Defiance of genre is a somewhat unusual trait within the modern UK rap hemisphere. Yet, Newham native Rosé embodies said attribute with prideful indignation. Combining elements of Drill, Grime, Garage, Dance, Real Rap and US Hip Hop, the underground talent has been concocting his own hybrid sound, fusing his influences to shape his own sonic lane. 

Seamlessly highlighting his stylistic and fluid creativity, each release that the rapper has graced fans with to date has shone a light on a different side of his artistry, as well as his intricate wordplay and sharpened storytelling. Whether spinning vivid tales of his troubles, depicting romantic scenarios, or just plotting punchlines, Rosé’s nuanced lyricism never disappoints. 

I sat down with Rosé to chat his latest whirlpool of influence I Don’t Mind, his hybrid sound, and growing up in Newham.

Who is influencing you at the moment?

I use my day to day life as much influence. Personal experiences, past experiences, what I’ve been through. I just put it into words and then transfer it to music. Artist wise, in the US, names like Kodak Black and Roddy Rich. Also UK artists like Potter Payper and Asco. I’m more into Real Rap when it comes to the UK scene, so rappers like Clavish and Fredo too. 

Where does the name Rosé come from?

Every time the mandem would have a link up, I would always bring Bellaire Rosé and they got sick of it, so always use to call me Rosé and it stuck from there. 

How did where you are from and what you grew up surrounded by shape your musical identity?

Growing up in Newham, it was hard, it had a reputation. Where I’m from we had our musicians like Kojo, Yxng Bane, so I was taking in that stuff. I used to go to the school studio when I was in like year 10/ year 11 and record tracks, not taking it seriously. Where I am from has definitely shaped the type of music that I make. It made me realise that I can do it, there’s nothing stopping me. 

The impression I’ve got from you is that you like to blend the lines of genre when making music. How have you worked on combining these different sub-genres successfully and coherently?

It’s been through trial and error, but quite naturally at the same time. It has also been shaped by the type of music I like to listen to day to day as well. I listen to house, old school stuff. I just think about how I can mix it all together and blend the different sounds. I tend to sit down with a producer and talk about the kind of music that I’ve been listening to and work on blending it all together.  

Do you think the fact that you do blend genres and try something different allows you to stand out?

Yeah, there’s a lot of people sounding the same, they might be unique in their own way but still draw back to the familiar sound. I’m trying to do something new and different, to explore new sounds, and make people not afraid to listen to new types of music. The main thing for me is just to have fun, because when you are having fun you create something that is different. 

What do you think of the direction that the UK rap scene is heading?

Right now, there is this whole TikTok phase of rapping… I see it and you can’t fight against the trends, but I see a transition coming where Real Rap is going to come back.

Yeah, it’s about trying to find the balance of not dismissing a trend but also maintaining authenticity. 

TikTok rap lacks foundation to it. My music gives listeners a bit of everything - Rap, Drill and my own hybrid sound. I want to show my versatility, there’s a lot more on the way. 

Have you got a clear plan where you are heading stylistically?

I’m still exploring this hybrid sound so we’ll see. Real Rap and Grime is where my roots are at. For now, I’m going to keep it versatile.  

When did you start writing and how have you worked on finessing your craft? 

I’ve been writing since I was about 14, doing some freestyles etc. People said I should start to pursue it but things happen outside of music. My manager now put me on the straight and narrow with music and saw the talent there and was in the studio with me every week. It’s just been a gradual process really. 

You’ve got an impressive discography already, have you thought about how you are going to maintain and improve the quality of your music? 

Right now, I need to work more on the social media and marketing side of things. I’ve got so much music in the vault. I have to focus on getting myself out there, getting on people’s screens and getting people talking about me. I’m trying to go viral, but for the right reasons. It makes no sense to force it, it doesn’t match with the music. 

What was the moment that you thought you could actually make a career out of music?

The response I got from Jiggle Wiggle opened my eyes and let me know I can actually do this, that there’s a bigger world out there. It opened up so many doors and so many people got into contact with me. It showed me it’s a big game, and it’s a game I want to get into. 

After Jiggle Wiggle, did you feel pressure about ensuring that the next track did as well?

I didn’t release JW with the thought that it was going to pop off. My releases have been like a story to introduce listeners to me, so the next song after that was just the natural progression. It was less pressure and more just wanting to give the people a taste of me.

What artists would you love to collaborate with? 

I’d love to drop a Real Rap track with Potter. Fredo is number one though. 

The new single is cold! I loved the garage influence, why did you choose to go in that direction? 

When I made the track I was going through a personal dilemma. I wanted the vibe of the music to reflect the lyricism and the message I was portraying, whilst giving a real story. 

What was the creative process like? 

Me and the producer sat together and I sang what I wrote acapella. We started with the skeleton of it and began to build the track together. The lyrics were already there, it was more about finding the sound to bring them to life. 

If you were introducing yourself to a new listener what track would you play them?

I think Jiggle Wiggle because it’s such a good blend of everything, from the lyrics to the skippy delivery to the punchlines. Even the beat having the upbeat, dance influence. I think it makes people want to listen to other tracks and discover more. 

What’s to come from you? 

I’ve got so much music in the vault. I have enough for a project, but right now it’s just about getting myself out there and giving people a taste of me and the different sounds I can come up with.