Chrome & Illinspired

Bill and Mike, otherwise known as Chrome and Illinspired, have been rappers for years. When not organising numerous hip hop nights and festivals in Norfolk, supporting Public Enemy, DJing, rapping or being a part of Norwich’s biggest hip hop crew of all time, Deftex, they can be found digging through record stores searching for vinyl gems. These two have come together to create a new supergroup, if you will, and their new album is out this December. I found out more from the two nicest chaps in hip hop. Respect.

So you guys have been involved in hip hop for a really long time. How did you first start rapping?

Chrome: My first memory of hip hop is seeing the video to 'Buffalo Gals' by Malcolm McLaren on Top of the Pops around ‘83. After watching the breaking and scratching in that vid I was hooked. My brother brought home the Electro 4 LP, which featured the track 'Sucker MCs' by Run DMC. It was this track that inspired me to start writing rhymes.

Illinspired, you hosted the rather brilliant Dedbeat Festival in Yarmouth back in 2002. Is there any chance of us seeing that happen again round these parts?

Illinspired: The Dedbeat Festival was, is and always will be the best event to ever happen in hip hop around these parts, not just because we were involved but that it covered every element and had a solid line-up every time. Unfortunately I cant see it happening again; the organiser had a few problems with the 2004 event, one being the booking and then cancellation of the greatest MC of all time which sort of put a nail in the Dedbeat coffin. It’s a huge shame but I have amazing memories of it.

You live in Norwich/Bury St Edmunds, which are quite white, middle class areas. This is not the usual environment for rappers to come out of..

Chrome: I can't pretend to be very ghetto coming from Lakenham, so my raps are normally based around my love/hatred of the hiphop scene, with a healthy dose of bragging and boasting thrown in!

Illinspired: I grew up in Bury St Edmunds, but like the rest of the country when the B-boy scene hit these shores in the early to mid 80's it didn’t matter where you were from. I’ve never really spoken about the woes of life, it’s more about the comedy element and clever wordplay for me, and making sure everything flows correctly. I have never tried to sound like I’m from a particular place; I’m just me and that should be enough.

You’ve supported countless brilliant hip hop acts who have played in Norwich, including Pharoahe Monch and Dead Prez. Which has been the best, and do you get a chance to hang out with them?

Illinspired: There have been so many events over the years. I think the obvious choice would be the two Public Enemy gigs at the UEA (hosting and performing at both) and Ice-T at the Waterfront. I could tell a thousand stories, and Chrome has even more. And yes, we do get to hang out with some of the artists; a few have even stayed with us. We once took political US MC Immortal Technique to a field party in the depths of the Norfolk countryside after he performed at NAC, and took over the reggae tent for two hours with pure freestyles. It was an incredible night.

What do think of the local hip hop scene? Is it thriving?

Chrome: The last two years we have been privileged to have had some of the best hip hop gigs Norwich has ever seen. To have acts like Ultramagnetic MCs, Public Enemy, Pharoahe Monch and DJ Premier grace our city has been amazing. In terms of local hip hop acts there are some decent MCs coming through like the Music Lessons Crew, Streakz, Choco Doobs and more recognisable names such as DPF and Reds, Planet of the Fakes and Falcon Burns. We have a fairly healthy scene here considering the size of our city.

I heard you’ve got ACTUAL JAZZY JEFF on your new single. How did you get him on your record?

Chrome: I played a gig back in the days at Po Na Na in Norwich supporting Jazzy Jeff, and on the same night a DJ called K Delight was also playing support on the tour. We got chatting about the impact Jazzy Jeff had on both of us growing up. A few years later K Delight contacted me with a beat and asked if I was interested in writing this track about Jeff. So 8 years on, the track finally came together and has now been released on B Line Records featuring an introduction from the man himself. It's a proud moment for me in my career as I’d say Jazzy Jeff is one of my main inspirations as a DJ.

Can you give me your top 3 hip hop tracks or albums of all time?

Chrome: It's an impossible task, but 3 of my favourite LPs would be Ultramagnetic MC’s Critical Beatdown, Organized Konfusion’s OK and

A Tribe Called Quest’s Low End Theory.

Illinspired: Gang Starr ‘s Step in the Arena, Hardnocks’ School of Harknocks and BDP’s Sex and Violence

If someone wanted to learn to be a rapper, what’s the best way to start?

Illinspired: I would suggest brushing up on the history of hip hop culture first, because there’s so many ways you can do it. Find out what you like and develop from there; don’t be afraid to be yourself. Read the dictionary, build your vocabulary and be honest. I used to teach it in workshops, so I’m always available if anyone needs any tips.

Chrome & Illinspired support M.O.P at Epic Studios on 10th December. Also, check out their annual Christmas Jam on December 20th at The Rumsey Wells.

The LP Chrome and Illinspired - 'The All C n I' will be released in December from www.blinerecordings.bigcartel.com and many other vinyl outlets around the country.