Wretch 32 Interview

Peek beneath the increasingly-polished surface of the Grime scene and you will notice an artistic renaissance. A new wave of top boy MC's are pushing the levels with lyrical depth, showmanship and innovative ideas previously unseen - see Skepta, Ghetto and Goodz. Now add Wretch 32 to the A-list. The Movement member has recently been causing a stir with his brand of intelligent wordplay, content and individual delivery. His new track 'Punctuation' is - quite simply - blazing. Bedroom MC's start taking notes;

Are your bars more suited to recording studios or rave stages?
Both - I am an entertainer and also a recording artist. I'm Wretch 32!!

Your intelligent, lyrical skills are a contrast to the usual double-time and gun-chat style of the scene. How did you develop such a distinct style?

I'm just being me, and being me means bringing something different. I've also got a drive to be the best of all time and with that floating through my veins, my blood pumps heartfelt music. So its just me being me still.

The Movement [Wretch32, Ghetto, Scorcher, Devlin] is probably the hottest team on road right now. Between you there is a balance between distinctive flows, deep content and dynamic energy. How did you boys link?
Well we all thought that we were bringing a new flava - each being the best at what we do. So together we thought that it will be too much. We were right again! We just want to make the best music alone and together, which is something we all have in common.

At just 17 years old, Devlin is the most exciting talent in the scene by quite a length. How much have The Movement helped him on the path?
Devs was Devs before us so he gets all the credit. All we've done was keep him on his toes, as we're all good at ballet. Haha. Devlin's amazing, still.

Are there plans for a Movement album, or is it strictly mixtape business?
Right now anything’s possible. We're all working on solo projects at the moment. After that we will come together and do something hard.

There have been rumours flying of rifts in the Movement camp. Whats the truth?
They're all lying!

Your acoustic jams alongside Pat Kelly are pretty special. Any plans to take this further?
Yeah, we've done a showcase called UK Unplugged with Scorcher, Bashy and myself. It was massive so we're trying sort out a tour, still, so hopefully you'll know whats good.

Your new track 'Punctuation' is on another level lyrically. What inspired you to write that?
I just wanted to explain why I thought I was the best. I thought if I could educate people at the same time it will be even better... so thats what I did.

So whats next for Wretch - any projects in the works?
Wretchrospective is the debut exhibition album CD from Wretch 32. That should be bigger than capital letters!

What can we expect from Wretchospective?
Originality and entertainment, if you know what I mean. Edutainment!

www.myspace.com/wretchclart