UK Hip Hop Producer Chairman Maf has been in the music game for over ten years. He has worked with Big Cakes, Nate, Loudmouth Melvin, Cyclonious...the list goes on.
I've been listening to his debut Instrumental album '1976' (It was actually released last year)
I must say the soulful-hip hop beats will hypnotize you, No joke. I found myself in a state of calm. (I did press rewind a few times on track 8. 'Golden' I love it!!) Nothing but good vibes on this right here.
I caught up with one of the UK's beautiful Singer/songwriters Miss Olivia-Louise. Miss R: When did your first get in to music? Do you remember the first song you wrote?
I first got into music and writing songs when I was around 8. I started off writing poetry and it progressed into song writing . I used to try and form girl groups in primary school and I would write the songs for us lol we'd sing them on the back of the school bus. I think one of the first songs was called 'Disco Diva!' I continued to write songs all through high school and then kind of dropped off a bit when I reached my teen years. It was after I had my daughter when I started singing with my friend 'Kaos' who is an MC. He really pushed me to get back into it . I always wanted to do it but didn't know where to start and he really helped me on my feet with getting into the music industry.
Miss R: Is your daughter creative & musical like Mummy too?
She's very creative , very spiritual and connected. She's into art and drawing but recently she's started writing songs! So maybe she's taking after mummy! She's my absolute world and inspires me to work hard everyday. In fact I don't think I would have the drive , motivation and work ethic if it wasn't for her :)
Miss R: Who did you listen to growing up? Who influenced you?
I listened to a wide variety of music growing up , from your average pop groups to Soul and Motown , Reggae and Dancehall. When I was about 10 my mum played me Lauryn Hill album and that was it. I was hooked. She's my favourite artist. From her content to her flows and delivery she really inspires me. In fact I'm actually going to see her in concert this year ! :D
Miss R: I could say you have the type of voice that can easily blend with any genre really. But how would you describe your sound?
Sometimes I find it hard to pinpoint what my sound is! I think I'm still exploring and developing but its definitely a soft RnB vibe with some UKG thrown in :)
Miss R: Are there any other musical talents in your family?
All my family are huge fans of music. They all go to shows and gigs and there's never a time in our houses where you wont hear music, but I'm the only one who makes music.
Miss R: Your song "Skin Deep" (My ringtone) was prod. by Moteleola. Who else have you worked with?
I love that's your ringtone :) I've worked with a few artists and producers from upcoming like Moteleola, Wayne Benson, Whyrez and Jeffrey De Soul to the more established people in the industry like DJ Q and Terror Danjah. I've got a few other exciting collabs I've been working on with people as well :)
Olivia Louise - "Skin Deep" #SingOutLoudSundays
Miss R: Are there any other creative avenues you want to explore?
I would like to get back into writing poetry . I even used to write short story's so who knows I may explore that one day but my passion is writing songs. Its weird sometimes I cant express how I feel verbally. Its hard to get out and then I put a beat on and press record and everything just comes out . I think many musicians will agree with me that writing songs is a sort of therapy!
Miss R: Looking back from when you first started to now, How have you developed as a artist?
I've developed so much , from my style and the way I write to the tone of my voice . The first time I went to the studio I was terrified. I sent everybody out whilst I sang lol so I guess my confidence has grown! I think I used to worry about what to write like "can I say that in a song?" "Will radio even play that?' but now I care less and just make the kind of music that I want to & that I feel I need to express.
Miss R: DJ Q has made a remix of your track 'Cocaine' How did that come about?
I basically emailed him like a year ago one of my tracks ' don't push me' which is a UKG track , he emailed back and said he liked it so we started following each other on twitter . Then when he heard cocaine he loved it and asked to remix it , and now were working on more music and have a video coming out next month . He's such a talented humble guy its been a dream to work with him .
Miss R: What are you working on right now?
Just finishing off an EP with French producer Gautier. I have a few more tracks with DJ Q coming out , two videos dropping in July & one of those is for skin deep :) I also have three of my songs going in a British movie 'Legacy' later in the year. The film is directed by Noel Clarke who co directed 'Kidultdhood' so I'm really excited about that.
Miss R: Do you have any shows/Tours coming up?
Yes. My more resent ones I have is one in London on 20th July at Busk The Box in Shoreditch which is a project run by Acoustic Live UK and EE Network and one in Liverpool on 27th July at Par Street Studios. More dates and venues to be announced throughout summer :)
I am LOVIN this album by big Cakes. (Yeah, I know I'm a little late with this, as it was released back in April but never mind, I know now!)
The 13 track, hit after hit album features Little Dee, Durrty Goodz, Mic K'llejeross, Dog Man, Cyclonious, TBear, Jay Jay Born2Sing, Big Piff Killah, Ramone Grams & Gangish-T If you love Hip Hop you NEED this in your collection!
Download Omnium-Gatherumvia bandcamp!
BIG CAKES, CYCLONIOUS & TB - SILENCE [REPDAT MUSIC VIDEO]
My favourite song right now is "Skin Deep" (Currently my ringtone) produced by South London's Moteleola feat. The beautiful Olivia-Louise. I love this song along with "So Good" feat. Cheer Dolor & Sene. This definitely puts me in the mood for summer.
