It’s rare to find a rapper like AG Dolla in the Asian scene that has lyrical skill as well as quality content that reflects realism and experience. With the ability to tackle controversial issues in a light hearted way, as well provide great party tracks AG Dolla is no stranger to the UK Asian Music Scene, and has already made a noise big enough to create a massive following. The bi-lingual rapper has had a lot happening in the past year, so I have a chat with him to get the low down on it all!
So you have 2 personas AG dolla and Mr Shah – what’s the difference between the two?
Are you calling me a skitzo..eh..lol.. AG Dolla was always known as a very conscious and poetic artist. I found that there was a very cheeky and fun loving side to me too. I wanted to be able to make tongue and cheek songs like Border Control and Arranged Marriage and so Mr Shah was born. The business man character that is not scared to say what he feels.
Most of us have different emotions so AG Dolla captures the more sensitive, deep and meaningful character. Songs like 'Pack It up' talk about my problems with my family excepting my career. On the whole the two characters really bring about variety to the whole album.
 Who are you today AG or Mr Shah?
Depends what side of the bed I wake up on. As an independent artist I finance and direct all the music, the videos and the business myself so for that reason today I'm Mr Shah and I am not taking any prisoners! Excuses don't work here!
Honestly I can be both. As AG Dolla my main purpose is to inspire and help everyone around me. So if I see anyone in need of the above I’ll be AG Dolla. On the other hand if I see business opportunities I'm sure Mr Shah will make his grand appearance!
Your rapping style is really distinctive, being a b-lingual rapper how has your background influenced your style and how important is it for you to reflect this in your music?
Having been brought up in Africa I think its important to learn the native language. Just as I think if you live in England you should be able to speak English...simple!
My background is a whirl wind of drama from a young age. I believe this has really formed and strengthened me. I still remember when I was thirteen seeing riots around me. Death is something that you become accustomed to while living in certain countries.
Seeing the poverty in Africa really gives you a sense of feeling lucky here in the UK. Life is precious.
I think that reflecting some of my past is important in music and if you listen to 'History' from my first mix cd 'My Life In Rhymes' you will understand my roots and the roots of the ' East African' Asian.
In this day and age people want to hear easy listening music, so finding a balance is very important.
Your style is extremely versatile, with fun-lovin tracks and the more conscious music. Do you find that this helps to make you more appealable to a wider audience?
People need to be brought into my sound and therefore its important to make the songs they can instantly like and then draw them into the more meaningful songs that give them a connection with me.
Music is something that should express all feelings so it has to be diverse in content.
'Club Crazy' the summer anthem is as fun loving as it gets, where as 'Under your spell' is song about how precious ladies are to the world. The album to me is a culmination of the two personalities 'Mr Shah' and AG Dolla.
I truly believe to reach a wider audience you have to be a personality and have many skills. I hope my album will be one of the windows to my life.
You have a really close connection to the streets and a strong urban youth fanbase, with the social epidemic surrounding gang affiliation and youth crime; do you feel that it is important that such issues and a moralistic awareness should be addressed in music?
If we're looking at music as a business then I don't feel it’s important. However I think it’s important to let the youngsters know the truth about life and the decisions they make! My Song '3 wishes’ on the Album is a true story about a young boy who gets bullied and decides to carry a knife! To me this was a song that told the story of a good boy who made the worst ever decision he could have. Now he is paying for it.
Day dreamer did extremely well, and since then your tracks have had instant appeal, have you had a long journey to get where you are today?
Daydreamer was a good way of entering the market. I feel that I have developed a lot from there. My music has always been welcomed since the beginning. The regular support I get from the media industry as a whole is overwhelming and without everyone believing in me I would be nowhere.
It definitely hasn't been an easy ride. I don't think I would have it any other way. It has made me who I am today.
What are your thoughts on the UK Asian music scene, are there any artists in particular that stand out for you? Who have you enjoyed working with in the scene?
The scenes getting better and hopefully will improve. I'm here to stay now so let's see what happens in a couple years…lol.
Artists that stand out are Gunjan, Kaka and others for their pure talent.
I've not had a chance to work with many however I am keen to work on anyone with drive, down to earth and honest.
UK Rap struggles to do as well as American rap in the mainstream market, why do you think this is and do you think that this will change in time?
UK rap struggles because most rappers need to realise that, putting out music is as much a business as it is an art.
Americans have learnt this and have had more experience now.
What was it like performing at the East Music B4U festival?
It was wonderful, there was a diverse crowd plus it was good to meet the B4U team!
In terms of lyrical content, which rapper do you admire?
It would definitely have to be Eminem
 Who would you love to collaborate with?
Timbaland, he’s an amazing producer and artist.
What advice can you give any unsigned acts who want to get recognised in the scene?
Work hard. Be realistic and perfect your art.
So your album titled ‘Mr Shah’ is out now! What can we expect from it?
I believe it will be a breakthrough album, the likes of which everyone will relate to. It has a mixture of party songs as well as serious songs. My favourites are 'Club Crazy', 'Border Control' and 'Pack It up' which is the story of my struggles with my family and my music.
What’s in store for AG Dolla in the near future?
Plenty more songs, videos and I can confirm that I will be in a film shot this July. Watch this space!
The AG DOLLA Album ‘Mr Shah’ is out now in stores around the UK and also available to purchase on Itunes.
For more information visit: http://www.agdolla.com/ |
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