Life is not easy. There are many issues that we face from the debt crisis to the problems posed by COVID to the many wars that are going on. This Song was created to try and bring all these things to light with a positive spin. This being that despite the struggles we face we still need to keep going and make the most of all opportunities that come our way. This song is for everyone facing the daily struggles of Life and one that most people will relate too. The track was produced by Haks.

AntyD grew up in Archway (North London) and has been rapping since the early age of 16.  As a father and husband, he uses his experiences to address real life topics through his music.

His conscious music, storytelling, clever wordplay, and ability to convey real life topics that people can relate to will have you wanting to hear more.  He has a clever way of telling stories and If you listen carefully there is often an important message behind his songs.

2 years ago, he was close to losing his life after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.  2 major operations later he is determined to leave his mark on the industry and tell his story through his music.

AntyD 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?

I grew up listening to a wide variety of music, such as drum and bass, old school garage, R&B, and hip hop.  From a very young age, I have always had a deep affinity for music and the creative process of songwriting.  The actual spark, though, was when my cousin Panama and I started the hip-hop group Survivorz, and we recorded our first song in a studio.  Nothing compares to writing a song and bringing it to life in a recording studio.

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

Over the years, I've listened to and continue to listen to a lot of artists who have influenced me and my music.  Aside from the obvious rappers that most people would rank first on their list (i.e. Biggie, 2Pac, Jadakiss, Styles, Snoop etc.), I grew up listening to a lot of conscious rappers like Talib Kweli, Little Brother, Klashnekoff, and Skinnyman, as well as Tribe Called Quest.  These rappers all have distinct styles, and I think what sets them apart is the relatable topics they choose to rhyme about.   Hip Hop is not always portrayed in a positive light and so I feel its important to be able to rap about real life topics that people can relate to.

I try to keep my options open when it comes to collaborating with other artists because there are a lot of talented ones in the UK scene right now.  If I had to pick one UK artist, it would probably be Kofi Stone.

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

I'm working on a few projects that will be released during the year with a number of producers (C3, Haks, 23Beats).   In addition, there will be a Survivorz project that will hopefully be launching later this year.  So lots to look forward to!

4. How would you describe your sound?

Conscious, thought-provoking music that is easy on the ear.  My tracks tend to have catchy hooks and if you listen carefully there is often and important message or story behind my songs.

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

Releasing my debut Single “Life” as it came after a very difficult and testing period of my life.  It feels great to be able to now be in a position to share my music with others, have them enjoy it and also hear my story.

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

Stay true to yourself be authentic and focus on making music for the right reasons and be patient!  When you make music for the love of music it really shows in your songs.

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

Panama (Survivorz) is definitely worth a look.  You will hear more from him this year.  Also I would keep your ear to the ground for a project coming out from C3 called SOAP (Sound of a perfectionist).

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

I love my oldskool and soulful hip hop so I listen to a lot of Little Brother (The Listening, The Chittlin Circuit 1.5), Talib kweli (Reflection Eternal), Blackstar (Mos Def and Talib Kweli), Skinnyman (Council Estate of Mind), Klashnekof (The Sagas of Klashnekoff) to name a few.

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

Spending time with my Family and Friends is a must.   This might sound odd but I love to play a little chess from time to time.  I’m also a huge Arsenal Fan and follow the matches as much as I can.

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

Headphones, notepad and a pack of Haribo!!