MOBO Profile: Tinchy Stryder!

Kwasi Danquah, otherwise known as Tinchy Stryder, is enjoying a year of huge success, with the release of his much-anticipated second album Catch 22 on 7th of August, following on from 2007’s Star in the Hood. Much like other aspiring rappers, such as former MOBO winner Dizzee Rascal, Tinchy embarked on a career in music at a young age, airing his early, prototypical work on pirate radio in his native East London. From there, he has forged a unique career path, culminating in nationwide fame and chart success. Bizarrely, in 2006, Stryder received backing, albeit indirectly, from Lib Dem MP Norman Lamb. The unusual relationship between Stryder and the parliamentarian was the result of Lamb loaning money to son Archie, who forms one half of Stryder’s management team, Takeover Entertainment. Unperturbed by the odd dichotomy between himself and the North Norfolk representative, Tinchy’s career has since been catapulted forward.

Having signed on with Takeover Entertainment in 2006, Stryder has blossomed remarkably. His track, ‘Something About Your Smile’, from the impressive debut album Star in the Hood, amassed widespread critical attention, including a 2007 MOBO nomination for Best Newcomer. The nomination proved to be another career catalyst for the young talent, who has since developed into an artist accustomed to finding himself amongst the chart-toppers. Early this year Stryder emerged onto the mainstream radar, peaking at number three with ‘Take Me Back’, the first track from the new album Catch 22. Shortly afterwards came the appropriately titled ‘Number 1’, a collaboration with N-Dubz, which became an inaugural chart-topper for both.

Far from allowing success to bloat his ego, however, Stryder has remained grounded, admirably choosing to continue with his academic undertakings despite his huge musical success. Stryder’s unassuming attitude saw him balance his music commitments with studies in digital arts and the moving image at the University of East London last year. Equally indicative of Tinchy’s level-headed character is his own stage name, a reference to his diminutive figure. Similarly Tinchy’s ‘Star in the Hood’ blog represents a catalogue of his own compliments towards other artists rather than selfindulgence. Add this to his recent involvement in a charity football match for Vinspired, an organisation which aims to recognise the work done by volunteers in the UK, and the picture of a man keeping his feet firmly on the ground emerges, despite his ascendancy in the music business. Indeed, alongside his musical talent, Stryder seems to possess the whole package.

Accompanying his music and blog, Tinchy this year launched the ‘Star in the Hood’ brand. Primarily a clothing range, but also a ‘movement’ and, as Stryder claims, a ‘way of life’, the label has grown alongside his chart achievements. The brand’s iconic piece, a simple t-shirt emblazoned with the ‘Star in the Hood’ tag line, is now synonymous with the exciting and creative sounds of a talented young artist only just beginning to reach his potential.

Words: Michael Glenister