I think the easier you get it, the easier you lose it. It's really cool that I've had the pleasure of doing the hard work, which I wouldn't change for anything.

I think I learnt so much skills, so much about the game and myself as a person and an artist. That journey is irreplaceable, man.

-Has that affected your lyrics, in that you don't rap about cliched subjects, it's your experience helping you lyrically?
Yeah, I think it's been a real, organic, natural journey. I think that I've scene it from floor to ceiling. You get to speak about this reality. I think I'm quite normal, as well. I watch Eastenders, average things I always used to do. So, I'm still there.

-What do you think is the reason behind your wide appeal?
It's difficult to say, you know? I know it's definitely not sex appeal, I know that much! It's difficult to pin-point exactly what it is.

I always try to bring different people along with me. Of course, being on the underground for so many years means you pick up a core fan-base. They'll be behind me, they're so happy to see me on TV. I'm privileged, man.

-Following on from the underground, what do you think of the current UK hip-hop scene?
I think it's in a great place. The best thing about it is, if we were to say on a level from 1 to 10, I think we're only at level 3.

I think the generation that we're paving the way for, they're gonna do even more incredible things. There's so much more that can be done.

I'm just privileged to be a part of this whole transition. I think it's doing great, it's better than it's ever been. It's gonna get better.

-You mentioned the headline tour in October, but where would you want to be in a year's time, say next October?
Next October, I just want to be relevant. I want to be still amongst whoever's hot, still going bar for bar. Everyone still recognising that I'm about music and about trying to be the greatest I can be.

For me, it's just about being relevant. I think as long as I'm as relevant as I am this year, if not more, then the sky's the limit. Any other door between now and then could open.

It's only ever gonna open if I continue to apply the pressure, and that's what I've gotta do.

Female First - Alistair McGeorge

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