"The whole LP is a story and a journey" - Snoopa on his brand new LP 'ITS'

Snoopa released his album ITS to the world a few weeks ago and it is defintely one that you should all check out. From hard-hitting grime bangers, to more introspective and calming tracks, this album has everything to give us a true insight into the man behind the artist. In his own words, I caught up with him to hear further about his intentions and message behind his project and what makes him so proud of it.

Firstly, what is the inspiration behind the name of the album?

ITS is my slogan sound, and to be honest I’m still learning about what it means. To me it’s one of those ones where my experience and learnings give it more meaning in hindsight. ITS is me, no need to mention my name, you know from the get go. ITS is the journey, the powers, the energies 💫 Inspiration Through Sound… Invitation To Send… Into The Sunset.

How long were you working on this album for?

Effectively the LP has been in the works for years and years, some of the tracks were written and/or recorded like 8 years ago during the “new wave of grime” era like “Now” and “Stunting”, some tracks were soft released on soundcloud a few years back and some were brand new purpose built for the project.

What would you say is the main aim of the album?

The aim of the album jeez, I think as artists quite a lot of the time we make music because that’s what we love. The aim for most people is to gain something, status, listeners, profit. But for me it’s a personal thing I just do it because it’s what needed to be done, because it makes sense, because when I look back I know that’s what the energies deserved. Ticking my life goals off type of stuff.

What makes this album show you off as the man and the artist?

The LP was inspired by my journey in the grime scene. Naturally I’ve been inspired by artists that I’ve listened to since I first started making music and it’s helped shape my sound, my idols like Jendor, Flirta D, Dot Rotten, Wiley and Fumin to name a few. It also shows my progression as an artist and the way my sound has developed from aggressive energy fuelled madness to more melodic mixtures and even switching up genres. Tracks like “January” give a introspective view of my story and some of the deeper workings of my mind.

If you could pick one track to shine a light on, what one would you pick?

It’s hard to choose haha but yea one of my favourite tracks of the LP is “Madness All Around” featuring my famo Row D. Firstly the track isn’t grime.. I’m not even sure what it is but it’s a vibe. It’s unique cos both me and Row D are wild aggressive Grime MCs and we’re both singing mad vocals. It’s slyly a mandem duet haha. But the track talks about family from the roads and the scene, a lot of us had crazy up bringing and I think that has led us to find family in the madness of the streets and our journeys. These are the dons where it’s “Ride or dead in a box” settings. Something that connects all of us from the scene and I think the younger generations don’t value like we had to.

My favourite track on the album is January. I love the production and the way you deliver over it, with that raw and open honesty which you can hear in your voice. Could you give us further insight into that track and the way you closed the album?

January has to be the people’s favourite! A lot of people have mentioned it as the standout track for them and it’s testament to the way my sounds developing. January is about the hardship and challenges I’ve been through. A lot of people who know me relate and feel a connection with it and a lot of people who don’t know me feel like it gives them a deeper understanding of who I am and where I’ve been. All that topped with a crazy catchy hookems and the potion is complete.

The whole LP is a story and a journey, it starts off crazy hype looking to take your head off and be outspoken. As it progresses it becomes more conscious and calm. Then it’s closes with reflection and chilled atmospheres. Jilose was the perfect outro for me I don’t know if we made that word up on my ends but it means to Chill, Relax and that riddim from Audio Slugs was a hidden gem I was sitting on and makes the track even more legendary to me.

What would you say is your favourite track on the album?

My favourite verse on the LP has to be my verse on “Done” every time I run it up it puts a mad smile on my face haha. It embodies my formula, crazy multi syllable rhyming with string together concepts and cheeky punch lines. Nothing but pinpoint accuracy and delivery. It’s a wild verse SNM.

And finally, you've made a brilliant piece of musical art for us to enjoy. What would you say is the main impact you want the listeners to feel and what should they take away from this?

I want to inspire people, I want the music to mean something to them, to make them feel all different emotions and for them to be able to use those feelings from tracks to change their moments. Like when you want to feel happy you play bouncy, boppy music, when you want to go ham in the gym you put that high energy aggressive music. I want people to feel the energies 💫

Thanks to Snoopa for giving me his time! Make sure to check out the album ITS on your streaming platform or purchase it, and follow him on social media! @SnoopaOfficial!