Cleopatra, an underground icon to thousands, exploding onto centre stage at just 17, a history of cruising through MC battles rinsing anyone that came
in your way where you were spotted by award winning producer Terror Danjah – how important was growing up in the East End of London to your musical style?
“Growing up in East London was quite important to the moulding of my style
because I grew up listening to the likes of Dizzee Rascal, Wiley, Kano,
Ghetts who all come from East London and are very influential figures in the
grime scene. They’ve influenced me in the aspect of writing, motivating me to
be more creative and work harder as they’ve all been pretty successful.”
It seems the music world was always going to be where you were heading, yourdad was MC Scallywag from the infamous Spiral Tribe free party crew – did he push you into all of this or was this simply something you always wanted to
do?
“My dad never actually persuaded me to become a musician. He matured and was always adamant in his mind that I was going to go to University. But I
guess being brought up in and around his culture led me to follow in
his musical footsteps.”
You have some great musical influences from Jimi Hendrix, Patti Labelle to
Michael Jackson from back in the day. But also some new (ish) dudes. So you have a choice, you can do a duet with either Andre 3000, Eminem, Chris
Martin or Lauryn Hill – who do you pick – and why?
“I think I’d go for the collab with Andre 3000, especially when Summer is hopefully around the corner. I think me and him would make a feel good summer banger!”
A stunning lead single ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ out on July 27th that
proceeds your album which is penned for January 2010, lot of big ups from
the likes of Pete Tong and Westwood on Radio 1…how does it feel being
championed by DJs old enough to be your grandad?
“LOL! I think it’s really cool that the well respected older generation DJs
are supporting something so young and fresh. I think it shows that the song
can also relate to the older audience a bit too…”
Your name stands for Be Real And Teach Truth – do you think the kids out
there on the street think the same as you?
“I think focused young people have more of a positive mind frame but there are also a lot of young people who are struggling with day to day obstacles
and have their minds focused on other things. I think that’s why my name
means a lot to me because I want to be able to show young people who
struggle and may not have aspirations. If people like myself, Tinchey,
Stryder, Ironik and NDubz can be successful in our career choice, so can
they. It’s all in the mind and about being positive.”
Tell us about becoming the official patron for the government’s Every Child
A Reader campaign…
“Basically it’s a programme that helps young children who have difficulty
with reading and numeracy to catch up and be able to read and approach Maths confidently. I feel it’s really relevant because whatever career path you
take in the future, you’re going to need those skills. In my career, I write
lyrics and have to deal with advances, booking fees and taxes.”
A brilliant piece of television on T4’s ‘Music Cool’ where you were lead
female and famously reducing Jamelia to tears with your voice and
ability…where does this inner strength and confidence come from?
“I think the inner strength comes from my upbringing. My mum is a single
parent and we faced a lot of hardships that normal families don’t really face and
from a very young age too. So I think that’s where my confidence and inner
strength really comes from – plus I’m a Scorpio and we are very fiery x”
You’ve featured on remixes and records with artists including Wiley, Tinchy
Stryder, Taio Cruz, Sadie Ama and Grammy nominated Jazmine Sullivan – which piece of work are you most proudest of?
“I think my favourite remix I’ve done so far is the Rolex Remix because I got
to perform that all around the world on The Count and Sinden tour.”
What do you think of all of the Spiral Tribe days that you MUST have been
shown by your dad on video? They were amazing parties for many of us back then, surely the Spiral ‘liberating’ ethos has been an influence to your
music?
“Yeah man! Myself and my older sister used to go on a lot of the Spiral
Tribe street marches and go to some of the house parties. I think those experiences have really let me see music culture at its rawest and realist. This has influenced me with my music to make it very much based on vibes and energy.”
Who is the best MC ever?
“Oooh that’s a tricky one, I’d probably go with my personal fave Kano, but then no one could talk to the old skool Dizzee…”
You toured America and Europe with The Count and Sinden that included some pretty big shows. What were the highlights of Glastonbury, Bestival and the US?
“The highlights were just the energy the crowd let off – they were always
amazing. I think that really helped with my performance too because I was
ill quite a bit when we were on tour, but the energy from the crowd just gives
you that boost.”
How far down the line are you with the album?
“Well we’ve recorded a lot of tracks already, just over an album’s worth, but I
want to keep recording ’till we’ve got about two album’s worth.”
What are the big tunes on your i-pod at the moment?
I’m loving that Kerri Hilson track ‘Knock Me Down’ and I’m still banging out
Drake’s mixtape ‘So Far Gone’..very big.
You are truly the shining light from the Urban scene who is going to smash it, who else out there do you rate at the moment?
“I’m rating Tinchey definitely, he’s come a long way. I think Chipmunks is going
to do very well too, but definitely someone who’s worked so hard and come so
far is Master Shortie.
What’s the best record ever made?
“Damn you can’t ask an artist that..there’s too many!!”
What’s the best bit of advice your dad has ever given you?
Whatever I do in life sometimes, I’m just going to have to take a chance, so don’t be scared and just do it.”
‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ Is released 27th July on All Around The World.
For more info check out www.mzbratt.co.uk and www.in4merz.com