Whirlwind D - 10 Questions
Whirlwind D is a rapper signed to B-Line Recordings. He has released a string of LPs, EPs and singles over the years and a number of his tracks have received mainstream airplay on the BBC. He has worked with artists in the UK and US including Phill Most Chill and Oxygen in the States, and Mr Thing, Specifik, Sir Beans OBE and label mates Chrome & Illinspired in the UK to name a few. He has performed up and down the country and abroad including Germany, France and The Channel Islands, alongside artists such as Chester P, Killa Instinct, Son Of Noise, Black Twang, Oracy and Soundsci as well as providing support for international icons such as Public Enemy, Main Source, Grandmaster Flash and The Wu Tang Clan.
Originally based in South London and now living on the South Coast, he started his hip hop career B Boying and writing in the early 80’s, before taking up emceeing in the late 80’s. In 1989 he was working with Lap One Productions and then the fledgling Kold Sweat label. Although a few tracks were recorded, he would release his first record in 1990 on the Liberty Grooves label alongside Johnny F as part of Solid n Mind. The band recorded three twelve inch singles in the early 90’s, the final record, 'Battle Tipped Rhyme' was released 20 years later to mark 20 years of Liberty Grooves. During his years with Liberty Grooves, Whirlwind D rhymed alongside emcees such as MC Mell O, Big Ted and The Lords Of Rap. D is also a respected hip hop writer, penning columns for a number of magazines including Undercover, Ethics and Record Collector Magazine. In addition, he has contributed to various books such as the Rare Record Price Guide and Freddy Fresh Rap Records. As well as this, D presents 'The Pioneers Hip Hop Show' on Kane FM.
Whirlwind D sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I have been into music for as long as I can remember but as far as hip hop goes, it was the Streetsounds Electro LPs in the early 80s as well as films like Beat Street, Wildstyle and Breakdance that initially captured my attention. In terms of my own music, I started recording demos in the late 80s and by 1989 was working with a fledgling Kold Sweat Records as well as Lap One Productions however a chance meeting with Johnny F around the same time led to my first release on Liberty Grooves in 1990 as part of Solid n Mind. We went on to record two other records, the final one only seeing a release many years later in 2010 however it was this that led me to start gigging again and eventually to start recording new music.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
My influences are very wide ranging. The US MCs that I have the greatest respect for are probably Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, Ultramagnetic MCs, Public Enemy, Kool G Rap, Melle Mel and MC Shan as well as modern artists such as Czarface and Atmosphere. UK-wise it ranges from groups like London Posse/Rodney P, Demon Boyz and MC Mell O to relatively recent acts such as Jehst, Taskforce, Lewis Parker and Kashmere. In terms of collaborations though I tend to prefer to work with artists I have a connection with so that the dynamic works. Since relaunching my music career around 2010, I have had the pleasure of working with peeps such as Oxygen, Phill Most Chill, Mr Thing, Smoove, Micall Parknsun and of course my label mates and close friends Specifik, Djar One, Mr Fantastic and Chrome & Illinspired to name a few. I am already working on my next single, alongside Lewis Parker, Specifik and Smoove. Hopefully that will be out in the Autumn 2022.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?
Probably the biggest problem we faced was the delay of the current single: 'Without Music/Labels (Smoove Mix)'. It was originally due out in May but was delayed 6 months. Ordinarily this wouldn't have been an issue however BBC 6Music started playing the single in May and although one of the tracks was available digitally, the vinyl was not! Fortunately, The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show (who have supported lots of my stuff over the years) resumed playing it in November.
The other issue was the lack of live gigs. Since 2010 myself and Specifik have been gigging regularly and it has become an integral part of what we do, so when everything locked down it was tough. Luckily, we did do a few on-line things and when there was a brief break in the lock down, we went down to Blade's 05:21 to record an interview as well as a live session...big upz Blade!
4. How would you describe your sound?
I guess people might say it's of a boom-bap nature with a bit of funk thrown in. Basically I make the kind of hip hop that I like to listen to. I'm often quite political although most of these tracks are on LPs save 'M.D.M.'. I think it's also fair to say that my sound is quite varied which is down to the range of producers I work with such as Djar One, Specifik, Crease and Phil Wilks. All of the aforementioned names (and many more) bring out a different feel and side to my nature which I really like. They also often challenge me with different soundscapes that I've not encountered in the past - I like that challenge!
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
I think I'd have to pick some of the gigs we've done. Supporting both Wu-Tang Clan and then Public Enemy a few months later at the Bournemouth 02 in front of a packed crowd of over 1500 people were just wonderful moments. Not only do I have huge respect for both bands but the fact that we were received so well and the venue was packed was wonderful. I also have to add the gigs we've done abroad in places like Germany and France. There's something really special about playing abroad and connecting with a crowd that is far removed from the usual sphere (although of course the internet makes everything closer these days!).
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
I would probably say to them to keep going - things will happen when the time is right. Also, to be humble and show respect for the other artists around you. Show support where you can - karma and all of that!
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
At the moment, I would have to big up everyone on the labels I am associated with: B-Line Recordings and AE Productions (though B-Line is my spiritual home if you like!). My man Specifik will be dropping an incredible album in 2022 - really excited about that one! Chrome, with whom I have collaborated lots has a lot of dope projects to come in the next year or two as well - definitely another one to watch!
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Lewis Parker - Frequency Of Perception (King Underground)/Atmosphere - Word? (Rhymesayers)/Cosm & Micall Parknsun - Aspetta (Hollow Sun).
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
First and foremost my family. My number one job is being a Dad which I love and I am lucky enough to have two wonderful kids Evie and Noah and a gorgeous wife. They also, in turn put up with my music and weekends away etc! I'm also big into sport and keeping fit - I run, play tennis, cycle etc. Finally, I should mention my friends who are really important to me too! I'm also involved in education (I train teachers), which although not a pastime, is something I am passionate about - after all, kids of today are our future! Sorry, that's a bit of a boring answer! Actually, I could probably add music journalism, as I have been the hip hop writer for Record Collector Magazine for the past 15 years (and previously wrote for other mags such as Undercover Magazine) or so (though that is technically another job lols!).
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Rola Roc (he engineers most of my stuff at Khameleon 107 and is a total legend!)/Vocal Zones/Sparkling water (I'm trying to give up Diet Coke!).