Here is my quick Q&A with the man himself.
Miss R: Who Are Your Musical Inspirations? Premo, Dilla & Pete I think are a must to mention. Arguably the most prolific names in beat making ever, and most impactful. My favourite producer of recent has been Jake One, I admire his humble personality despite his bold and sublime beats. His furthest thing beat on Drakes NWTS album is incredible, from the sample chops to the crisp drum selection and drum patterns, it's an amazing piece. Apollo Brown is another producer I highly respect and draw inspiration from. Producing entire albums of work with various emcee pairings, fromOC to Guilty Simpson. In addition to this Apollo Brown's infamous thick thumping kick and snare will have your head nodding for days.
Miss R: What Music Do You Listen To?
First and foremost, for me personally Jay Z, Nas, Biggie and Pac are the greatest rappers of all time! Their prowess as writers is among the best in history in my opinion. Apart from that when i'm not listening to records to sample I listen to hip hop a lot! Everything from J Cole to Kendrick Lamar, Big K.R.I.T and Drake, to Evidence, Blu and Wretch 32. I love music that inspires and is skilfully executed. I learnt more from hip hop music than I did from any teacher at school.
Miss R: Tell Me About Your New Album 'Oasis Black'
Oasis Black is my new album produced, mixed and compiled entirely by myself featuring various talented artists as vocals. It will be available for free download late August or early Winter this year.
Oasis Black
Miss R: Who Have You Worked With So Far?
For Oasis Black I created with artists I have produced music for previously, plus a handful of new artists I hope to continue to build with. From long time collaborators such as Big Rooz and Melodious Mike of Devils Kazoo to Olivia Louise, J. Manifesto, Signif, and even my younger brother Taunts of SWB. To verses from Jeff Spec, Sene, Chaundon, Mello Music Group's Has Lo plus even more.
Miss R: Who Would You Like To Work With In The Future?
I would love to work with Blu, his Below the Heavens album with Exile still sounds like magic to this day. Producing across the TDE roster would be an amazing opportunity. At the moment though I'm just staying focused, creating more music, and practising my production every day until I can be in such positions.
I was first introduced to Cyclonious and his music back in November 2013. His no nonsense, truth telling, fearless style caught my attention, with tracks such as 'F.E.A.R' (the title track from his last mixtape) 'Get Them Hands High' from The Chosen and 'Never Lose Your Passion' From The Warrior And The Blacksmith are just a few of my favourites.
We will see the release of his new album 'Hostile Leadership' on 27th June. I caught up with the East London Rapper for a quick chat..
Miss R. You started writing at the young age of 11. Do you remember the first song you wrote?
Nah, It's been so long and I didn't save the paper I wrote it on. It's a shame really.
Miss R. Growing up, what music did you listen to outside of hip hop?
Revival reggae mostly because of my parents, but anything popular at the time.
Miss R. You're a producer as well as a rapper. Which do you prefer, and is one process easier than the other?
They're both great, but it's not always easy to get that immaculate finish without great strategy. I started off as a rapper, so if I had to, I'd say rapping but I really enjoy producing something that I know will fit with what I want to do, or that will accommodate another artist.
Miss R. As a producer, would you branch out in to any other genre of music, or are you strictly hip hop?
Music is beautiful like that. You can hear a type of music you never thought you would like, then suddenly it draws you in. Personally I like good music, period. Whatever taps into my frequency I'm with it. So to answer your question I would branch out in to anything that is good.
Miss R. Are there any other musical talents in your family?
My brother Opio Omegaalso raps. He is on many of my Cd's.
Miss R. Are there any other creative projects you would like to pursue other than music?
Acting. To have my own hip hop show to keep that real shit alive, you feel me? I'm looking to write a book at some point. I have a great imagination. I would also like to create a computer game.
Miss R. KRS-One,Wu-Tang and Tupac have been listed as your main influences. Who would you say your top 3 female hip hop artist are?
Lady of Rage! Ra Digga and Lauryn Hill.
Miss R. Some people say "Hip Hop is dead" What are your thoughts?
Hip hop isn't dead. Energy never dies, it transforms. Hip hop is still here. It's just not sensationalised by the media or radio. Rap music is what's popular now. Real heads will know what I mean by that.
Miss R. What do you think of the quality of music played on the radio today?
In my humble opinion, poor. It's one sided. I can't think of one DJ who really puts on UK talent besides the underground DJ's.
Miss R. Being a independent artist you have full control of your music and direction. Do you find promoting yourself and getting your music heard a easy process?
Getting that real push your music deserves will cost you. It's not a easy process to begin with. After trial and error and building relationships it will change.
Miss R. Which of your own songs mean the most to you and why?
I have a lot of songs. Can't say which is my favourite 'Cos every day I'm making something new and my opinion shifts.
Miss R. Looking back from when you first started to now. How have you developed as a artist?
I'm much more wiser in the theory sense and very much more defined in the practical sense. I love the music I make now.
Miss R. Your new album 'Hostile Leadership' is out 27th June. What is it all about? what can we expect from it?
Hostility of course! You can expect great production. Metaphors tight rhymes, a lyrical journey.
