Meet No77iD as we talk about TikTok influences, new tracks, timeless rappers, and SoundCloud rap.

Meet Birmingham made artist No77iD as we talk about the influence TikTok has had on the scene, his opinion on timeless rappers and who he feels is timeless in UK rap, all things on his new tracks being released this year and the deeper meanings behind them. A huge thank you to No77id for his time and efforts in speaking with us on this occasion, be sure to over to his page @no77id to be able to keep up with all of the latest music released and support him on his journey to the top.

Hey man, please can you give an introduction as to who you are and what you do for those that aren't currently aware of what you do?

For sure, My name’s No77iD and I’m a 20 year old artist from Birmingham. I started making music 6 years ago when I bought my first microphone from Amazon for £20 and downloaded a pirated Logic Pro from some dodgy website.

How did you progress after that?

My early songs were heavily influenced by these American artists who made this kind of music. I would post these songs to SoundCloud until taking a break before my exams in Year 11. I would record in my room when my parents weren’t in the house and release these awful songs but I didn’t care because I enjoyed it so much. Now 20 years old, with 6 years of experience, I’ve been able to find my sound and experiment with every different avenue in music, to where I am currently: putting myself in the mindset that I will make it work no matter what. I also founded UK RapMag: a platform for artists no matter the amount of followers they have, who can promote their music completely for free.

Very sick, who were you listening to growing up?

Growing up the music I was listening to was heavily influenced by my mum. I would play Michael Jackson all the time and to this day is still the greatest artist of all time. I’ve always had a wild music taste, going from Bruno Mars to BBK in the same playlist. I used to learn Eminem and Logic songs word for word to practise rapping fast. The first rap album I remember listening to all the way through was Do It Again by Skepta.

Would you say your music has changed now you've grown up?

Definitely, firstly my taste has changed from the artists mentioned previously in regards to rap music. I take inspiration from hundreds of artists to implement into my music. I make sure that I can never be tied down into one bracket, making trap to pop music. For example, my song ‘You The One I Want’, has a completely different best to anything I have used before. I feel like experimenting which instrumentals not only keeps listeners excited to hear what comes next, but also makes the creative process of being an artists more interesting when you can trial which different sounds. The more I progress as an artist, the more I take production into consideration. When I release my first studio album, I am determined to make it the best produced trap album to come out of this country.

And what you do reckon the music scene is missing right now?

I wouldn’t say it’s missing anything musically. With UK RapMag, I listen to hundreds of songs from all artists. Every type of music is being made, you just have to find it. In the UK however, very few people are doing inventive music videos: ones that tell a story, or make you feel a certain way rather than just expensive cars and girls. I don’t know why these artists who are independent or signed who have big budgets don’t spend more time and money creating a really good music video. The more I continue to grow, the bigger the budget gets, and for me, those different types of music videos that are more like short films are what I want focus on.

Let's talk about goals, what's the goal for you musically?

Best thing about music is that it’s timeless. The goal is creating something that will live on for longer than I will.

Could you name a few rappers out of the UK that you believe should be timeless?

JME, Skepta, Wretch 32, Giggs are who I listened to when I was younger but now I would say Dave and Stormzy for the impact they have had on UK music.

Is there anyone you're listening to right now that deserves top spot?

Always got to back yourself so of course No77iD, but Just Banco, Lil Macks and Hakkz are hard.

What's your opinion on what TikTok is doing for the scene? Is it something that just needed to happen?

TikTok is one of the best things to happen, not just for music but for any business, because at the end of the day music is a business. Your goal is to show people why they should listen to you over somebody else, so you got to provide some value or entertainment. TikTok is free advertising for everybody, and you can see that it was something that needed to happen because everyone is copying them now, with YouTube shorts and Instagram reels. TikTok is great for people who deserve to be heard and have the marketing for it, but it can end badly if not done properly. It’s the new way for people to explode overnight. So many artists now have blown up off one song on TikTok and you don’t hear their name anymore. Blowing up is the hardest part for sure, and TikTok has made that easier for people, but if you don’t have a plan, that includes consistency and more hits after the first blow up, then that level of relevancy is gonna decline rapidly soon after.

How would you describe your sound to anyone who hasn't yet listened to your work?

Think trap but versatile. R&B, Trap, Psychadelic, 2000s hip hop, any beat works. I’ve made sure I’ve got a song for every feeling someone could have. My next release has the beat of a 2000s 50 cent with trap type vocals. Something I haven’t heard anyone do yet.

Have you got a planned release for that track?

Song will be released late July - early August.

What can you tell me about the creation behind the track, does it have a deeper meaning?

This track and my next couple I feel have more replay value, they’re more of a hit than a song of substance. Whilst they tell a story, the writing is nothing compared to what I have waiting to drop after. It’s very hard to get noticed in the scene through just good music. Marketing is more important than the music nowadays. These next couple songs will allow me to grow as a brand, which will set me in place for the EP or album which follows, which will show people the real artistry and production value of the music they wouldn’t have heard before. Whilst I would love to release an album right now and show off the versatility, dropping an album with no fan base or hype around you as a small artist is a huge mistake that many small artists make. Drop hits, create hype, then release your best body of work. That for me is the path I’m going to take.

Have you got a favourite genre to make or even one that you just don't like making?

Favourite genre would be trap for sure. Being able to combine the writing with different melodies and rhyme schemes adds so much more to the creation process. A lot of the beats in this genre are crazy, so when you hear one for the first time and that drop comes in that feeling is unmatched.

Is there a genre that you just wouldn't touch?

Never say never to anything, you never know - but I doubt you’ll be hearing me on an opera tune any time soon.

Do you have any advice for anyone looking to start music professionally?

Start today. Another day waiting is another day wasted. Listen to what your friends say, they’ll give you honesty. See every hate comment as a win. That’s another person who hadn’t heard of you before and now does.

And finally, do you have anyone you would like to shout out?

Got to shout out all my boys who stick by me. All the loyalty will be repaid one day. Same with my family. And, of course, anyone who continues to support. I appreciate every single one.