Leamington MC inspired by the power of lyrics

The Leamington MC, a former Aylesford School pupil, has progressed to the regional final of Open Mic UK and recently performed live on BBC Radio West Midlands after a period of creating new rhymes and working on new tracks in the recording studio.

This recent recognition is reward for 15 years of writing and performing at pubs, clubs and bars around town.

Suggsy said: “It’s nice to have something going on with it right now.

“I’ve been doing this for ages and I’ve finally got my stuff out to people who have shown their appreciation and given me some good responses.

“I’m loving being able to get out on stage and smashing it up.”

Inspired by the lyrical power and passion of the late Tupac Shakur, Suggsy’s love of hip-hop began in the mid 1990s.

His original interest in music grew from listening to classical Hindi songs by the likes of Jagjit Singh, Pankhaj Udhas and Lata Mangeshkar, who were championed by his mother.

These artist’s romantic lyricism acquainted the Asian MC with the emotive power of well-chosen words.

An interest in poetry followed but Suggsy soon realised that rap was the perfect medium for his coarse, booming voice.

He said: “As you get older your point of view changes and I’m now more socially conscious.

“But I like to add a comical twist to my lyrics as well as covering relevant issues.

“I think of something new to rap about every day.”

Having been involved in various collaborative projects in recent years, including being a member of the Altered Perception Crew who organised a string of charity gigs and performed at In the City in Manchester, Suggsy is now concentrating on his solo work.

This includes recording his new Paranoid Project, which blends Bollywood and urban styles.

He is also fully focused on Open Mic UK, which could lead to an appearance at the O2 arena in London and the chance to win a breakthrough recording contract.

Suggsy said: “A few people who have been in the competition have gone on to get signed but I’m mainly doing it because I haven’t been able to perform live in ages.“I just wanted to go in at the deep end.” The regional final of the competition takes place at the Bedford Corn Exchange on Sunday.

For more information about the event visit www.openmicuk.co.uk or search for Suggsy on Facebook.