Looking at the quality of artists at the moment, it seems hip-hop is thriving in the Capital. In this three part series we focus on a stalwart in the game, Costello, one for the future, Mythill Grim, and the much-hyped Kojaque about just how healthy they think the scene is.
Below Mythill Grim aka Tony Wilson chats to Eric Davidson after his breakthrough support slot for one of hip-hop’s most acclaimed groups.
How was opening for The Pharcyde?
It was a pretty new experience for me. It was the first time opening for a big act. I just did my thing and had fun.
I did a couple of freestyles between the performances and people seemed to enjoy it.
How do you feel the Dublin hip-hop scene is coming along?
I think it’s come really far. In the past year or two there have been some really impressive acts coming through like ProFound and Hare Squead. I’m just getting started and the reason I’m taking my time is to make sure I get it right.
I believe in myself and my level of skill and my ability to tell a story. I want to get my point of view out there and let the people think what they want.
I also want to represent Dublin, because I wouldn’t be the person that I am if I didn’t grow up here.
Why do you think Irish hip-hop has improved so much?
I just think that people have started to be themselves more. People were lost in the American hip-hop thing. Now people have realised that if you fake it it will always shine through.
People are starting to excel in Dublin because people are putting their own twist to it and do their own thing.
Do you think people are reluctant to accept Irish hip hop because of the accent?
I don’t think the accent is an issue. Some people say I have a Dublin accent, some people say I have an English accent, sometimes I’m told I have an American accent, but I just speak the way I speak.
If you purposely try to put an accent on what you’re doing it will seem like you’re trying too hard. If you have an accent you have an accent, I feel you should just do it the way you know how.
There are plenty of acts that have Irish accents that I love to listen to. Even Bobby Basil, one half of Dah Jevuh, he does the Irish accent well. He’s not trying too hard to be something else, he’s just giving you what he has.
Mythill Grim’s tune Oakview is out now.
Photos: Daire Legaspi