Social media is full of people telling us how new rap music sucks, why chart topping music these days lacks heart and has forgotten its roots. Rarely though, do we hear those same people giving those that deserve it their flowers. There are plenty out there creating music from the heart, true to the culture of hip hop with the idea of success being the art form, not bank. So when we heard Frost-D was releasing new music we had to show some love and ask him some questions.

So tell me how did it all begin, what sparked your passion for music?

I grew up in a household that loves music, no one in my family plays or writes music, but it’s always been in our lives. I have a memory of my Mum playing ‘Fugees - Killing Me Softly’ as a young kid sat in the back of the car in the 90s & I still bump that whole Fugees album (The Score) heavily to this day. The Hip Hop influence has always been there for me & I always gravitated towards it, not just the music, the entire culture. My first step into creating music was through beatboxing when I was 14, I enjoyed the feeling it gave me & the response from my peers, so I really worked hard at getting good & performing at shows wherever it was possible. I started writing raps at 16, I always had a passion for writing & wanted to broaden my horizons. So I began to write mostly to J Dilla beats, 9th Wonder, Apollo Brown, Flying Lotus, DJ Premier, you know the classics, the list is far too long. Beat making is something I picked up seriously around 5 years ago & I have got myself to a place where I am happy to write & record to my own beats, which 90% of the E.P I will be releasing next year, is produced by myself. 

How would you describe your sound?

My sound is very 90s hip hop influenced, boom bap with flavours of funk, jazz & soul. All the good stuff.

Who/what do you consider to be the biggest influence on your music?

The world around us & myself I guess… my music is a reflection of me & the things I feel, see & hear. 

What’s the proudest moment to date for you as an artist?

When I studied at Access to Music in Norwich I got selected to go on a UK tour which was a dope experience, I performed in 7 different cities alongside some bands, I met a bunch of good people & felt the pain of a travelling musician! One of the shows was an awards ceremony at the 02 in Birmingham, that gig sticks out more than any other it was the most people I had performed in front of & still is to this date. 

Name three things you can’t live without?

Herbs, Water & Sweets.

Name 3 people you would love to work with and why?

The Alchemist, Flying Lotus & DJ Premier, their beats never miss, Dilla would be at the top of the list though.

You’ve just released your First single “Hiatus” talk us through your new work and what we should expect in the future?

Hiatus is a bit of a recap on my life for anyone who did listen to me, where I’ve been & what I’ve been up to. The sound is true to myself & what you should expect going forward.

What’s the album you’ve played more than any other?

Mick Jenkins — The Waters.

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

Don’t expect too much & work hard for yourself, not the most motivating words, but it is a difficult industry to crack, as you said it’s a mad game! Peruse music for the right reasons, it’s a creative outlet for many but only a full-time job for a few, so if money and fame is your motivation you may be left disappointed. Have fun with it, get creative & don’t take yourself too seriously!

Show Frost-D some love:

Frost-D - Instagram - Linktree

Photography - Lewis Gant