Motive105 introduced himself as one of the hottest prospects in UK Rap this year with The Drive Downtown: Part One. His ability to sound vulnerable and self-assured - almost at the same time - is a rare skill that you find in an upcoming rapper. The West London resident is gearing up to release the second instalment of the drive downtown series, The Drive Downtown: Part Two. His lead single, Kings, is a story that is relatable to a lot of young men today with the only option being to improve their situation by any means necessary. Motive once again shows off his ability to create a narrative while the music video is a pulsating 3 minute piece depicting the highs and lows of the hustle. I have been fortunate enough to follow Motive closely this year since Conversation With Kings, I chucked a couple questions his way to see how he has been and how he is feeling towards his new release. 

First of all Motive, how are you? How are you feeling towards your new release? 
In all honesty, tired. I’m sure the love and reaction towards the work will energise me but as of right now I’m tired aha… word of advice being independent and having a new born is like juggling kettle bells.

What does the song Kings mean? 
The title again reinserts the idea of people around me being considered kings in their own right. Steady Taking care of their business accordingly and not waiting around for their flowers no matter how much time effort and devotion they have put into a next person or situation.

The idea of being a King or having Kings around you is a recurring theme in your music, why is it important to you? 
“I am, indeed, a king, because I know how to rule myself” famous quote by Italian poet Pietro Arentino. I think there is a huge emphasis in today’s world when concerning people taking control more of their lives and who they wish to be. Next step I need a joint for the queens… somebody tell Rasharn Powell his voice is needed for that one!

Congratulations on the birth of your second child, how did that change your perspective on things this year? 
Made me respect sleep again! I wish that was a cliche “I’m joking moment” aha . Listen to be a young and very present dad was always a big goal for me, so to have another son is priceless. I also find it funny how I’m now the dad that raps when I pick up my first born in the playground.

Looking through YouTube comments and hearing the general noise around you, people call you the UK’s J.Cole, how does that make you feel? 
Bro! Cole one of the four fathers of rap right now, shout out the people that said that though… they deserve some free merch for throwing me in such high regard. 

The Drive Downtown: Part Two is imminent, what can we expect from that tape? Is it massively different to the first one? 
Expect good music, expect barssss! Expect me again addressing different spectrums of emotion.

You’ve had an amazing year already, bar the tape release do you have any major goals for the rest of this year? 
The works don’t stop, the goal is just to finish what I’ve started.

Lastly, name another artist that you think has had a great 2021? 
The list is long but Che lingo had the best album of 2020, Little Simz takes 2021 with ease and Kojey Radical will take 2022! Who knows 2023 might be my year aha.

Listen and watch to “Kings” by Motive105 below.