Figgaz Of Speech - UK Hip-Hop Crew Interview

November 2009

Interview with Figgaz Of Speech, a five man (and one woman) strong underground UK hip-hop crew hailing from South Yorkshire and currently signed to Just Cause Recordings. Figgaz Of Speech look to be set for big tings so best keep your ears and eyes open!

How many people does Figgaz Of Speech consist of and where are you from?

Figgaz Of Speech family tree reaches far and wide, but has six main artists at the core based in Doncaster, South Yorkshire:

• General Knowledge
• Cyber Ninja
• Parly B
• Nayben
• Disorderly
• SASS (our one female member)

How did you get into the hip-hop scene?

Most of the members grew up listening to hip-hop and drum n bass but I think the turning point for us as artist's on the scene, was when Baby J bought the first copy of our mixtape vol 1 and liked what we did.

Living in a town you tend to know what's going off musically so the people who are actually pushing things forwards stand out like sore thumbs, Figgaz is a collective of sore thumbs.

Figgaz Of Speech

How did Figgaz Of Speech come to be and how did the crew get together?

Living in a town you tend to know what's going off musically so the people who are actually pushing things forwards stand out like sore thumbs, Figgaz is a collective of sore thumbs.

Do you all have different roles within the group?

Yes, we approach each release as a project with the main members implementing their roles to get the job done.

Where does the name Figgaz Of Speech come from?

It's based up on the phrase "Figure of speech" and it's literal meaning of the words in it… such as a metaphore, simile or personification, providing emphasis, freshness of expression or clarity.

The Figgaz part is the collective of artist's the figures involved.

How would you describe your sound?

The good shit, based upon the main principles of hip-hop… hard work, good beats and lyrical fitness!

What are your musical influences?

State Side:

• Public Enemy
• DJ Premier
• NWA
• Wu-Tang Clan
• J Dilla
• Immortal Technique
• Naybens personal favourite Devin The Dude

…and many, many more.

UK:

• Black Twang
• Micall Parknsun
• Mud Family
• Jehst
• Baby J
• Roots Manuva

…to name but a few.

I believe you are involved with a label called "Just Cause Recordings", can you tell us a little about the label?

I can't say too much about the label, apart from it's majority owned by our very own Cyber Ninja but also has a major head involved in it's development. To say the least with thier attention to detail, work ethics and no whack music policy they should be a very interesting label to follow, Figgaz Of Speech is very proud to be associated.

I believe Baby J is quoted as saying your "mixtape is large", what has the publics response been like for the for the music you have put out so far and are you getting much support in the clubs or on air?

The support from the underground has been there for some years now, especially from our own town. We didn't really realize until we started to hustle on the mixtapes, we just couldn't make them fast enough.

Our local Doncaster radio station Sine Fm has been a huge supporter and even donated equipment in the early days, we are also lucky to have a fan at the BBC (Alan Raw) and would like to thank him for getting us to a wider audience through the BBC Radio network.

Where can people get hold of your music if they want to hear more because I believe the "Raw Cuts" mixtape is doing the rounds at the moment?

Yes the Raw Cuts is indeed doing the rounds, available digitally from the usual suspects, itunes, Napster etc, also there are a few studio Promo's left to buy at JustCauseRecordings.com (be quick on them). We have no pressed up copies left at all but never say never for a repress.

How often do you perform live and where was your first live performance?

We have been studio hermits for a while now but the Figgaz show will be back on the road next year. The first ever live performance as Figgaz was at the Runaway Girl in Sheffield.

Do you have any funny tales of adventures you can share from when you have been on road?

Not really a tale but a warning to others on the road - don't be the first to fall asleep as eyebrows tend to go missing for some reason!

Have you ever worked with, or do you have any plans to work with any artists from either the UK or from overseas?

We have a couple of overseas projects running at the moment for people to check out…

• From Australia: Mdusu and Demeza - "Can I Get A Soul Dap" (Album) featuring Disorderly
• From New York: Ghanghis Khan - "The Conqueror's Chronicles"

There's a serious amount of crap out there but the underground heads are keeping it going.

Figgaz Of Speech

What are your feelings on the hip-hop scene in the UK at the moment?

There's a serious amount of crap out there but the underground heads are keeping it going. There is too much talent that people aren't seeing and there's definitely some big hip-hop artists up here. They can't choose the whack shit over the good shit forever can they?

What would you say has been your greatest achievement so far?

Being in the position where we are creating heavyweight shit.

Who are your favourite artists out there at the moment and do you have any tips of other artists to keep your eye on in the near future?

• King Trellion and Deadbeat
• No Pretence

If you were given the chance of being able to collaborate with anyone you choose which other artists would you most like to work with?

• Alchemist
• Gza
• DJ Premier
• Devin The Dude

Do you have a favourite tune of all time?

Yeah, Richard Cheese - "Gin and Juice"… it's great!

What was the last record or CD you bought?

No Pretence featuring Cage - "Self Harmonic" (7" vinyl).

Do you have time for other interests outside music?

Not really, apart from the PS3 breaks in the studio.

What can we expect to see from Figgaz Of Speech and Just Cause Recordings in the near future?

Next on the agenda is the 3 vinyl releases, which will be unleashed on you all very soon, and also there's a video in the pipeline.

Anything else you would like to add?

Just a big thanks to all the people involved and most of all to the fans "you keep us going".

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