Karl Hinds

Karl Hinds is one of those original rappers who made noise in the scene back at the turn of the century with tracks like the anthemic ‘Don Gramma’. Now with a new sound and a new album Karl gave us some of his valuable time for this exclusive interview. Jonathan Miles asks the questions...

When did you release your first song?

I released my first single in 2000 called Don Gramma and I put it out on my own label first, Ill Flava Records, and then licensed it to Virgin/Wordplay.

What’s been your biggest track so far to date? 

In terms of popularity I would have to say 2 tracks "Don Gramma” and "Lets Av It" featuring Skinnyman both are considered classics now.

Who producers your music?

I produced the music on all my 3 Albums (‘Hindsight’, ‘Have Patience’ & ‘The Need To Be Heard’) and I also produce for other artists projects.

What record label are you on?

I'm on Ill Flava Records which is an independent Hip Hop label that’s been going for almost Ten years.

Have you released any music videos?

Yeah I released a couple videos, my first one "Don Gramma" won Video Of The Year of the UKHH Awards and I also dropped a video for the "Lets Av It" track featuring Skinnyman.

Don Gramma http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnFDWO5OFEs

Lets Av It http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NToc981BHwk

What has the response been like to your music in your hometown? 

Well I'm from East London but the whole of London have backed me over the years. Critically my music has always been well received, but I think people have always thought I'm a bit ahead of my time.

Being independent can be a grind! How are you finding it?

Being an Indie label is a hustle period. You’re up against the big boys who've got the game sown up, so you've got to use there weaknesses to your benefit.  They only want to back sure things so they're incredibly short sighted and late so you've just got to be that trend setting label that constantly does shit first and that’s always been us.

What are your thoughts on digital distribution?

To be honest I haven't formed an opinion on it yet, but I’ll probably have one after I drop my Album.

Do you have an agent for bookings/tours?

Yeah my girl Nina Carmela from Rhythmic Visions Mgmt & PR handles all that for me now, she came highly recommended.

Have you had much DJ support? Radio play? Mixtape features?

Judging the support of my music has always been difficult for me to do. Obviously I could be supported more (especially on radio) but my music tends to get heard even though I never hear it being supported. My shit always sells so I'm good even when it ain't all good! Overall past and present projects have received good support from the mainstream and pirate stations across the UK, this year it’s all about global identity.

What subject matters do you cover in your lyrics?

Well on the new album, ‘The Need To Be Heard’, my lyrics are aimed at people that are aged 23 and over, having to carry heavy responsibility as a result of there actions so lyrically I'm talking about pressure and the mentality needed to deal it. So I guess I deal with the psychology of hustling and how that life style affects you and your relationships.

Tell us a bit about your style.

My style is London period, I'm known for being one of the best concept lyricists in the game and there's not many of us about. Every now and then I spit pure fire just to let em know I do this and it's nothing.

Outside of music how do relax?

I don't.

What can people expect from you in the near future?

The new album "The Need To Be Heard" from which I'm dropping the single "Fella", there will also be a forthcoming video for the single. I'm overseeing another album at the moment that is due to drop after mine on Ill Flava Records in which I feature lyrically and as a producer, we'll also be touring the UK soon so I’ll be about for sure. Ill Flava Records has a lot of projects planned over the next few months from various artists, producers and as well as for Ill Flava as a brand.

Do you have a website or My Space page?

Yes the website is www.illflavarecords.com and the MySpace is www.myspace.com/karlhinds - ‘The Need To Be Heard’ Out Sep 09

Interview by Jonathan Miles