East London rapper, presenter and business woman Isatta Sheriff stops by to tell VIPER about her favourite mixtape of all time..
What’s your favourite mixtape ever?
‘Split Mics’ Mixtape (2004) because it was a turning point in UK MC culture during the mid 2000s. You can hear all of the subtle changes that were happening musically and lyrically – the soundscape tells a story.
Why is it so significant to you?
I was on it. I also ran around with the team putting it together and helping wherever I could, so I have a lot of memories attached to it. I even wrote about the experience for M Magazine.
Were there any artists or producers that you discovered through this tape?
I knew everyone on the tape, either personally or by reputation.
Where exactly were you when you heard the mixtape for the first time?
I was there when many of the tracks were made and went to collect some of the freestyles with Twin B’s – both of them – Tim, Crisis and Richard. We stayed up nearly all night at DJ Wonder’s house while they were putting the track list together and mastering it, that’s the first time I heard it from beginning to end.
Did it come into your life at a significant time?
It was a turning point for me and so many of the MCs on the tape, and we all went off and did more music related things based off of the exposure.
How did the mixtape cover make you feel?
Hahaha, I think there was some beef over the mixtape cover. It was a bit of a rush job but it was what it was… DIY to the core! When I see it I always remember that some were not happy with it, but it was about the music so ultimately it didn’t matter.
Describe the mixtape in three words?
Raw, imperfect, defining.
What song is your personal favourite?
Mine 🙂 It’s a bit hard to pick one to be honest because I have an emotional connection to every track. I would say All In One from WolfPack’s Freestyle and Terra Firma’s ‘Sayonara’, or D Double E’s – see… I can’t pick.
If you could put a price on this mixtape, how much would you pay?
£5 – That’s what it was then… keep the vibes roling!
Did you have a physical copy?
Yep and I still have it! Read my article for a deep dive into the vibes!
Photo by Yukiaka Amemiya
