Geejay is the hottest property from Northern Sunderland. He’s signed to Dap-C’s record label, NGU Records. We catch up with him to speak about how Northern hip hop differs from Southern, how his album has been received, how it is working with big name artists and how he’s not feeling Facebook!
Geejay, you’re from Sunderland, is there a big scene up there?
The only scene Sunderland has is me! All out me! I’m holding it up right now on my shoulders and have been doing that since i was 14. I mean you can find a few emcees here but they are not established and known of, and they are all connected through me anyways ha! Basically, I had to create a scene!
I’m based in the Midlands myself, how do you think that northern hip hop differs from southern rap? There’s a big difference in Rock music, does that stretch to this genre as well do you think?
Geejay
Northern hip hop is raw!! Just gully man. Council House, smack head, roaming job seekers allowance rhymes! It’s hard to do anything else, either because we know no other, which is why I had to come with something different. You see the council estate understands me but a record executive could also put one of my cd’s on and understand. Yeah I do think it stretches across to rock! Listen to the Kaiser Chiefs then listen to The Futureheads!
How has your debut album I Came To Represent been received in your hometown?
Pure love! The way it was received, i didn’t expect it, it’s kind of one of those cd’s people have if they want to show someone who really hasn’t got a clue about Sunderland hip hop. They get it out and play it, it’s a good feeling man, when your hometown is showing support, even Newcastle are feeling it!
What made you want to do that album?
Because at the time nothing from Sunderland was on the market and i wanted something on the market that sounded Mackem, that sounded Sunderland, and that sounded like I was just getting back from the dole and didn’t get my 2 weeks pay! It’s that feeling when you put the album on, it’s that feeling of street success, it’s that feeling that you’re on your way, it’s that dream!
Has it got a specific concept, or is it just a lot of good music?
It’s not so much a concept, more a basis of what i am, i came out with this album to tell people I’m from Sunderland, to tell them what I’m into, who i am and where I’m at and how well I’m doing! It was never a concept album, just me on my grizzly. 2nd album is crazy though, watch out for that next year.
Geejay-I Came To Represent
The beats aren’t your traditional UK beats, they’re very American influenced, is that what you’ve always preferred listening to?
I love hot beats man, just crazy hot beats and those crazy hot beats just happened to be sounding like the crazy hot beats that the Americans use! It’s them because that’s the fire, yeah i like beats like Jehst-1979, but that ain’t really gonna get me played in a club now is it?
You managed to get some big name collaborations on that album, who did you work with?
I had the pleasure of working with Raekwon, Canibus and Dap-C of course to name a few. I also introduced a few emcee’s to the market on my album, I’m so generous!
How did they come about?
My boy Dap-C has major connections so that’s how it came about, that’s it really! We asked and linked.
You worked with your label mate Dap-C and UK legend Blak Twang on Music Game, how was that experience working with those 2 established artists?
Well I’ve been working with Dap-C for over 2 years now so it’s like second nature! I don’t see it as working with a big artist anymore, i used to, but now it’s like working with a friend! In fact it’s not like working with a friend, it is working with a friend! But with Blak Twang i never actually got to meet the bloke while recording, that came later. But I’ve never actually done a track with just me and Dap-C yet, that reminds me that i need to call him later about that! Hopefully we can get something in the pipeline for our supporters!
What’s next for Geejay? Do you have any other projects in the cannon?
Yup! Hot singles man trust me! Wait until you hear my next tune, it’s massive, and the four tunes that follow are as well! I’ve also changed up from I Came To Represent! I mean a complete change, for the better.
Where can we check you out, and do you have anything to say before we let you go?
Yeah you can check me out on www.myspace.com/geejay88, i ain’t into Facebook that much so you won’t catch me on there. I have no benefit for it musically and I’m to busy to hit them all up. Also watch out for my brand new single to be released by the end of the year. I’m featured on a lot of mixtapes and a number of albums this year so watch out for my name popping up. Thanks for taking your time out to interview me, it’s much appreciated.
Tags: Blak Twang, Canibus, Dap-C, Facebook, Geejay, I Came To Represent, Interview, Jehst, Kaiser Chiefs, Music Game, Myspace, Newcastle, Raekwon, Sunderland, The Futureheads
