Meet Poundz…UK Hip Hop’s Next Rising Star
Poundz is a South London rapper that’s grinding his way to the top. After his mesmerizing freestyle on BL@CKBOX, which showcased his creative flow and unique style, the emerging talent amassed a plethora of fans and support from one of the UK’s hottest music labels. Since the release of his track, ‘Fortnite’ Poundz has nabbed over 10 million views on YouTube and landed a top 40 hit with his single Opp Thot. With his new single and video for ‘Smooth Criminal’ – which was inspired by Michael Jackson’s classic record – making the rounds and plans to release more new music, Poundz is steadily continuing with his music takeover.
We were able to chat with the dynamic rapper about everything, including when he first fell in love with hip hop, his track ‘Smooth Criminal’, and so much more…
Can you tell us the origin of your name Poundz?
It came from a game where I used to earn a lot of money as a youngster, and then I just ran with that name for music.
When did you fall in love with hip hop and grime?
Fell in love with hip hop and grime around 2012-14 when Stormzy and Section Boys started to become a big thing. I liked the sound and energy that the type of music brought to the UK.
What do the two genres – hip hop and grime – mean to you?
I don’t really think too hard about what it means to me, but I know that it has opened a lot of doors for new artists like myself to come through and make a career, so in that aspect, I appreciate the genre and whats it’s done for the scene.
When did you realize you wanted to pursue music full time?
My friend Dan randomly called me saying I should jump on the new freestyle platform called ‘black box.’ He paid for it, then I went and just done my thing. Everyone in my neighborhood started to rate me and show love, plus I felt that I was very talented at rapping, which made me chase the dream from that day onwards.
You scored a top 40 hit with your track ‘Opp Thot.’ What was your initial reaction when you found out?
Obviously, it was very overwhelming and exciting for me to achieve such a thing as I came up from the bottom and have never hit a top 40 before. It was very motivational as it shows me not to ever doubt myself or my music capabilities.
You’re latest track ‘Smooth Criminal’ is a banger! Can you give us some background on what inspired the track? What was your creative process?
The kicks and snares used in the production of the instrumental gave me a cool badass vibe and reminded me of the type of beats that Michael Jackson would use. I then went on to just freestyling over the instrumental and came up with the sick hook! My creative process is very simple, I just play the beat and write down whatever comes to my head, but I also think about what I would want to hear from a listeners perspective.
With your new record making the rounds, can fans expect more new music from you? Maybe an album or EP?
Yes, of course. Fans can expect new music from me as I have a lot of bangers in the locker, a few upcoming features, and I am doing an EP, which will be due around late summer.
What type of impact do you want to have in music and with your fans?
I want to inspire others and show them that you can be whatever you believe you can be and achieve anything in this life. I also make music to motivate people to go hard, but my main goal is to leave a footprint in the music scene. I don’t want to be good, I want to die a legend!
Make sure to check out Poundz latest track and video ‘Smooth Criminal’ below…
