Introducing a loud South East London upstart going by the name of Renelle 893. The darkly humorous rapper has been prolific under lockdown and is about ready to step things up. Featured on Para Fiction’s project EPs, he’s making waves in the underground rap scene. WP caught up with the man himself for a few quick-fire questions surrounding where he’s been and where he’s going next…

1. Contestant, what’s your name, chosen craft and where are you based?

I go by the name Renelle 893 and I’m a rapper from South East London.

2. How would you describe your sound?

My sound is me. Its thought provoking and outlandish. It’s smooth at times and awkward at others. There’s dark depressing elements involved but they’re contrasted by my sense of humour, wordplay and ability to have fun on a beat. It's everything I am and have been.

3. Who/what do you consider to be the biggest influence on your music?

Life experiences in London (and more recently Brighton) are probably my biggest influence . Emotion has to be conveyed on any tune whether that’s pain, joy or anything in between. Only real life can teach u how to put across them feelings in words, thats why most of the time u can tell when someone is authentic in what they talk about in their music.

4. What’s the proudest moment to date for you as an artist?

I remember this one guy shouted me to tell me that one of my old tunes helped him get thru some mental health problems he was goin thru. That warmed my heart still, especially cos music was a large thing that helped me when I was going thru some issues of my own.

5. Do you have any advice for our readers who maybe trying to play the mad game of music?

Just keep working and keep releasing music consistently. Don’t make comparisons with nobody else, only person who u needs be better than is your current self.

6. Name 3 people you would love to work with and why?

Jehst, Roots Manuva and The Alchemist - all of those artists are part of the reason I have such a strong love for music, been listening to their stuff since I was young boy.

7. What have you got planned for the not so distant future?

Got a few projects lined up but in general just tryna keep dropping music videos and releasing songs

8. What’s the album you’ve played more than any other?

Dr Dre - 2001, that’s a classic one fr

9. What’s the best concert you’ve been to and where was it?

Either Freddie Gibbs last year or EarlWolf back when I was like 14 or suttin, it was wild

10. Name three things you can’t live without?

Music, good food and art 

Be sure to follow Renelle 893 for the latest. His music – including Everything is Temporary – is available to stream now.