DeBe - NOT COPS (Official Video) + 10 Questions

Fast-rising UK rap talent DeBe returns with new single 'NOT COPS'.

Underpinned by a menacing production, 'NOT COPS' sees DeBe deliver witty, hard-hitting bars alluding to the trap lifestyle he leads. The similarly in-your-face official video, which offers a visual representation of the Northampton artist’s way of life, is a perfect match for his raw flow.

"I had reached a point in life where everything I was doing was just becoming a joke’. DeBe explains. ‘The dramas that come along with leading a life on the roads began to outweigh the benefits and my conscience kicked in”.

DeBe 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?

When I was a kid I used to roll with a Walkman and CD’s everywhere, around age 6 my Mum frantically called me downstairs shouting “THIS IS GRIMEEEEEEEE” at Roll Deeps Row your boat video! I used to recite lyrics since I could talk and started messing around spitting bars writing my own lyrics in school, but my love for creating music started when I got a MacBook and played on GarageBand… best day ever remember it like yesterday.

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

I’m more inspired than influenced. It’s so vast and wide it all depends on what mood I’m in. When the suns not shining I might play some Free Nationals or Bel Cobain on some ambivalent ‘ish, I recently discovered Tobi Lou too his sick very vibey, on the contrast I might wake up and bang sos mula full blast DeBe laughs. There’s a lot of people I’d love to work with but I’ve got a couple dream studio sessions, Scott Storch and I would make bangers for days for sure.

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

At the start of Covid I was locked in the studio, when lockdown kicked in the studio got locked off. I was just working with my headphones for 5 or 6 days then decided to build a small studio in my garage. After I built the studio there was no problems. I don’t watch TV or read the paper.

4. How would you describe your sound?

When I get asked that question I have to break it down. I don’t really have one sound. If I had to describe it in 1 word. I’d say moody that could be a happy, sad or progressive moods just depends.

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

Putting my first project out. When it was all finished and everything complete it was mad to look at it as package with nothing more to be done.

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

Just make sure you love what you’re doing. Don’t make nothing that isn’t a true reflection of you.

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

Tobi Lou who I mentioned earlier his got some proper vibes, just bare vibey. Ocean Wisdom doesn’t miss always dropping slappers. NN have some sick artists too I can’t stop playing Anti!i - NARCISSIST & Vince Law keeps bring hella heat with some waves visuals.

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

I feel to be really brutally honest - I literally don’t listen to anything constantly. I’ve got a playlist on Spotify that I keep updated called THE DOUBLE which I switch out the songs I’ve been listening too. I’m in the studio so much I don’t have time to listen to other music that much.

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

Every Sunday we get the fucking bikes out. As long as nothing is going on I’ll be riding other than that I haven’t skated for a while but I need to go jam at skate park soon.

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

Candles, rizla… I’ve always got weed. Redbull as well but I’m trying to stop that.