nat_stylo
Bookie out here reppin for the kids who can't choose between rap and alt rock \m/...(>.<)…\m/
Favorite track: Stuck In My Ways feat. Corey Taylor.
Having recently featured on the BBC Three documentary ‘Do Black Lives Still Matter’ alongside artists such as Nova Twins, Kid Bookie is a torch-holder for a generation of Black Alternative artists determined to follow their true vision, rather than narratives sculpted for them by societal and industry expectations. Speaking to Saskilla as part of the series, Bookie said “I don’t fit the Black narrative, coz I don’t ‘do music that’s made for Black people… that’s what they [members of the industry] say to me.” He adds: “I’m fighting for that Black kid with the green hair that plays his guitar, I’m supporting the Black girl that dresses up in ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ decorations all the time and wants to push Black alternative culture because she feels isolated.”
‘Cheaper Than Therapy’ is, ultimately, an album “for the outsiders”, those that refuse to be pigeon-holed by society and is a rallying cry for self-acceptance and individualistic expression whilst also touching upon Bookie’s own internal demons. This album is “a showcase of eclecticism, influence and identity,” he says. “ To be more than the print of a rapper, to express my introspections, my vulnerability, my voice. To challenge who I am more than who I was, unlearning fear and going against the traditional mould.”
As well as a sonic journey, ‘Cheaper Than Therapy’ is a journey of growth within musical expression, to tap into what made Bookie enjoy music in the first place, channelling the influences of everything Bookie has learned about the thesis of music creation thus far.
“Expression, aggression, ferocity, melody and soul were the catalysts to produce ‘C.T.T’. With every verse I swore to never deliver if feeling isn’t present, I need to feel in order to be symbiotic with the process, this music.. A therapy session for myself, covering my moods from love, anger, hate and like, questions I want to ask and what it’s like to exist in an ever shifting paradigm. With this project I aim to finally be happy in the acceptance that this is who I wanted to be and open to the prospect of change and evolution.”
The twenty track album spans a number of genres, fluidly combining elements of alternative-rock, hip-hop, rap, screamo and metal into a project that is distinctly Kid Bookie. He also enlists a Smörgåsbord of legends from the alternative rock scene to help him including Vended’s Griffin Taylor for various interludes, Good Charlotte’s Billy Martin on production for a number of tracks, TECH N9NE on already released single ‘In My Soul’ and Sid Wilson and Corey Taylor of Slipknot, who he famously first met through a series of back and forth tweets.
Kid Bookies first forray into music began at school, where he played guitar in local South London bands. Whilst growing up his family (in particular his father) introduced him to hip hop and during his teens it became his most prominent genre of interest. His work in this space ultimately resulted in him befriending and collaborating with rapper Dot Rotten. Rotten is credited with giving Kid Bookie his first mainstream moment by bringing the then 16 year old Bookie on to perform live for Tim Westwood on BBC Radio 1 Xtra. Around this time he also released his first grime mix-tape entitled 'In The Making' which was met with critical reviews from his peers.
With a star-studded list of collaborations, and a dedicated and rapidly growing fanbase, Kid Bookie’s ‘Cheaper Than Therapy is set to be one of 2021s most exciting multi-genre releases, and one that will firmly establish Bookie as an artist that can’t be denied.
supported by 11 fans who also own “Cheaper Than Therapy”
I can safely say I've never been this excited over a piece of plastic in my entire life! This is awesome! It's impossible to pick a favourite when every track is a banger. The lyrics are on point and delivered with an acerbic wit and passion that leaves me in no doubt that they're spoken from the heart. I need more of this in my life! Dylan Barry
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