Straight up and down Thai Matic oozes style and swagger (That word either has to die or be put in the Oxford English Dictionary make your minds up people) whether it’s on the mic when he’s spitting or the garms that he’s rocking. Perfecting his microphone technique for over ten years this spitfire poet from North Weezy is ready to take the game in a stranglehold with his mixtape Let Me Land which is creating a serious buzz on the underground music scene. Having already been given kudos on DJSemtex.com and claiming a spot on his Real Talk section, a spot previously held by a guy named Dizzee Rascal – you must’ve heard of him right? – and opening up for Jay Electronica at Cargo in London the Ghanaian born emcee is definitely one to keep your eye out for. The busy microphone maestro took time out of his studio session to kick it with Jerry Gadiano to talk about hip hop, inspiration, and fashion do’s and don’ts.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m a rapper reppin’ North West London and I’ve been making music for 10 years now, I also have a hand in graphic design and photography but I really started on my solo adventure about three years go when I dropped my first mixtape Girls And Things.

How did you come up with the name Thai Matic?

Well ‘Thai’ is a nickname I’ve had since I can remember. The ‘Matic’ came from my love of Nas’ Illmatic, when I first started rapping I based my whole flow and style on Nas so I kept it as a reminder of my beginnings. I’m a very sentimental person at times and believe everything in life means or represents something important.

What drew you to hip hop?

The love the passion the truth and its rawness, I can’t relate to any other music as much as I do with hip hop. Being that I was born in the 80’s it’s very much a part of who I am from my style to my approach to music.

Who were you listening to when you were growing up, and did any of these artists influence your style?

I listen to so many artists but as I said Nas was my main influence. Also Biggie, Tupac and a little bit of Jay-Z played a heavy role in shaping my style.

Who are your favourite artists today?

Kanye West, he has made it cool to be a rapper again. Up until he came out I felt like rap/hip hop was on its way down hill and was being over saturated with guns and drugs. ‘Ye was one of the people who made it ok to be creative again.

When writing your rhymes where are you drawing inspiration from?
Life, my surroundings, I know it’s a bit cliché but to me music is art and art is life.

You put out two mixtapes in the space of four months, where’s all the material coming from and is it all new?

Yeah most of it is new, I’m a hard worker and I try to make at least one track a day. I think I have something like twenty to thirty songs that are yet to come out as well as numerous collaborations. This is more than music to me, it’s a way of venting out my thoughts, most times the mic is all I need for company.

Your video A Million Answers has you looking pretty well suited and booted, do you like to keep a certain swagger about you?

I like to stay GQ with a mix of street, basically its who I am. But I do love to don a nice tailored suit from time to time, it’s a clean look.

Was the tune inspired/a response to Jay-Z’s A Million And One Questions?

Yes partly, I love the fact that Jay was answering all these rogue questions in the song. And since people were still getting to know me I felt it was right to answer some of the questions that have been thrown my way with the aim of being able to put most of the speculation to bed.

What are your ’swagger’ do’s and don’ts?

First I think most people need to understand what the word ’swagger’ means – look it up folks – once you understand that then you’re set. It’s not about the clothes you wear or who you know, it’s about who you are. But here are some pointers: 1) Always believe in yourself and be yourself, 2) Never follow fashion 3) Dress like someone’s going to be taking pictures of you, oh and 4) Name brands don’t equal cool.

How do you feel about the way UK hip hop artists are being presented today? Representation seems a bit redundant.

I just think they need to take more control of their image and musical material. To be honest, we’re all from ‘the ends’ no matter what ends you rep and the reality is we all need to feed ourselves and no one really ever wants to stay in the hood. So it’s a catch 22, how do you stay true and still get paid in today’s climate? But over all I like how we are coming along we just need more artists to make a stand against the label heads.

Is there a way for UK hip-hop to get back on track? Is there still a demand for it?

Yeah there is a demand but we have to learn how to work together there’s just too much hate and selfishness afloat in the industry. We are what they call ‘crabs in a bucket’ and its becoming every man for themselves, that’s not right.

How do you feel about the music scene today? Do you ever see yourself crossing over to the mainstream to make chart friendly hits?

Crossing over? yeah, it’s a natural progression, but selling out? NO. I do what I feel like doing I just hope people can feel what I’m doing. But I love the scene there so many doors being opened for us right now its lovely.

When can we expect some new material/mixtape from you?

Sooner than you think just keep your eyes and ears on me.

Who are you going to be working with in the future? You got anyone in mind you want to work with?

Hmmm… It’s all top secret stuff right now but I will say I’m pushing to do a track with Mr Hudson but that’s all I can say at the moment.

Any last words?

Follow me on twitter, @THAiLiFE. Peace and much love to everyone that’s downloaded Let Me Land so far. Also big up The Whorington (@TheWhorington) who this project has been released through. It’s team work all the way.

Thai Matic’s Let Me Land mixtape is available to download from here To check out more stuff on Thai Matic visit:

www.thai-matic.com

twitter.com/THAiLiFE

thaimatic.blogspot.com

MySpace.com/thaimaticmusic

Tags: DJ Semtex, Hip Hop, Interviews, Jay Electronica, Jay-Z, Nas, Thai Matic