ROTHERHAM rapper J Yezza and Sheffield boy Nem are working hard to make their mark on the music industry.
The lads have joined forces to build up Drunken Boy Records—an independent music label supporting local artists—and have found that they are gaining a massive fan base for their unique electro and hip hop style.
The boys, who started working together in 2006, have made a name for themselves by performing alongside various artists, which has included The Kaiser Chiefs, Reverend And The Makers, Lethal Bizzle and Chipmunk.
Reporter CHERRY WILSON caught up with the lads who were supporting Tinchy Stryder at Onyx Rooms in Rotherham to get an intimate insight into the Drunken Boy movement.
Q: How did it feel to be supporting Tinchy Stryder in Rotherham?
J YEZZA: As we've performed at various venues as Tinchy Stryder's support act, the novelty has kind of worn off. Although it was a great feeling to return to my home town to finish off our part of the tour with him.
NEM: Yeah it was a great feeling. Tinchy has achieved so much recently and it's good being involved. Rotherham always makes me feel really welcome and at home, even though it's not my home town.
Q: What kind of reception did you get from the Rotherham crowd?
J YEZZA: We always get a good response, especially when performing in Rotherham, but this time round was something else! The crowd loved it and they showed it!
NEM: I could really feel the crowd's reaction. It was electrifying! It's a great feeling when a crowd takes to you so much that when they cheer for you it hurts your ears!
Q: Do you get a lot of support from the people of Rotherham?
J YEZZA: Yes, always. I like to think that most of Rotherham are behind me. Occasionally you come across those who aren't, but that's to be expected. But the majority, yes, definitely.
NEM: Yes, definitely, I believe that an important part of our fan base is in Rotherham
and that's something we'll never forget. The number of Drunken Boy T shirts walking the streets here is increasing on a daily basis!
Q: Tell me a bit about Drunken Boy Records? Who is part of it?
J YEZZA: At the moment, myself and Nem are at the forefront alongside producer Lee Kucia but we have various other artists whose projects are in the works.
NEM: There's a number of singers, MC's, producers and DJ's who are part of Drunken Boy. I don't want to say too much about them right now until they're ready to come out, but we do have this one group in the works.
Q: Why did you decide to set up the record label?
J YEZZA: Having been in the music scene for the last five years with my debut album released back in 2006, I have had offers from other independent record labels interested in signing me, but felt I had gained the experience and contacts to start my own label in 2007 and maintain creative control and direction.
Although Nem started off as an artist, he has now taken on a fundamental role as Artist Manager so that I can concentrate on other aspects.
Q: You've supported quite a few urban artists on their tours in Rotherham and Sheffield recently. What has been your favourite moment so far?
J YEZZA: The whole tour with Tinchy Stryder has been amazing, I gained a lot of experience but now I'm happy to be back in the studio working on new material with Nem and the rest of our artists.
NEM: I don't really have a favourite moment. Just doing what we do is really fulfilling. Each new step is my favourite moment!
Q:The UK rap scene is mainly associated with black London artists. Does it hold you back being white and from the north?
J YEZZA: No, not at all. Only you can hold yourself back! But I don't want to be boxed as just a rapper anymore as our new material is quite diverse.
NEM: I think a few years ago that may have been a problem. But it's not one I have had too much trouble with. Obviously it means our initial target audience was a bit limited but barriers are made to be broken!
I think regardless of skin or where you're from, if you're talented and have drive
then you don't need to worry about any of that.
Q:How difficult is it to get ahead in the music industry?
J YEZZA: Well seeing as everybody and their pet goldfish wants to be a pop star these days with the likes of Britain's Got Talent and X Factor increasing these numbers each year, I'd say it's extremely hard!
However the majority are dreamers and very few are do-ers. When I go to sleep at night I don't have time to dream as I am too tired from a busy day trying to make it happen.
NEM: I haven't really encountered any major obstacles. It just takes time, drive
and dedication to climb up. I don't dwell on problems though, I am through with
dreaming. We'll break through and live the dream.
Q: What inspires you to continue on with the dream?
J YEZZA: Since the start of 2009 a lot of our hard work and effort has started to pay off. So the thing that keeps me going is our progress.
NEM: Progress is the key word. If you're not getting anywhere then you're doing something wrong. We've been making a lot of progress recently.
Q:Do you see yourselves achieving chart-topping fame like the artists you've supported on their tours?
J YEZZA: Definitely, if not higher. Although I enjoy what I do, it's not for fun. My aim is to enter the charts before December 2010. I know that sounds like a long shot but I'm a man who lives for goals and I have achieved everyone of them so far.
NEM: Yeah one day why not? Things keep getting better for us. We're working on some new stuff now that I'm certain will up our speed!
Q: What can we expect from you in the future?
J YEZZA: Big things! We can't reveal too much at the moment, but it looks like
my days as a solo artist are numbered.
NEM: Mine too! You can expect something that we haven't tried before very soon! But I'll say this, if the next few weeks go well in the studio then things should group together nicely.