The British rap scene has produced great international acts with major crossover appeal. Creating a lane all of their own, international rap acts are proving there is a thriving culture of music that speaks to the youth in a way that mirrors that of the U.S. There have been numerous debates on the U.K.’s “Grime” genre and how its homegrown roots compares to rap across the pond. While some find the topic worth mulling over, Nehmy is marching to the beat of his own drum, and making music that can’t be defined.
Nehmy, from the U.K., says his music is a genre all its own. His latest project South East Experiences pays tribute to his many travels across Europe as a “youth,” going where his passion in music lead him.
“Don’t get chained by fear and anxiety, don’t get chained by the product of society. Look ahead but also look over your shoulder, it makes sense now that we’re getting older,” is the opening line to the EP that eloquently speaks of growing pains from Nehmy’s perspective. But don’t think you’re in for a trip solely directly into your feels with this EP — his upbeat and smooth lyrics fits comfortably over tracks slow, fast, and in-between.
South East Experiences includes a variety of tracks telling of the many moods 20-somethings come face to face with in an age where information interferes with one’s direction. Nehmy uses metaphors in his lyrics that are witty and relevant as ever and as an added bonus, his flow rides comfortably over bass heavy beats worth bumping. After Twitter got hold of his single, Nehmy has been getting lots of love across social media and even wound up as the soundtrack to one of Rita Ora‘s car rides across London. Below he talks about how he stays focused in a world of distraction and over-saturation in digital music.
How long have you been doing what you do?
I started music in early 2011.
How did you get started?
I came back to London from visiting my grandma in France, I literally stayed in her house for two weeks, I didn’t know anyone there so I stayed in, which gave me hours and hours to think about this clothing line I wanted to start called BEVgang (Bird’s Eye View gang) because at the time I was working at a clothing store called SQ Club, which is now named Yosqi. So I told my brother about it (Richh552) that I wanted to start a clothing line, we then ended up being a collective of creatives when James Casual, Drew Bakes, Eric Stilo and whole bunch of other people joined in. That’s when music, poetry, photography, videography, pretty much everything included in the media/music field got in the whole picture.
What is your biggest inspiration?
I’m influenced by difference. Anything, anyone who is or did/does something different. Picasso‘s art was different hence why he’s a legend, he stood out. MJ‘s music/visuals were different, hence why he’s a legend and the King of Pop. Same with Muhammad Ali, who had a different/unique style of boxing and there’s many more. The fact that these people done things out of the box, challenged people’s minds and changed their views by just being themselves, being different is inspiring and influences my music. If you do you, and do you the best and always strive to be better, nobody can beat you because you’re unique
Is there an early memory you’d like to share about getting into your craft, such as when you realized this was more than just a hobby or a passion?
In February 2011, me and Richh552 linked with Fitzroi from Ogz N Tha Hood and featured on a song called “Skinny Jeans” which back then was a message that challenged people’s minds because back then it wasn’t normal for guys from the ‘endz to dress/look different to everyone else. It was our way of saying we won’t conform, this is us, get with it or get lost. We got over 24k views and being 16 years old that was pretty huge, so due to the reception, love, hate we were receiving from a lot of people in London and overseas, including the music and videos that followed after that from the team, we thought let’s take this a bit more serious since it’s working out and ever since then we knew it wasn’t just a hobby, we were destined for this.
How do you describe your sound to people who haven’t heard anything before?
My sound isn’t something you hear every day necessarily. It’s my own style of laying down vocals, the way I pronounce my words, the character, the stories I tell, etc.
What do you hope people take away from listening to this new project?
I want to inspire people, so when they listen to my music and hear my story I want them to pick up their pens and pads start writing. Or if they paint, pick up their brushes and make greatness. I want to raise a generation of greats. Life on Earth is short. Your work here is your legacy. It is what will live on after you leave. So many people have died with their dreams and great ideas but didn’t have the heart to pursue them, so when people listen to my music and get to know me I want that to be the spark that lights a flame.
