MAEAR, 1 ⅓ of Jungle Brown is returning since his last offering, SZNL AFFRZ 2 which dropped last October. The self-proclaimed London based ‘Black Bumpkin’ returns freshly back from a spiritual homecoming in Ghana.

The 1st single, which accompanies a video, also shot in Ghana by ‘Amandla CA,’ is entitled Ratchet & Righteous. The meaning of the soulful rap song is in the name, a union of man and woman who are both Ratchet & Righteous, both naughty and nice! It was Produced By TonyBonesTheProducer (Che Lingo, Fifa 2021, NBA 2k21) There will be several more singles released in the lead up to his next project entitled, ‘Peakaboo.’

MAEAR 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?

My household was obsessed with music from an early age, being of Ghanaian heritage, our parents used to play high life music all the time and we just danced all day. When we started to get a little bit older, my older brothers found Hip-Hop and r&b, and from then it really evolved. Tupac, Nas, Foxy Brown, Warren G... Westwood Shows, almost all our time was listening and studying music. But it was the day when Mark Morrison, Return of The Mack came out, seeing as we had the same first name, that was it for me, and i decided then, i was going to be an artist. I would dance at the front window of my house imaging a crowd in the drive way every morning before school.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I have a natural affinity to say Jay-Z , Kendrick, Kanye, as they few of my top tier favs. But I'm really inspired by the UK family like Knucks, J Hus, Dave, Lil Sims, Enny. And then you got my African family, like Santi, Odunsi, Amaarae. There’s a lot of people i think with my approach to music matched with theirs would make gold.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?

The main thing for me wasn’t making music or releasing it as such, but I realised the world's changing. So there was a lot of other emotions and things to think about. I see self sustainability as more important then ever, growing spiritually, thinking about the future and what kind of cultures I want to be around. I went back to Ghana for the 1st time since a baby and just realised the world isn't London and pleasing people here. So yeah it just shifted my thinking a lot, but i don’t really see things as challenges in that way, I just see new opportunities to see things different or do things different. For example i made animated videos and videos on an iPhone during lockdown. I wasn't mad at that.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Hard to say because sonically I touch on a lot of different sounds, but as an eitity, id say i’m a mix of Ratchet & Righteous, like the song. I’m a hit you with the SZNL sermons, and also tell you she sat on my face. But my fav beats are probably soulful trap beats. Love a TonyBonesTheProducer beat.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

I think doing Glastonbury with my group Jungle Brown for sure. Playing a main stage at one of the worlds biggest festivals is special. We just dream strong and worked hard...Just a country bumpkin from Bournemouth, but put on shows that touches peoples souls. That’s beautiful.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Yes, do it because you love it, follow your gut and make sure you put the music out. Try not to focus too much on what everyone else is doing, especially if its not what you do, because it can feel disheartening feeling like people ain’t checking for you. You a star, but you have to believe it enough to show them again and again. They will see.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

BXKS, Ric Flo, K. Waltz, Karl Williams, GAIDAA.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Snoh Aalega - ugh those feels again... Yes still!!
Omah lay - Get Layd
((( o ))) - natures joint

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I do business, very into personal development, so could be learning, plotting, or working on my company Melanin Magic Club. Or if i finally relax, probably watching UFC, although i’m probably more interested in interviews and pre fight ish, then the fights... I love the art of mental warfare. I also like to chill by my river and watch the ducks. And always always working on my self spiritually, monitor my thoughts and emotions, make sure i keep evolving.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Zoots, Water, and Rowntree’s Randoms.