Coventry-born, Birmingham-based music enigma nineteen97 shouts out the music that made him, following the release of his new EP Chrome II.
Words Liam Cattermole (@liam_cattermole)
nineteen97 is the rapper pairing his childhood experiences with poignant wordplay. Influenced by the world around him, the Coventry-born artist developed artistic traits as a graphic designer, receiving commissions from local heavyweights Jaykae and M1llionz, before working with Skepta. Unwilling to be confined to one creative avenue, he’s now best known for his fluid music productions: reclaiming the roots of grime and garage with an eye for hip-hop and R&B too.
The past month has seen nineteen97 blowing up the UK rap sphere with his CHROME II EP. Filled with rave-ready jams and headphone heaters, the six tracks encapsulate every cornerstone of Britain’s underground music spectrum. From the bass wobbles of ‘ALIVE' to ‘WEATHERMAN’s’ rattling 808s, listeners are taken on a journey through the 25-year-old’s personal development and discovery.
Frequently championing his area, unlike many in the scene, nineteen97 confronts his surroundings with an honest and untethered view. Completing phase one of his musical journey, CHROME II possesses a heavyweight feature list, including CLBRKS, Len and Murkage Dave – who individually add their distinctive vigour to the Birmingham-based artist’s productions.
To honour its release, we asked nineteen97 to make a mixtape representative of his journey so far. Tap in below.
What’s happening nineteen97! How’s 2023 been for you so far? To kick off the questions, what’s the most recent song you streamed? No cheating.
Yooo.2023 has been a whirlwind! Highs and lows and lots of learning.
'Strike!(Holster)' by Lil Yachty is my favourite song at the moment.
Taking it right back, can you remember the first song you were personally obsessed with?
First song ever, probably 50 Cent's ‘In Da Club’.
We read that some of your early musical inspirations came from studying your dad’s vinyls. What was your favourite 12” from his collection?
I don’t know if I have a favourite. He had some really cool Marvin Gaye records so probably one of them. But not a specific one from me, it’s hard to choose.
And you’ve also noted your mum’s love of 2000s rave culture as important to your musical development. Is there a song you particularly associate with her raving days?
It was more so culture rather than a song. When I think about my mum in those days. But‘Sweet Like Chocolate’ by Shanks & Bigfoot always comes to mind.
You’ve just released your brilliant new EP CHROME II. Previously, you noted your surroundings as the key inspiration behind the project. What would it be if there’s one track that you see as synonymous with Coventry and your upbringing?
A song that is synonymous with my Coventry upbringing is 'ALIVE'. It reminds me of travelling back and forth from seeing my mum and dad. I know that train sounds are generic, but for some reason, the sounds we chose to use in the intro take me back to Coventry train station.
You’ve worked heavily with Off Key on the project, whom you’ve developed a strong creative partnership with over the years. What’s your favourite production of his that fans can listen to right now?
We have developed an amazing friendship beyond our creative partnership, he’s my brother. Again, I’m going to say 'ALIVE'. People link Off Key to drill and I feel like he can enter a new realm of creativity when he works with me. The 'ALIVE' instrumental is incredible!
There’s a heavyweight selection of features on CHROME II but your most recent single was with Murkage Dave for ‘ALIVE’. What’s your all-time favourite Murkage Dave song?
'Gotta Go DJ'. There are too many quotables in that one track. A lot of people who have taken creative leaps can relate to the journey of not being believed in by the people around you. The main theme is 'mans doing my thing, what now!'
When you’re looking for a pick-me-up, what’s one song that always puts you in a good mood?
Kelis ‘Millionaire’.
What’s nineteen97’s ‘getting ready to go out tune’? What song are you playing before a night of clubbing or partying?
Chief Keef ‘Faneto’.
To wrap up, what’s one song from your discography that everyone should listen to?
‘Euro Exchange’ from the first CHROME mixtape. It’s f*cking beautiful.