Chiedu Oraka aka The Black Yorkshireman stops by to tell VIPER all about his favourite mixtape of all time…
What’s your favourite mixtape ever?
There were so many I used to listen to when I was growing up, but the one that stands out the most is ‘Ard Bodied’ by Giggs and Dubz. The best mixtape this country has produced.
Why is it so significant to you?
It’s so significant because it was the soundtrack of my middle to late teens. Every car that me and my guys were cruising in had it on. Wherever we went we had it blasting out. Pre drinks for a night out – we would play it. House parties – we would play it. It just instantly reminds me of the good old days. You would have thought we were from South London with the way that tape influenced me and my guys.
Were there any artists or producers that you discovered through this tape?
I think that might have been the first time I heard Dubz and ever since then, he’s been one of my favourite UK rappers. Probably the first time I heard a Boom production too. It was definitely the first and only time I heard T.Grem
Where exactly were you when you heard the mixtape for the first time?
I think I was in the back of my boy Penna’s clapped out CLIO. That car had been through so many wars. So this mixtape is very fitting for that kind of whip!
Did it come into your life at a significant time?
I would say so, yes. It came at my most impressionable time. Life was very hectic but fun when this mixtape came into it. I was wild and making bad life decisions. I will always look back at this tape and remind myself that I was a mad man when I was listening to this heavily haha.
How did the mixtape cover make you feel?
No offence but the artwork isn’t the best for this tape. The bars, the flows, the features and songs are crazy from top to bottom. However, the art work isn’t the one. It’s not striking enough. But when I see it I do smile because I’ve got so many good memories listening to this.
Describe the mixtape in three words?
Hard, Greasy and Gangster
What song is your personal favourite?
This is so hard as it’s like asking a parent who their favourite child is haha! I’m going to give you three because I can’t pick just one:
‘Pain Is The Essence’
‘Maniacs’
‘Soldier Riddim’
If you could put a price on this mixtape, how much would you pay?
I’m pretty tight but I’d probably pay £40
Did you have a physical copy?
Unfortunately I didn’t. It was the Limewire days. I’m not sure anyone outside of London did!
No? Which is your favourite that you have a physical copy of?
Klashnekoff’s Focus Mode. What a tape.
