Interview: London Based Rapper Sophomooreik Discusses His New Video "1/2 [Half of It]"
Big ups to North West London based rapper Sophomooreik for connecting with DCWS for an exclusive interview to discuss his newly released music video "1/2 [Half Of It]", and so much more. From his responses, we learned a lot about this talented 20 year old and we expect big things from him musically in the future.
After reading our Q&A with Sophomooreik, be sure to connect with him on his social media, and stream his "EASYAS...[growing up]" EP, which features the "1/2 [Half Of It]" track.
How would you say that North West London is reflected in the music that you create?
I try not to make my sound too regional but I suppose my accent reflects where I’m from and I make sure there are a couple references to London in my music.
We're totally blown away by your song and new video "1/2 [Half Of It]". How did the song itself come together and how did you select the instrumental, provides by Lee Wrizzle?
I wrote it about a year and a half ago whilst writing my EP “EASYAS... [growing up]”. It was really just meant to be something to showcase my writing style and flow.
I came across the instrumental on YouTube, produced by Lee Wrizzle, and was drawn to it because of the slight drill influence with enough space for me to switch flows every couple of bars.
Regarding the video, I think it fits the song perfectly; the visual aesthetics were simple but hard hitting. How did you and Sam Conley come up with the video's treatment?
To be honest we didn’t have a treatment; Sam Conley knew of an abandoned warehouse near his house so we went there and gathered as many different shots as we could. He’s pretty creative like that.
"1/2 (Half of It)" appears as a bonus track on the "EASYAS...[growing up]" EP. What led you to decide to film a video for it, and will any other songs have visuals?
I originally released this with the video before my EP came out but decided it would be a good bonus track as it covers similar themes that the EP touches on.
I’ve released videos for “As Of Late”, “BishBashBos"h” and “Eleventh Hour”, as well as one for “Drop Dead Gorgeous“ on my Instagram.
Tell us about the rapid-fire flow that you used in "1/2 (Half Of It)"; how long did it take for you to become proficient in that type of rap flow?
I guess I always had the tendency to rap fast since the people I’m inspired by do it really well. I make sure to put a lot of effort into the lyrics as well so that I’m not just rapping fast about nothing.
Who are some fellow London rappers that have influenced your music throughout the years?
There are loads; some OGs like Skepta, Kano, and Ghetts but also some new names like SlowThai and Ocean Wisdom.