The Scene Magazine Interviews: Grhymey

Grhymey was born and grew up in North West London. The stage name `Grhymey’, was a playful pun on his surname, Grimes. His music though, is anything but grimey. Using his own style of humour with a razor sharp intellect and a lyrical soulfulness, Grhymey’s music is challenging all the traditional perceptions of Hip Hop. His music, like the man himself, is vibrant and catchy. Combining a versatile lyrical style with his own brand of humour, Grhymey is changing the face of Hip Hop as we know it in the UK. His music is positive, not censored and has a wide appeal.


1. What’s happening Grhymey and how are things going?

Not too bad at the moment to be honest. A lot’s happening regarding interviews and performances, a lot more to come and my team and I are looking forward to it all.

2. What was the idea behind your debut video 'who’s that’?

The idea was actually given to us by the Director (Jon Walton). He thought the track was more about my lyrical content and the production of the track. So he thought the Green Screen would be more effective than a story based video. The ideas really based on a new up and coming Hip Hop artist getting in everyones face so they remember me. ‘’Who’s That? Grhymey is here’’

3. Got a classic question for you, what makes your music different from any other UK hip hop artist?

That’s a classic alright............Firstly because I’m capable of playing with words in ways not many can. A lot of people don’t catch on to some of my punch lines for months and sometimes years. I still get people talking about some of my lyrics they only just caught on to from hearing them first in 2006. Secondly, because my story is different to most other artists around as I’m working a 9-5, raising two young sons and trying to pursue a music career, a lot more people can relate to what I stand for and what I’m trying to do. I guess that’s why people of all ages or from many different backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities like what I’m doing. I also try to do what others are not doing, without seeming weird or strange.

4. Since you have been on the scene, what kind of feedback have you received regarding your music so far?

So far so good, I honestly couldn’t ask for any more from my fans or people in general. If I’m honest the feedback I’ve been getting is one of the, if not the main, reason why I’m still pursuing my music career. Anybody can be a rapper or entertainer, but few are good enough to actually raise the awareness through their talent, without relying solely on image and marketing.

5. Growing up in North-West London and with music becoming your platform to express your experiences in life, how do you feel about your music reaching out to those dedicated UK Hip Hop fans and what type of message are you trying to put out in your music?

I feel confident in reaching out to all UK Hip Hop fans. From those who prefer the underground to the more commercial fans. My music isn’t for one specific audience and has proven that from the feedback I receive. The message I’m trying to put out to be frank is: Don’t bet against a UK Hip Hop Artist giving the American Hip Hop Artist a good run for their money. If it’s not me to finally break that deadlock, I like to think I would have helped it happen.

6. Are we going to be expecting a mixtape or debut album from you soon and what ideas do you have for it?

You can expect both, but certainly an Album first. I have already done a mixtape (It’s my time now), although it wasn’t well promoted it was well appreciated. Since then I have been working none stop on new material, with various different producers. I now have a good catalogue of tracks for an Album, which is very close to completion. Regarding the ideas, we have all different types of ideas; from concepts and stories, to witty and bragging tracks. There will surely be more than enough for every listener. So watch this space and look out for ‘Call off the search’.

7. When and where was your first live performance and how did the crowd react?

My first performance was when I was in school.................but I won’t include that. So my first real/professional performance as Grhymey was in 2002. It was a community function in one of Brent’s local parks. Not many people were listening while I was on stage. The function was mainly for young children and you know what their attentions spans like..... Those who were listening though did like what I was doing, so it wasn’t all that bad I guess.

8. What’s the plan for 2009, can you give us a low down on what projects you will be working on?

Yep......I’m currently finishing off my Debut Album ‘Call off the search’. We should be releasing three singles from that album and the first one ‘Who’s That?’ can be downloaded for free at www.grhymey.com I should be performing all over the UK and a few places in Europe, so keep visiting the website for the latest news updates. I might release a mixtape later on in the year, but that depends on the success of the Album. So we’ll have to wait and see what happens. I also have a few EPs I’m working on with a few different Producers. It’s work then rest until my times up.

9. Any shout outs?

I’d like to shout out to The Scene Magazine for making this happen and thanks for the support. I’d also like to shout out the whole of the Rhemic Entertainment family, let’s keep putting that hard work in and we’ll be nice in the very near future. Shout out to all the Producers showing me love and throwing hot beats in my direction, left right and centre. Then I always save the best until last, shout out to the fans for keeping me going and believing I can reach my dreams. With your help we can take this UK scene to another level. So let’s make it happen and keep supporting Grhymey. Stay focused!