Motto Estate - Back Home (Official Video) + 10 Questions

Morgo and Degie - two members of Manchester-based collective Motto Estate - release their new single, ‘Back Home’ alongside a video. Merging themes of introspectiveness and self-reflection, ‘Back Home’ highlights the duo’s distinctive UK hip-hop sound led by Morgo's slick penship and Degie’s real-rap abilities. Taking us on a trip down memory lane, the video presents us with nostalgic backdrops representing local territories where they spent their adolescent years.

Formed of eight members from different parts of the North, Motto Estate, organically stemmed from a friendship group who shared a mutual love for music. After joining Manchester University, the collective strengthened their chemistry turning their DIY bedroom demos into polished music, elevating their position in the burgeoning underground hip-hop scene along the way. Their unconventional approach has enabled them to go from strength to strength as they continue to fly the flag for the North.

Motto Estate’s Morgo and Degie 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?

We’ve both been bang into music since kids. I (Degie) always had Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Etta James etc. playing around the house. I know Morgo grew up listening to a lot of Lauryn Hill and Lil Wayne, massive contrast, haha. Funnily enough, the first album both of us ever listened was T.I “Paper Trail” when we were about 8. Funny that we both in different countries listening to the same album at similar times before we even met. I started rapping at about 15, just putting stuff over beats but didn’t really know what I was doing. We started to take it a bit more serious when we moved to Manchester, met the rest of the boys and started the foundations of Motto Estate.

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

I’d say for me (Degie) the likes of Potter Payper, Dave and Avelino who all put real content in their music. I’ve always been drawn to “proper Rap” that is telling you something. Not trying to glorify something but giving an honest perspective. Love that.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

Degie: I dropped my debut mixtape ‘Good Days & Bad Days’ at the end of 2021 so I’m gonna build on that with more singles over the coming months. More importantly, Morgo will be dropping his tape at the beginning of summer and this is gonna be BIG but I won’t say too much on that. On top of that, the Motto Estate of Mind: Volume 2 is gonna be Motto’s gem of a sequel to Volume 1.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I wouldn’t. I think our sound covers so many bases right now, it’s hard to put a description to it. At the minute, our sounds constantly evolving. That’s how I would describe our sound - evolving.

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

I think our short tour last year is up there. From the sold out Liverpool show full of people me & Morg grew up with, to a massive turn out at the London show in Shoreditch. We had people who we had never seen before, telling us they love the music and how long they had been listening to us. That felt big!

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

Trust in yourself. Confidence and patience.....With that being said, we haven’t blown yet so I might be chatting sh*t. Will get back to you in 5 years.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

The city has got some brilliant music coming out of it from the likes of SSJ to Koj. Another one to check out is Rudeteeth from Belfast. Serious lyricist.

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

I’ve been spinning Elephant in the Room by Mick Jenkins - belter album. Also, Migration by Bonobo, some powerful instrumental stuff on there. And College Dropout, just because the Kanye’s Netflix documentary reminded me he was a boss musician and not just an Instagram lunatic.

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

Degie: I’m bang into film so I’m either watching or editing something. We both work full time jobs so both gotta be clever and efficient with our time, which is tough.

10. Name three things you can’t live without when in the studio?

Pen. Pad. Weed.