44certii on all things 'Chase Money Season', growing up in Lewisham and advice for rising talents.

Meet Lewisham born, rising rapper 44Certii as he talks about what it was like growing up in the Lewisham area, all things on his latest single 'CMS' and some advice to everyone on the rise in the scene. A huge thank you to 44Certii for his time and efforts in speaking with us for this interview. Make sure you go over to Instagram and drop a follow if you don't already on @44certii to be ready for all new music this year.

Hey man, please could you give an introduction to yourself for those who aren't already aware of your work?

I'm 44Certii, I'm a Nigerian/British/French musician from South London, Lewisham. I make music and I've been noticed by people like RisingStars, TheSpitGame, and many large influencers like Santan Dave and Oxlade. I want to become one of the greatest rappers in the UK.

How long have you been making music for?

I've been rapping since I was like 8, but my first freestyle dropped when I was 12, so a couple of years ago now.

And how does music make you feel?

Music makes me feel alive and gives me a different energy. I'm always listening or making some type of music whether it's singing in the shower or writing bars in detention, I love it. Both sad or pumpy songs depending on the moment.

How would you describe your own stuff?

I'm versatile but my main music is the afroswing type, and I'm always compared to MoStack or J Hus, but I can also hop on a drill or grime type flow as well. Afroswing is my favourite and I think I'm the best at that.

Do you have any favourite rappers?

Yeah, my favourite rappers are J Hus, Santan Dave, Stormzy, and Digga D. I have to throw Burna Boy in there even though he isn't a rapper.

Do you like any American stuff at all?

Yeah, I don't really listen to them that much but the goats, like Michael Jackson, Tupac, Biggie, 50 Cent, but also people like J.Cole, Drake, Cardi n Central Cee is basically American now.

What do you think about what Cench is doing over there for the UK?

I look up to him, his work rate is unmatched and I think he's changed the game, especially with how he's really exposing more people to UK music. He's really pathing a lane for many smaller artists.

Who else is able to do what he's doing?

Digga D if he had better marketing, definately.

100%! Talk to me about CMS, your latest track, how did it come to be a thing?

I was trying to record a short freestyle for TikTok and in one of the bloopers I just off the top said "This is chase money season, strong end, never had a weekend" and my friend that was recording said it was cold and that I should keep it in but I wasn't sure. Then when I posted it, there was a thousand comments talking about that particular phrase and it grew on me so I decided to keep it and expand on it.

We're loving the track! I've seen you've appeared on Spit Game, what's that like?

Thanks I appreciate it. The Spit Game is really fun and it's so good to be surrounded by diverse people all chasing the same dream and pushing each other to work harder and be better. Everyone there is so talented.

There really is some huge talent over on their page, it's only right we should out them guys. What's next for 44Certii?

I won the 8bars challenge so I'm looking to make more songs and get them recorded with MKFray in a studio very soon.

MK is a sick guy for sure, looking forward to hearing those! Who would you say is your dream collab?

My dream collab is probably Santan Dave or J Hus himself. One day. Even Stormzy or Burna Boy, yeah those four.

Talk to me about what it's like growing up in Lewisham.

It's rough out here. Everyone's just tryna make it out and do better for their families and friends. Like most of South London, it's lit though, every other day something's going on.

Any favourite places you would recommend in and around London?

Yeah, central is always a vibe in the night with the lights on the London Eye and those places like the O2 as well.

Do you have any advice to anyone trying to start out?

Yeah man, keep grinding even if you don't think you're making progress. As long as you enjoy what you're doing, someone out there will also enjoy it. Your time will come soon.

Finally, do you have anyone you would like to shout out, someone that's helped you, anyone?

Shout out Isaiah L, for helping me and always being supportive no matter what. Really pushed me to do music seriously!

For sure man. Thank you for your time in talking to us, proper nice guy!