EQUATE meets Sneakbo

Ahead of his album release, we caught up with South London rapper Sneakbo, also called the ‘godfather’ of merging bashment and dancehall with an Afro influence. The artist, who’s been in the game for over nine years, is known for constantly dropping major catchy bangers, including ‘Touch Ah Button’ and ‘Active’. He has collaborated with a magnitude of fellow rappers and singers, and has still stayed true to his sound throughout the years. His new album 9 Lives lightly touches on the old rumour of him turning into a black cat in Brixton’s McDonald’s, but more importantly focuses on the obstacles and life lessons he’s had to go through in the past. In our conversation, we talk about plans after covid-19, his new album and of course his jet-ski way of living.

Words by Antonia Kuenzel

First of all, how are you dealing with self-isolation?

It’s going good, I’ve just been chilling with my fam and writing music. Got some new things cooking up. So yeah, going good.

That’s great to hear, at least you don’t get bored.

Not really, it’s cool.

So obviously you’ve been in the scene for quite some time and still so relevant and stayed true to your sound, even though you’ve experimented with different sounds. How have you managed to keep it up?

To be honest, I just go into the studio and rap whatever comes to me. I don’t try to be no-one else or do anything like no-one else. I just rap what comes to my head there and then, that’s probably how I’ve remained the same.

Fair enough! You started out early 2011, and obviously the music scene has quite changed over the years. What do you think has changed the most?

The music scene has changed, I feel like they pay more attention to the Urban scene. In 2011 it wasn’t like that. But now, it’s getting better and it’s going a good way still.

Who are your favourites from the current ‘generation’?

My favourites… I would say Sticks, J Hus, Br3nya. There’s lots more, but them three, definitely.

Love them as well. You have a new album coming out soon as well, called 9 Lives. What can we expect from that album?

You can expect some bangers. I have songs that are just me talking about the past, the present, relationships. There are different afrobeat vibes. One or two drill songs. So yeah, lots of different vibes.

Does it differ sonically and lyrically from your previous album Brixton?

I feel like the production is definitely better, my lyrics and flows have gotten better as well. When I listen to Brixton now and compare it to 9 Lives, then I definitely feel like I have improved.

I still remember when I blasted out your album Certified, good times!