Artist Spotlight: Tinn
Quickly ascending rapper Tinn is one of the most exciting and authentic artists to come out of the Midlands this year. Recent video ‘Obbo’ - his first release in two years - sits pretty (as of 3/8/21) on 146,000 views. The track was dropped independently on his own channel, which is a marketing strategy that few upcoming UK rappers have the confidence and execution to opt for.
Tinn’s delivery is incredibly unique, both flow and tone wise, as he parades his Brum roots with ferocious pride. In order to gain wider attention outside of the specific rap scene, it seems essential to have characteristics that stand out from the masses. Tinn’s individuality, versatility, and lyrical intelligence set him apart from most spitters coming through right now.
I sat down to discuss influence, ‘Obbo’, and building an authentic fan base with the rising rapper.
How has the pandemic affected you musically and personally?
Personally the pandemic affected me because I had to witness people close to me get really sick I think it affected everyone in some way. I feel like we all had to get strength from somewhere to get through the lockdown and getting through months of not knowing. Musically I stayed recording - that was my escape, my music, working on new music. I tried to not waste anytime during lockdown.
Who would you musically compare yourself to?
I’m just me, I rap, I sing. A lot of people don’t know that but when they hear my project they will see the variation I have as an artist.
Who has influenced/inspired you both musically and personally?
I would say Dancehall artists, Vybz Kartel, Mavado, but I have also been influenced by Jay-Z, Biggie, 2 PAC.
Who is your favourite Birmingham artist right now?
I would probably say for consistency Millionz, but Mist, Lady Leshurr, Jaykae have all been flying the flag. So S/O to them.
Who are you listening to?
Lil Durk, Pooh Sheisty, ArrDee, Rimzee & Potter.
Who is your dream feature?
I’ve got one of my dream features coming on my new E.P, but other than that feature: Roddy Ricch, Durk, DJ Khaled.
The drill scene is very congested right now, how are you planning to stand out amongst the masses?
By just been myself, I’m not a drill artist. I just paint a picture of my life on drill beats but I also do the same on Afro Swing or rap beats. So apart from my accent I stand out because you might get a drill song from me but then you might get some real rap or I might sing something. It’s different.
How has being Midlands based affected your rise and ability to break through?
It hasn’t, I’ve been shown love from everywhere. All the labels are in London but I think when everything’s aligned and it’s your time, things will happen. No matter where you’re from.
Do you think you’d be more hyped than you are now if you were from London, or do you see it as a way to stand out?
I think it’s a way to stand out. I don’t sound like anyone else. I think having a voice that is different can only be a positive.
The Brum rap scene has come so far in the last few years, do you think it can ever reach the popularity of London rap?
I think more than anything I’m happy to see that the UK scene is flourishing the way it has been. No matter what part of the UK you are from, we are now living in a time where the US looks to us. So yes it’s good to see the Brum scene moving but it’s also good that the UK scene is being recognised.
Talk me through the meaning behind your most recent track, ‘Obbo’
Obbo is short for observation. Everyone that has lived a certain life has been under observation I wanted to take something that was once negative and put that in a song. It’s real rap. “Obbo Obbo Feds had man on Obbo high speed chase through the queens way tunnel but man escaped Chapo” that’s facts. This song is like a page in a diary, I was in the studio and it came to me and we made it the single.
The ‘Obbo’ visual numbers are impressive, and the fact that it was released independently rather than via a platform like GRM Daily or Mixtape Madness make it even more applaudable. Why did you choose to release in this way, and do you plan to continue releasing like this?
I just wanted to try and build up a core fan base. I think once you have a core fan base whenever you drop music they will be ready to receive it. I try to put my all into the music and visuals. S/O to GRM, I dropped my first single with them. I think I’m going to try and build my channel with my upcoming releases but that doesn’t mean I won’t drop something on GRM in the future.
Is there a new release coming soon? Perhaps a large body of work; a mixtape or an EP?
EP on the way. It’s 95% finished. I’m just a perfectionist so everything had to be right. But I’ve got two more singles on the way. So watch out for that.
Where do you see yourself in 3 years time?
In 3 years time I hope to be established in the scene and able to give opportunities to other Brum artists coming through. Releasing music, touring and having other business ventures outside of music. Watch this space.