nights we were posted like 20/30 deep smoking weed on the block I can never forget all the times I was thinking “This can’t be it…”
At what moment did you know that music was part of your life and what feelings did you have towards making an active impact with your music?
That happened young, at that time it wasn’t like now where nearly everyone’s got bars. I was in Year 7, So we’re talking 2003 when I started and at that time all no-one was really rapping. I wasn’t thinking about a career too much back then, all I really cared about was just being cool and S*** like most kids. Overtime it became my identity and what everybody knew me for… A part of me I’ve never been able to give up even when I’ve given up.
What artists inspired/influences you and if you could collaborate with any artist (alive or passed) who would it be and why?
Eminem got me into rap, but if we’re talking early influences I’d say Juelz Santana, Jay Z, Styles P, 50 cent & Nas. I started making Grime like a year or two after I started rapping but personally I’d say I’m always going to be a Rapper before a Grime MC.
I’m not gonna lie I get frustrated sometimes when I hear someone else come out with a flow that I had from time back but didn’t do anything with, but that’s not their fault, it’s mine. I got certain similarities with some of today’s artists but I wouldn’t call those influences as much as they’ve developed similar ideas and just executed them before me. The punchline… That’s actually the reason why I F*** with them HEAVY. I like good music what can I say.
The biggest driving force/influence behind my music though is my experiences. I also try turn negativity into something positive and use that energy to motivate myself and anyone listening.
9 times out of 10 I make music from my heart, I really think, feel and have been through what I’m talking about, and that’s why I’m an underground artist above all, my S*** aint mainstream. When I record I want the song to stir emotions and touch the listener in a unique way.
If I had to the choice to collaborate with anyone today, I’d break it down into 2 categories US and UK.
USA – Male: Nipsey Hussle | Female: TINK
UK – Male: Skepta | Female: Lady Leshurr
What do you think about the current state of hip hop/mainstream music?
There are A LOT of really dope artists out now and I think the internet resuscitated the game with a wave of new artists that would have probably never been accessible otherwise.
As far as mainstream goes, it’s much stronger now than 20 years ago from the size of the genre’s audience, to the way songs are structured to the levels the artist’s are on.. look at Kendrick. Drake’s been killing it. Rihanna’s been Killing it just to name a few.
I’m not a fan of everyone sounding the same though and noticed a lot of people trend-hopping like with what happened with cheif keef’s flow at one point, shout out all the originators though!!
Currently, what projects do you have in the works that you are most excited about?
There is so much in the pipeline some confirmed and some to be confirmed but I’m not going to say any names for now. I’m just focusing on building the demand for the music itself and I can’t wait to surprise everyone.
The Music Video for “Last Night In Miami” believe me Looks CRAZY. We filmed in two locations; Miami obviously and back home in London, filming courtesy of ouchereTV. The visuals and the way it’s all been put together completely captured what we were aiming for, RAW unfiltered real hip hop. That’s due to drop 1st December 2016 so stay tuned.
What are your short term career goals within the next 6-10 months?
Building & connecting with my audience and putting out the best music I possibly can. Right now, I’m doing this interview in Miami but as soon as I’m back in London I’ll be working towards being rated up there with the best artists London has to offer. I love my city and can’t wait to fly the flag for it.
What are your long term career goals within the next 2-5 years?
Most importantly I want to change lives through my music. I want to inspire & motivate my audience to really go get what they want out of life, whatever it is and however hard it might seem, never accept defeat & stay grinding.
If you had one song out of the catalogue you have created to show a person what song would it be and why?
Timing is everything, I got YEARS worth of work and only JUST released 1 song. It’s economics though, supply and demand. I’m limiting supply until there’s enough demand to create value for the product.
If you haven’t please go check out my FIRST OFFICIAL RELEASE on soundcloud now!! www.SoundCloud.com/TIYLDN – Don’t be scared to shoot me a follow & repost!
To the person who had never heard of you what is it about your music and story that you would tell them to entice them to be a supporter?
I speak from the heart, I really been through what I say I have… My scars don’t lie. Regardless of any obstacles in my way I’m still going full steam ahead. You know when something is genuine people relate in their own ways and that’s the beauty of it.
If your music could be described in five words what would those five words be?
Raw, Emotive & Outside the box.
What do you bring to the game that is unique and different?
It’s not about money and fame for me because those aint my motives, Hip Hop is my stamp on Earth, in history and I want my music to be my legacy.
To the aspiring artist who is considering a career as a musician what lessons or advice would you give them to inspire them or to uplift them in the journey?
Most importantly be consistent & always stay true to your fans. Don’t take nothing to heart for example rejections or being ignored, no-one owes you S***. Create value for yourself and they will come to you.
Other than that wolves come in sheep’s clothing so just be cautious who you chose to do business with.
What are your social media profiles and where can people purchase/download your music?
Twitter/IG/FB: @TIYLDN | All of my music can be found on soundcloud: @TIYLDN
Many more projects and Visuals to be released as we grow, make sure to follow and I’ll keep you posted with the latest.
What are your final words you would like to say to people that you have left out?
Just want to send a big shout out to everyone in my corner, my day 1’s, Loyalty has no price.