With his hard hitting lyrical content and the relatable transparency he’s become known for when it comes to subject matter, UK MC KaeDee returns with his first offering of the year, “Forgive Me”.

Complete with soulful production, UK Hip Hop vibes and an ability to command your attention with his storytelling demeanour, “Forgive Me” is an unapologetic expression of looking after your mind and the energy around you, accepting that putting your wellbeing first may cost you some relationships along the way.

With inspiration for the track being sparked after having a slow day where he was left alone with his thoughts, speaking on the track KaeDee said “I was thinking about people in my life and how our dynamics have changed. I realised that it’s not just them changing the dynamic, but me looking out for myself and my own wellbeing.” This often meant keeping certain people at a distance, prompting the name of the track.

“The lyrics kind of capture that tension between wanting to keep things the same, but also knowing that things inevitably change.”

The addition of fellow London native Verbz on the track was a no-brainer for KaeDee, who has always had respect for his lyrical prowess, as well as his smooth delivery on anything he blesses with his presence.

KaeDee sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer out infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

My earliest memory of really caring about and becoming obsessive over music was watching Thriller with my dad. It freaked me out but, ever since then I kept wondering who this Michael Jackson guy was, and over the years became obsessed with him and his music. I just wanted to do everything he did - sing, dance, make music, make videos, etc.

My dad was big into MJ and Stevie Wonder, and I just wanted to be like them. I wish my origin story was a bit more unique, but that’s how it happened. I’m sure Michael was a lot of people’s spark. I’m still obsessed to this day. R&B was my starting point before I found Hip Hop, I started finding other contemporary singers that I liked as I got older, until I discovered 50 Cent. It was game over after that.

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

Kendrick, J. Cole and Tyler, The Creator are big current influences, before them it would be people like Jay-Z, Nas, Lloyd Banks, Wu-Tang Clan. I’ve always been a big Kanye fan and would’ve loved to have worked with him in his prime. Eminem has been a huge influence on me too, which should be no surprise to anyone.

I’d love to get in the studio with someone like Kano, Ghetts, Devlin, people like them. I feel like I’d be able to click with them when it comes to writing - Little Simz and Ocean Wisdom too. I probably wouldn’t have the best verse on any song I do with them, but they’d be able to push me into writing some of my best verses ever. Loyle Carner also.

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

We have a music video for Forgive Me coming soon, which is shaping up nice. I have some songs that I might put together for a new project, to go along with this new single. And then some shows around the city through the summer.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I’m not really sure how i’d describe it. I don’t really like the term “conscious” when it comes to Hip Hop, I think it puts artist in a box they don’t need to be in. My newer stuff has been more soulful and reflective, those are the two words I’d use.

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

Putting out my project Sunshine Therapy last year after going through a really bad time, struggling with being at a real low point mentally. It hit harder this time because I thought it was behind me. Making that project in a short space of time and it being my favourite one to date has definitely been my proudest moment.

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

It’s gonna sound mad cliche but, when people say just keep doing what you do, it’s legit the truth. You just get better at things the more you do them, and there’s no real time limit. We’re in a unique moment in history where we get to see rappers who are big commercial acts age into their forties and fifties and still move the needle. Some artists don’t even break until they’re in their thirties - Benny The Butcher, 2 Chainz, etc. Pusha T got a second wind later in his career, and so did Killer Mike and El-P with Run The Jewels. Even if you’re not a rapper this applies - stopping is surefire way of going nowhere.

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

There’s a singer called Eve Singleton who’s on 2 songs from my last mixtape, and those are 2 of my favourite songs I’ve ever done, she’s a good friend of mine and she’s sick. She also recommended me an album by this guy called Lausse The Cat which was hard, everyone should check him out. Kota The Friend is one of my new favourite emcees over the last few years from the US, he’s got a cool laidback vibe which has inspired me a lot.

He’s not that new of an artist but Big K.R.I.T. is someone whose music I’ve loved for the longest time, but he doesn’t get the shine I feel he deserves. So everyone should go and listen to him - if you think Drake has the whole sing rap thing down then you’re in for a shock.

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

Right now I’ve been listening to some albums that mimic the 90s boom bap era, but are current (and sound current). So, Logic’s “Vinyl Days” album, for example, Method Man’s “Meth Lab 3” - Verbz and Mr Slipz have a great album called “Radio Waves” which I love. Mahalia is one of my favourite singers, her new EP is heavy. Lupe Fiasco’s new album is amazing as well, that’s been helping me push my pen game recently.

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

I’m a huge nerd so I end up deep diving on YouTube a lot of the time. I watch videos on Hip Hop, music in general, interviews with artists, etc. Channels like DeadEndHipHop, TheNeedleDrop, “My Expert Opinion With Math Hoffa”, Drink Champs, I watch them all the time. I nerd out on superheroes too, so I watch videos on MCU movies and comic books.

Outside of that I’m a big movie watcher in general, and I sketch and design (I make my own single and album covers). I wish I could add reading to that but, I don’t.

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

Water, a notepad and pen (or equivalent, like a phone/tablet), and vibes.