Urban Goodies puts a new spin on Chris Brown's 'Forever' and injects Natty's 'Bedroom Eyes' with funky house flavour, homegrown pioneer Ras Kwame has delivered with this album and hopes it to be the first of many.
EUT: How did you get involved with Urban Goodies?
Ras Kwame: Being a Radio 1 and 1Xtra DJ my show is all about UK hip hop, I wanted a chance to represent my show, the talent I see and what I'm about. The opportunity came up with major label backing to do this which has not happened in the UK scene before, it went from there.
EUT: What advice would you give to people who want to get their talent heard?
Ras Kwame: It's all about self belief, being the best you can be and making the most of opportunities passed to you, the rest should follow on.
EUT: What do you think about reality shows like X Factor?
Ras Kwame: Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke winning have done great things for the homegrown scene, the show gives people an opportunity to shine that they wouldn't have had before. The competition is very fair as it leaves it up to the public to decide, I have to big up Simon Cowell for that. The show will also benefit JLS and the other acts, and the bigger picture of UK homegrown artists.
EUT: You've provided support and helped certain artists like Ms Dynamite and Estelle become a success, is there any artist you would like to work with at the moment?
Ras Kwame: I would like to do a track with Dizzee, it could be a laugh, I think he's an artist that pushes boundaries, we could make music and have fun with it.
EUT: Being a pioneer of UK homegrown talent and coming form an artistic background yourself how do you feel the UK scene is growing?
Ras Kwame: At the moment it's brilliant, 2008 has been a classic year for UK black music, the success of the likes of Estelle, Dizzee, T2, Kano, Wretch 32, Sway and Wiley but to name a few has been impressive.
EUT: Urban Goodies is unique featuring only UK artists and producers, do you think this paves the way for more compilations like this?
Ras Kwame: Yeah I hope so, it's the first of many for me personally, compilations like this put great UK music in the same frame as everyone else, where it should be. It's a great idea to compile UK music as it can be harder to get hold of, it has the potential to gain more listeners could be consumed internationally.
EUT: What artists to look out for in 2009?
Ras Kwame: There is a nice balance of artists and new music coming out, the likes of Mr Hudson and the Library, Tinchy Stryder, Chipmunk and Zaris are ones to watch.
EUT: What was your Christmas wish?
Ras Kwame: My wish has been granted, Urban Goodies is available to buy and enjoy!
Urban Goodies is released on 29th December.
Kim Williams - December 2008
