Inspired #0002 - Yizzy

Photo - Ant Adams

Lewisham's grime artist

Yizzy

has released his EP ‘

S.O.S.

' today, and even though he is only eighteen, he is set on the path to bring grime back to roots and back on track to what it truly stood for.  His new EP is full of that raw energy that grime originally had before it became commercially successful, so it certainly has us excited! This is just the start for this South London artist, and if this EP is anything to go by, he will be the next big thing to come out of grime. 

We had a chat with Yizzy to discuss what inspires him -

Who are you top three musical inspirations and why?

Bugzy Malone - He is my favourite artist for many reasons. With his songs he's able to paint such an extensive picture both lyrically and melodically that takes you on a journey of his life. This is an important part in my opinion of great songs and song writing. --- Devlin - In my opinion he is the greatest lyricist to ever spit on grime. He's able to shell down radio with a different caliber of both complex and simple bars that you would never think of in a million years. When you combine this with his ability to make beautiful songs to listen to in definitely made him a stand out artist from the rest of the grime scene for me. As a grime artist I think many people struggle to be a sick MC and a sick artist. Devlin does and has done both to a high level which I've also seen as something to work towards and inspiring. ---- Dizzee Rascal - To me Dizzee was the first person to bring Grime out of the shadows and into the world to be seen properly. To do this at such a young age is very inspiring, especially being a young artist myself. He essentially showed the mainstream what grime was and helped shaped the scene as it stands today.

Is there a certain film that inspires you and why?

Freedom Writers - I saw this film in school and it inspired me to work harder and take nothing for granted as there's always people how wish they could be in your position or have even half of what you have, so for you to squander resources or time is unacceptable.

What city do you find the most inspiring and why?

It's obvious, London City. One of the most diverse cities in the world producing some of the most amazing and creative minds in the music industry. I feel like all areas of London (South, North, East, West) all have their own things that make the area special and standout. I feel like there's enough opportunities in London for you to be anything you want be if you put your mind to it and work hard. It has its up's and down's a city but thats what makes London great.

Who is the most inspiring person to you and why?

My Mum - She has always gone above and beyond to raise me and my brothers, always putting us before herself, making sure we we're always looked after as best as she could. Life has been very hard on her yet still manages to smile and continue to take care of us. She is the greatest woman I know.

How would you like to inspire people?

I'm not here to inspire people, I'm here to do me and look after my people with my music. If somebody feels inspired from watching me and my movements then I'm happy you found the inspiration you were looking for. However, its up to you to find your own path of inspiration so do not look to me expecting to find some sense of inspiration that might not be there.

Feature created and photography by

Ant Adams