Ugø Speaks on Strength of London Hip Hop Scene

 This week Hype Off Life is spotlighting the ever so dope and down to Earth, London rapper Ugø. Although very little is known online about the budding emcee, we were able to catch up with him to get his thoughts on London's Hip Hop scene, 2008 rap and 2018's vision. Peep the interview below and catch the tail-end for exclusive footage of his latest visual drop, "-Sound" directed by Ayhay.  

What’s the Hip Hop scene like out in London?

The scene in London is split up into sections at the moment, you've got the UK Drill section, then you got the people that are doing grime, then you got the ones doing UK Rap, all these sections have different styles and flavours. I try to incorporate them in my music. But, in terms of a scene I think London is at its strongest that it has ever been.  

Your music has a very distinct vibe. What do you look for the most when selecting instrumentals?

When I'm looking for beats I like sounds that sound evil or menacing. Actually, it all depends on what kind of mood I'm in, but most of the time I'm in a dark mood. loool.  

What is your motivation behind the music?

The only thing that motivates me to make music is the fact that I know it's the only way I get to express myself. Some people play football, act or sing, just to get their creativity out. Well, my platform for that is making all this music from my bedroom.  

Who are your favorite artist to collab with? And are there any you’d like to collab with in the future?

My favourite Artists to collab with ? to be honest anyone from “Rough Royalty Collective” (RRC) ‘Kaysan’, ‘Tim Akin’ and ‘Kayz’, shout out ‘A1whipitup’ and ‘Afabor’. Also my brother ‘Flowzart’, we got some tracks in the chamber that will come out eventually.  

Backtrack to 2008. What were your jamming the most in your iPod?

In 2008 I was listening to Kanye West’s '808s and Heartbreak.' [It] just came out, so that would be on repeat. Also 'Tha Carter 3' would have been there. Definitely, Kano 140 grime st would have been there. And how could I forget Ludacris’s 'Theater of the Mind.' Good times loool  

Aside from yourself. Whose album(s) are you checking for the most this year?

I'm looking forward to projects from my boy ‘Kayz’ he's dropping a project this year also, we're currently working on an RRC collaborative project that should be dropping this year, also anything coming from ‘Flowzart’ or ‘Jaja Kisses’ I'm checking for it.  

What’s 2018 looking like for Ugø?

2018 you can expect more visuals, more music, more vibes, more projects, more collabs. 2018 is looking lovely.