Tipped as the next hot thing on the hip hop scene, Mitcham rapper Potent Whisper says he wants to inspire love through his music.
The 25-year-old poet, who grew up on the Wandle Valley Estate, put his lyrics to beats after enrolling at the Brit school and hasn't looked back since.
POTENT WHISPER - DO THAT Ft. FLOETIC LARA PROD. BY WU-LU (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
Louisa Clarence-Smith catches up with the artist as he releases his latest music video, Do That.
LCS: There's a lot of anger and protest in your performances. Where does that anger come from?
PW: The anger comes from the reality of everyday life as somebody who sees a lot of poverty around them - not on the scale as other places around the world - but a lot of my friends are on the poverty line. So a lot of that comes from those who are in power and music is a way to discuss these issues. My music isn't driven by anger though, it's more for the love of people, so it's definitely more of a positive thing.
LCS: How do you think music can inspire social change?
PW: Hip Hop music is the most-listened to and purchased genre of music in the world and it trickles down to all levels of society. So when you make a conscious decision as an artist to make positive music, that's powerful and significant. Someone like Jay-Z is just as powerful as prime ministers and presidents.
LCS: Who are your favourite rappers?
PW: The person who inspired me to take up rap was Immortal Technique. I was very inspired by the way he uses hip hop to promote social change. I also like Akala, I like what he's about. And Ghetts.
LCS: Do you think it's more difficult to succeed as a rapper as a white artist?
PW: It's a black art from historically but these days I think in the UK the balance is pretty even. It's not something that ever enters my mind.
LCS: What was it like growing up in Mitcham?
PW: I grew up on the Wandle Valley Estate. I haven't got much to say about it really. I went to primary school in Cheam and then I studied poetry and theatre at the Brit school in Croydon.
LCS: What do you think of the music scene in Mitcham?
PW: There's not much going on in Mitcham musically and it would be nice to see some more arts activities being delivered in the area.
LCS: Do you have any advice for aspiring hip hop artists?
PW: My advice is that anything that you literally want to achieve is possible, they just have to make the opportunities happen. No-one gave me a helping hand, except for Congo Natty. If you work hard and you are dedicated then anything you want to achieve is possible.
'Love: The Mixtape' will be available for free download on December 2.
Potent Whisper will be playing a short set at Brixton East, 100 Barrington Road, on December 15. To find out more about his music, visit potentwhisper.com.
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