We got to talk to a young and exciting rapper from Croydon, South London – Marc Jones. Marc gives a conscious reflection in his bars with a great blend of positivity, yet incorporating the gritty London vibe.
Marc has seen his profile grow over the past year and when Spotify released their 2019 Wrapped he is sitting on ridiculous 1.2M streams over 79 countries – well done!!!
We were lucky enough for Marc to answer some questions and give us little more insight into his world.
What is your background/heritage?
My family are from Jamaica. My mum was born there, and my dad parents came here in the late 1950s.
Describe life growing up in Croydon?
Croydon is a unique place. It has people from all over the world which means there’s so many diverse cultures. I had friends from so many places, which I think has helped me to relate to people better.
Describe life currently as a rising musician?
It’s hard work! You have to be persistent and resilient because there’s so much music out there and you’re fighting for a small bit of attention. I think working a full time job has given me more focus because it means when I get a chance to work on my craft, I have to take it seriously.
Talk to us about your particular style of Drill music?
It’s weird. I feel like people like to give things labels quite quickly. I’m a rapper, so whatever sonic you give me, I’m going to give my flavour on it. My music is all about looking at life through my perspective, so if I use a drill beat, it’s not going to be the same content people are accustomed to. In a way I think that helps it to stand out as it’s different from the norm.
With so many references to Drill music being related to the streets and young youth on youth crime, how do you feel your style separates you? Makes you different?
I think my style makes me unique in the sense that it’s palatable to all audiences. The stigma that drill has with the public is that it’s always glorifying violence. But a genre isn’t defined by its content, it’s defined by the sonic, so within the drill label, you’re going to find someone like myself who’s giving their swing on it.
You recently released your EP – Progress. Great body of work! Some real bangers on it! Tell us more about the work that went in to this?
Progress was at least 2 years in the making. I had a load of songs that I’d written when I was first starting out and which I tried to produce myself. Some were recorded and others weren’t. I met my producer RP9 last June and we remade one of the songs that I had recorded, which went on to be Forever. From there we were in the studio every week creating. I’m really happy with how it turned out as I think it’s good first chapter for my music.
Your track “real” is a big track! Touching on so many things that make life so “false”. How do you feel about social media and apps like Insta, Snap etc and there positive/negative effect on music and life for our youth?
I think social media is a good thing. It connects people, it gets information and news out fast, it’s entertaining, and these are all good things. But, at the same time, I think it’s disconnecting us in a lot of ways. I feel like with young people it’s becoming the thing they care about the most, and they’re not really at an age where they have found their identities yet to combat all what’s being thrown at them.
Even for me as an adult, social media fuels the approval from others, especially as someone who produces art. It can be difficult to get away from it and focus on the things that really matter.
When listening to your music – we feel we are listening to progression, celebration of life and love for god, which is refreshing. What response do you get from other artists in the scene on your message?
So far it’s been nothing but love from other people. I think they respect that I’m making music that’s true to who I am. I want to achieve things, I value life and I have a love for God which is central to everything I do. I think people want honest artists. Whether they’re honest about their stories in the trap, or honest about their personal struggles, we want to see a part of us in the artist that we listen to so that we can relate.
It seems so many new artists are coming in the game and spitting the same old about the streets etc and they may actually not be from or about that life! Musically speaking the truth on your journey creates authenticity. What’s your advice to new rappers coming in the game trying to get that street cred?
Be honest. I say this, but I know it’s very difficult. The formula most of us have seen to work in this genre is talking about money, women and etc. So, if you’re a young kid wanting to be a rapper, you feel like being the only way to success is to use this formula. I feel like people want more. Yes, people want music to get hyped too, but that’s only for a certain part of their life. There are loads of hours in the day, and your music can cater to that. What would someone want to hear on their commute? What do they wanna hear while they’re at work? These are some of things I think about when making music.
From reading previous interviews you have said Reggae is one of your favourite genres. Can you give us a few artists you listen to and why?
It’s my heritage. My dad got me into reggae at a very young age, and since then I’ve loved it. I think I love reggae because it’s real. Their authenticity about the struggle, love and other subjects appeals to me. It’s also the basis from a lot of the music we have now, so it’s foundational to me.
The UK rap/drill/grime scene is the hottest in the world right now. What are your thoughts on the scene? And who is bringing the most heat?
This is definitely the best place that the scene has ever been in. I think streaming platforms have helped massively because popular music is no longer shaped by radio stations. People are free to listen to what they want. I think Dave has been a breath of fresh air with his focus on lyricism in a time where many thought it was dying.
Can we expect any collaborations on new projects?
You’ll have to wait and see.
What’s next for Marc Jones?
I’ve already got music ready for the first half of 2020 and beyond, so there’s a lot to come.
Quick fire questions:
Top 3 UK rappers?Dave, Skepta, Wretch 32
Your celebrity crush?My wife
Favourite food? Peppered steak and rice and peas, but now I’m trying to be plant-based so I’ll say Vegetable soup with lots of hard food.
Shower or bath?Shower
Boris or Corbyn?(I’m not allowed to answer this, I’m a civil servant lol)
Big chains/cars or property?Property
Favourite TV show right now?Ozark
Beach Holiday or City break?Beach holiday
Interview by AV