Danso is a prolific rapper from south London. East London have been blessed in abundance with rappers who rise to the forefront of the great British publics consciousness, but the same can’t be said for those south of the river. That has changed in recent years with Tinie Tempah and his global assault and the likes of Krept & Konan getting major record deals. Now Danso is building his foundations for success and carrying the legacy those before him endured.
The 26 year old from Clapham South, took his stage name from his surname, the name passed down from his father. Sadly he was killed when Edwin Danso was young. Danso, the stage name, holds a dual purpose. On one side, it is a commemorative memento to the memory of the father he lost as a child and the other hand Danso, “wants to give people himself and not a façade.” What better way to do that than by baring your own name?
Like many of us growing up inner city London, So Solid Crew were the be all and end all, that was very much the case for Danso. Their hit ‘No good for me’ being his favourite from the collective. Such good taste. He even remembered the video in great detail. Grime then was the sound of the streets and was the soundtrack to a generation. What may be surprising to some, was how much his love for grime gave him tunnel vision when it came to other music genres. Danso only got into hip-hop at 16!! But the poetic nature of the lyrics the late great Tupac spat truly struck an chord. “Because my dad died when I was young, I thought Tupac was my dad. He understood me, he understood the struggle.” It’s very interesting to see the residual affects and influence Shakur had on the life of Danso. Danso states he’s trying to make timeless music, something Shakur did throughout his short but illustrious career. Danso also produces his songs and beats, something Tupac did but is not widely known for. He co-produced the single ‘All about u’ with Johnny J.
The bond is so strong that Danso promises me, that if in a room filled with other keen hip-hop heads he’d defend Tupac to the end.
As a true purveyor of music,I asked Danso what he was listening to right now? “Everyday I am always trying to discover new music.” He explained. “But right now I’d say The Weeknd, definately his sound.” Delving further into why he enjoys The Weeknd’s sound so much, the producer/rapper revealed that the Toronto sound The Weeknd, Party Next Door and so on are feeding us is the direct influence of his EP coming out next year. That dark RnB, electronic sound that bridges the sound of the 80s and the 90s and fuses them with the sound of today. “There are a few songs on the project that have that kind of sound and I want to explore it more.” He acknowledged.
A fact that kept reoccurring was Danso’s love of RnB, in terms of the production and subject matter. He named the likes of Corinne Bailey Rae as singers he listens to and tries to channel. Deep House, which seems to be all the rage is also a key influencer in the Danso sound. This is quite contradictory and conflicting to what most of the UK rap scene is doing. The large majority tend to rap over hard beats to convey alpha male and ‘road man’ credentials. While others, rap over cheesy dance beats to get a hit, whilst spitting simplistic rhymes. Wondering what else sets Danso apart from the crowd? His knowledge of music on the theoretical side was most refreshing. The fact he produces his music himself and writes himself too makes him separate from the pack.” I think a lot of rappers today are making tracks and I’m trying to make records.” I couldn’t agree more. He added, “As well as writing personal verses, I am making beats which are literally my emotions.” The passion Danso perpetuates all through the interview was astonishing to witness. Something else he has in common with his adopted musical father Tupac.
“Would you collaborate with any UK rappers?” I asked. Taking a deep breath and what seemed like an eternity to answer. He finally stated he would, and would do so with Tinie Tempah, Tinchy Stryder, Krept & Konan and Young O. Young O whom he recently worked with. I’m a little miffed at the choice of working with Tinchy Stryder, an artist Danso is trying to be the polar opposite of. Danso wants real artistic credibility as someone who raps, writes and produces. But he’d work with Stryder? Who’s mainstream music may be catchy but leaves a little to be desired in term of lyrical content. The paradoxical nature of Danso here, is quite provocative. “How I see myself, isn’t how the world may see me.” He points out. Maybe he genuinely enjoys Stryders music or maybe he is thinking in terms of getting a hit.
However Danso doesn’t need the allure of star names to create a hit. His single ‘Bring me down’ featuring Mizz Angel and Klayz is a hit waiting to happen. Already singled out as song of the week by MOBO and featured in pillars of the scene such as, RWD magazine & SBTV. It has all the ingredients of a smash. With the mezzoforte piano start, that sets off the song so well and the addition of the electro house beat, the single has an euphoric and motivational tinge to it, while still being dark and broody.
Danso who produced the record, had thought of the melody in his head and then proceeded to write the song with his sister Mizz Angel. Needing another verse he reached out to the talented Klayz, an artist signed to UK legends Sway’s, DCYPHA team.
The song came about just before the 2012 London Olympics when the country were very much joyous and euphoric. The nation were putting aside their daily struggles. All that for a once in a lifetime moment of pride. “I just wanted to show people that yeah, I’m going to stand up for London.” Bring me down is a great showcase of what the EP will be sonically. Very aspirational and inspirational. In that case I can’t wait to hear it.
Music and Fashion go hand in hand it was nice to hear him discuss the labels he likes and wears. Including mega fashion house Louis Vuitton, Jordan trainers and Boy London cool kid aficionados. Artists have to look well put together these days. Fans don’t just buy into the music anymore, but the whole brand the artist is selling.
Touching on the UK urban scene once again, which has made quite the resurgence of recent, including grime, we discussed the cool kid crowd within the scene and how newbies are looking in from the outside. But Danso has his head screwed on, a point proved when Danso said, “You’ve got to earn your spot in life.”
And any plans for America? Again showing his intelligence, Danso retorted, “The planet is bigger than America, there’s the whole of Europe, Japan, Australia and different territories.”
“I don’t doubt I’m going to make it.” True confidence and ambition from the young man. “You have to be your biggest fan and critic.” Never a truer word spoken.
By Ruth Fajemirokun
