Following a run of singles that garnered acclaim from UK underground publications such as The Pit, Blatantly Blunt and Wordplay Magazine, Coventry-based rapper Mac Backwardz presents his debut album ‘I’ll Bell You Tomorrow’. The LP is a collaboration with the production duo Harlem Ralph and takes you on a journey through euphoric highs and crashing lows.

‘I’ll Bell You Tomorrow’ follows Mac’s journey to becoming sober whilst tackling numerous mental health issues along the way. When listened to in order, it takes you on a sonic drug trip; Songs such as ‘Alien Faces’ and final single ‘Air Max’, are energetic and joyful, representing the high and ecstasy of everything, whilst ‘Embers’ and ‘13 - 17’ take a sombre and introspective turn. ‘Editor, Director’ acts as the crescendo of the trip, where Mac’s technical ability shines through double-time bars over a thunderous beat.

Discussing his aim for the project Mac explains, “I've always loved concept albums, like A Grand Don't Come For Free by The Streets. I think there's something really special about being able to tell stories, so this is what I wanted to do with my first project. By opening up about my own struggles with mental health I hope people can realise that they're not alone and don't have to suffer in silence. With the music I just want to make people feel something. I'm really proud of it, and if it helps even just one person I'll be thrilled.”

Mac was first inspired to pick up a pen by his favourite homegrown MCs, Devlin, Kano and Dizzee Rascal in the early 2000s. His partnership with UKF and affinity for US rap, helped the rapper to develop his own unique style and versatility that can be heard on his 2014 mixtape as well as ‘I’ll Bell You Tomorrow’. He first met the duo Harlem Ralph in 2018 and they formed an instant bond, deciding to produce a 5-track-EP. Their chemistry was instant and it wasn’t long wasn’t long before the EP soon turned into a full-length album.

‘I’ll Bell You Tomorrow’ is the culmination of three years of work—delayed by multiple lockdowns and studio relocations—and showcases the real life struggles of a creative under immense mental struggle trying to navigate his way towards happiness.

Mac Bawardz 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?

Watching the local MCs around my city start to gain recognition, and wanting that validation for myself was why it all began around 13-14 years of age, but I don't think I fully appreciated the power of music until a few years later when I went off and started discovering underground artists on sites like DatPiff. Watching people like Mac Miller's organic rise happening in real time as well as their sounds maturing with each release really spoke to me and made me appreciate music as something more than just writing bars. Things really started kicking off for me when I met Tulu Presents 5 or so years back, I always made music but never seriously until I met them cos I didn't think it was viable, but I've been in love with the game ever since.

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

Mac Miller was my biggest influence and still is to this day. I also love Tyler, The Creator and his ability to create an eye-catching aesthetic for each of his releases, that takes serious talent. In the future I'd love to work with Frankie Stew and Harvey Gunn, I think our sounds are quite similar but also different enough that we could make something really interesting together. I also am absolutely head over heels for Kiiara's voice, getting her on a project would be a dream come true, I've been a fan of hers since about 2017. Kiiara if you see this hmu please.

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

My debut album 'I'll Bell You Tomorrow' is out literally right now! It's a concept album designed to be listened to in order to get the full story being told, it's about a mental breakdown I suffered a few years back and everything that contributed to it. So, like living a party heavy lifestyle or doctors prescribing tons of medication that shouldn't have been mixed. It follows the journey of a drug trip with the first half of the album being incredibly hype before crashing down into act 2 with a more sombre, introspective feel, and it's also littered with concerned voicemails from friends and family throughout to really give it that personal touch. The entire album was produced by Harlem Ralph, 2 very talented guys that can make any genre of music imaginable and we made it over the course of 3 years. Lockdown and everything got in the way, but I couldn't be happier now that it's finally out!

4. How would you describe your sound?

An amalgamation of the grittiness of UK grime/hip-hop sprinkled with a zest of smooth RnB with a garnish of something you can't quite put your finger on but it's good. I like to be quite versatile in my music, the album has so many different types of sound, from aggressive rap to soulful love songs. I really think you just have to check it out to get the proper answer, I like to think I've created a sound that's quite unique.

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

I think just having people message me and telling me that my music helped them when they needed it. I don't think there's a more rewarding feeling than that as an artist, especially to someone that's not massively known like myself. Being able to improve someone's dark times through something you created is a goddamn superpower imo and one that I'm proud to wield.

But a close number 2 would be when me and my mate Pelikann got our song Green Ranger on UKF Bass Culture 4, we had to sign contracts and everything it really made me feel like I was actually going somewhere with music for the first time.

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

If you're holding back from releasing something for whatever reason that may be, you're only hurting yourself. Just do it. If you have confidence issues, you won't get over them by not releasing. If you are a perfectionist and keep making changes, you'll never release anything. You have to sort of adopt a fuck it mentality at some point and just drop your music. People are always going to criticise and hate, especially those closest to you, but it's not about them, it's about the other 8 billion people in the world that are ready to hear you.

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

If I was to look inwards, I would always suggest my bro Fulkost. We started music together when I was 14 and he was 12, so we been doing this for a minute. He's an incredible rapper, singer and producer and I just want him to release more so the world can hear it. Flowlosopha as well needs to be checked out, he's really found his sound and ran with it the past few years. And finally, I would say Harlem Ralph, they produce the most incredible music together as the duo, but also separately they've got some killer tracks, so Espielle and Patrick Foley of Harlem Ralph, give them a stream.

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

Breathing Exercises and Nothing New Under The Sun by Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn are dominating my playlist currently. good kid m.A.A.d city is always lying somewhere near the top spot alongside Swimming and The Divine Feminine by Mac Miller. I also love TYRON by slowthai.

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

I like to make videos and take photos, I always direct and edit my own music videos as well as create for other artists, it's been a passion of mine since I started doing media at GCSE. When I'm not creating, I like to stream on Twitch, I've built a wicked little community over the past few months with people all over the world. I also spend a majority of my life watching wrestling cos I'm a huge nerd for it. Other than that, just stuff to keep me sane like walking my dog Mya, meeting up with friends and buying things I don't need.

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

1. Harlem Ralph. I know they're technically 2 people but I'm counting them as one thing for this, you don't make the rules. We just get on so well together and they know me and what I like and dislike so much at this point that it would be hard for me to ever use someone else to produce my music, I'd feel like I was cheating on them.

2. My phone. It comes in pretty handy when you want to write lyrics or look for inspiration or when you get a bit bored and need to take a short break to mindlessly scroll Reddit. It's also quite useful for if there's ever an emergency and you need to contact the appropriate services.

3. Food and water. I think without them I would die so it's always good to have a spare bit of sustenance on hand to prevent that from happening.

Thanks for having me this has been fun; everyone please go check out my debut album I'll Bell You Tomorrow below (by Mac Backwardz prod. by Harlem Ralph) its on all good streaming services right now along with a host of great music videos on YouTube!

Connect with Mac Backwardz on Instagram here.