The solo artist, co-founder of Zongo Brigade and rapper for the mighty K.O.G. takes us on a trip down musical memory lane.
The first record I ever bought
Straight Outta Compton by NWA. I had recently moved to Sheffield from Jamaica and I was getting into hip-hop and rap music. I was an Ice Cube fan after a friend from school introduced me to his albums (copied onto TDX 90 cassette tapes), so I had to go back and buy the record where it all started for him.
The first gig I ever went to
That would’ve been Wu-Tang Clan somewhere in Brixton, London. I travelled down with my brother Adrian and some friends. Three members from Wu-Tang showed up: Method Man, U-God and Ol’ Dirty Bastard (RIP). We had the opportunity to interact with these three hip-hop legends – the best night ever!
One song I wish I wrote
A song called ‘Silent Screams’ by Moorish Delta 7, a Birmingham-based hip-hop group. The lyrics resonated with me so much that I learnt every verse word for word; it was as if this person was rapping my life. I was going through a tough time and I would play it constantly.
One song I wish was never made
I believe we can communicate or learn something from most songs created, whether that’s positive or negative. But, that said, I could do without ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’ by Wizzard being made. I’m not really into Christmas pop songs and that is the ultimate Christmas pop song! Sorry, Wizzard.
I first fell in love with music when
I’m sure I was born already in love with music – most Jamaicans are! Growing up in Jamaica I loved ragga dancehall music and that was all me, my brothers and my friends listened to. It was a mandatory thing to be up to date with the latest songs and dance moves. When I moved to the UK I was exposed to different genres and immediately fell in love with hip-hop.
A song I can’t get out of my head at the minute
This is actually one of my own songs with K.O.G and the Zongo Brigade. We are currently rehearsing for our next show at Trans Musicales Festival in France and one of the songs we are practicing just keeps going around in my head. It’s called ‘Suro Nipa’ and it’s a new one from our soon-to-be-released debut album.
A record that reminds me of a specific time and place
Illmatic by Nas. It was a Friday evening after school basketball practice at Ponds Forge in Sheffield, maybe a few years after its original release. A friend had just bought it with his pocket money. We took turns listening through headphones from a Discman – one of the greatest albums ever made.
Music allows me to
Travel around the world and meet amazing creative people. For this I am truly grateful.
Catch Franz Von as part of the Universal Tree Christmas Show at Picture House Social on 21 December. Tickets and more info available at picture-house-social.com.
