In Talks With London’s Next Melodic Emcee: Ghostface600
19 Mar 2021
Growing up around music, it was only inevitable that Ghostface600 would fall into creating his own distinct wave of sound. From the youthful age of 14, the London native began rapping and from there nurtured his talent to which he eventually started ghost writing for several of his friends. Following encouragement from his peers to take music to the next level, he has since dropped two projects and a slew of impressive singles that have seen him garner over 5 million streams – not to mention a hungry fan base!
Although last year was a challenge for many, this didn’t stop Ghostface600 putting the work in! Where consistency is concerned, this wasn’t an issue for the rising emcee. Reputable for putting his own spin on the UK’s Trap-Wave sound, the masked figure has delivered nothing but straight heat since his arrival.
Following the release of his latest single “Shmokey”, we caught up with Ghostface600 over Zoom for a quick chat about all things music. Tap in below to see what he had to say!
How have you been keeping? How have you found this pandemic?
I’m alright! It’s a bit stressful because with the lockdown we can’t really go out so it’s a bit dead at the minute. It should be alright though it’ll pattern up soon!
Take us back to the beginning, tell us a bit more about your upbringing and how you started to get into music?
I grew up in Catford in Lewisham – the Lewisham borough but the Milford Towers. My Mum and Dad were into the Garage scene, so we used to listen to a lot of Ms Dynamite and all of them. I grew up listening to a lot of Garage, Rap and Yard music! *laughs*
At what point did you decide to take music seriously?
I feel like I’ve only started to take music seriously this year but, in my head, my bredrin’s have always told me that I’m cold! I used to write for some of my friends, so I’ve always been doing music.
Over the last year or so, you’ve definitely gone up a level in regard to people being more aware of who you are. Which track or project do you think started to change things for you?
I would say “Pain In My Chest” because it was real! It was from my heart; I just knew it would take off. From that song there, more people took me in for myself as an artist and said that I was cold!
Along the way you’ve had some comparisons thrown around with the likes of Young Adz. What is your take on this?
I won’t get into it because otherwise we’ll be here all night but people that sonically understand music would know that we’re different. You can hear the difference. Some melodies are in the same tone but when you listen to the new music then you will see that it’s completely different. I can understand but I don’t really take it in – I take it as a compliment, he’s not sh*t!
You’re dropping your new single “Shmokey” later today, tell us a bit more about how this single came about?
I would say it’s come from being an individual out of Catford trying to make it – I was trying to come different with this one! It’s like a new Ghostface init!
Where did your artist name come from?
One of my old bredrin’s friends told me that I’m never around, I’m always here there and everywhere; “You write peoples songs so you might as well call yourself ‘Ghost’” , I then got the mask and wrote on it, slapped it on and the 600 is obviously where I’m from, so it all came together!
Can we expect to see anymore collaborations soon? Is there anyone you’d like to work with maybe in the UK or overseas?
UK? Sonically, I don’t know what my sound goes with! Maybe someone like Meekz or M24 – he’s cold! Overseas, I’m trying to work with everyone! *laughs* I want to work with Coi Leray, Kaash Paige, NAV, Travis Scott and so many more! I have a whole list of names! I would love to do a track with Partynextdoor, he’s so cold!!
What are your current thoughts on the UK scene as it stands? We’re obviously very Drill dominated at the moment.
I feel like it’s taken a turn where a door has opened, and anyone is welcome to come through now. This is the changing period in the UK, a lot of the older artists are going out and some of them are staying but it’s time for other people to come through now. Central Cee and Digga are killing it at the moment!
Do you not listen to much UK music yourself or are you a US head?
Nah, US! *laughs* The UK is alright, but I don’t play it over and over! I listen to Potter and M24 but that’s about it.
Would you ever venture out into different sounds?
I have a Drill and Afrobeat ting! *laughs* I’m not always going to stick to Drill, I’m mixing these waves together! I want to do everything! You see how I came last year, no one else came like that, someone has either come on Drill, or the wave or Rap. Me? I came with Rap and singing! This year it’s going to be bigger! Hopefully, the UK take me in and see what’s good!
What else can we expect to hear from you this year?
My tape! What are you going to expect the UK hasn’t seen before! You can expect something new; I am not trying to come like everyone else and I have found the right tone and balance – it’s going to be a mad year!