Deniro5ive & Taifunds are two of the newest, hottest teenagers to enter the rap scene. Hot off the heels of the release of the audio of their new track ‘Cutie’ which went viral on Tik Tok and led to the release of the track, the pair from Clacton are still to release the video. Both still at school, the two teens have grown up as childhood friends releasing music independently, as well as previous track together ‘Kings’.

With both their passion for music starting at school, Deniro begun recording tunes at home, with no intention to put them out. In the second lockdown in Nov 2020, the teens made single ‘Cutie’ putting a snippet on Tik Tok, leading to thousands of views and a fast growth on social media.

Deniro5ive & Taifunds 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?

Deniro: My love for music started from my parents, my dad used to DJ when he was young and my mum used to show me her rapping like lil Kim. Then I used to bang out Michael Jackson and just wanted to be famous ever since.

Taifunds: Music was never part of the plan, at first I even wanted to become Deniro5ives manager. But after a while of him making music it inspired me to make music too. After I found out I was actually talented I took it more seriously.

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

Deniro: Would have been pop smoke, New York is the the only international music I actually listen to but in the UK I’d say J Hus while growing up people in my school used to say I make music like his so now I think I’ve emulated some parts of both and made something of my own.

Taifunds: Before I released any singles ‘Knucks’ was an artist that inspired my flow and beat choice. When I started to take music further I crafted my own sound and flow. Central Cee is definitely an artist that influences some of my work in a couple of unreleased songs I have now though.

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

Deniro: Delays and lack of studio, I haven't been able to do much at all musically I’d say, everything’s limited and it’s limited creativity on what to talk about.

Taifunds: Corona virus has affected a lot, for a while we couldn’t even go to the studio to record songs. However it gave us more time to ourselves at home to reflect and make music that held meaning.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Deniro: I’d say that my sound is uplifting, I like music that uplifts the mood and I try to make music to make people happy rather than think deeply about their flaws or their problems.

Taifunds: I would describe my sound as lively and oozing with energy. Our sound isn’t common and it’s not one everybody can perfect. Our flows are unpredictable & when more of our music is released you’ll definitely be impressed about what you’re hearing.

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

Deniro: It would most definitely be my verse blowing up on Tik Tok, I literally used nonsense lingo that I only use around my friends and turned it into everyone screaming it “Get well soon YAZEET YAZEET”

Taifunds: My proudest moment has been my friends and family genuinely liking my music and getting a taste of my talent. My music is quite new to them as it wasn’t a passion of mine till recent.

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

Deniro: As soon as I started being myself and not taking myself too seriously it connected with more people so I’d say have fun all the time and not force your mind to try to sound like somebody else.

Taifunds: Think out of the box. This industry is crowded and to stand out your gonna have to bring something different and exciting to the game. And also stay true to yourself.

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

Deniro: My boy JCapi, soon step on the scene but I don’t really know many upcoming artists yet I need to look around myself.

Taifunds: 88, Arz, Ramonie, 00Ab, Bankroll Benj, Spacevet.

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

Deniro: Pop smokes first posthumous album and his mixtapes are always getting banged out and drakes CLB but not much else.

Taifunds: Love Letters by Arz.

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

Deniro: I like getting clothes , mostly collecting sneakers and caps but other than that I don’t think this summer's allowed me to live life as much as I anticipated so I’m mostly at home if I ain’t at the studio.

Taifunds: I'm a chef when I’m not a rapper, you can ask deniro5ive about my work.

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

Deniro: My phone charger and my AirPods are all I can think of because I don’t really go to the studio much yet.
Taifunds: McDonalds, Charger, The Mandem.