DECA OTA INTERVIEW: VIPER PRESENTS [FEATURE] BOLD ENGAGING INTERVIEW 2026
DECA OTA INTERVIEW: A pivotal figure in the new guard of London Hip Hop, Deca OTA is far more than just a rapper; he is a visionary architect of his own creative ecosystem. Representing the dual influences of his upbringing in Grahame Park and Newham, Deca has spent years refining a storytelling reflex that captures the multi-dimensional pulse of the city. Since his official inception in 2021, he has navigated the industry with a fierce commitment to independence, establishing his own label, Free Imprint, alongside collaborators Rosen and Afu to champion artistic freedom over conventional industry norms.
Deca’s rise has been defined by a rare blend of underground grit and global ambition. His incendiary debut, Far From Average, laid the foundation for a run of infectious singles that have resonated far beyond the capital. With breakout tracks like Through The Fire amassing millions of streams, he has garnered respect and co-signs from UK heavyweights such as Knucks, Blanco, and Nemzzz. His sound is a sophisticated marriage of vibrant jazz textures and dark, nostalgic Hip Hop—a sonic backdrop that allows his explorations of faith, resilience, and redemption to take centre stage.
As a collective leader, Deca OTA’s influence extends into building infrastructure for the next generation, aiming to elevate his community through collaboration and integrity. Whether he is rubbing shoulders with international talent like Ryan Trey or cultivating the burgeoning scene in South London, Deca remains a grounded and purposeful force, proving that the most powerful narratives are those forged on one’s own terms.
What five words define your sound?
Honest, introspective, explorative, free, emotive.
Tell me something unique about your creative process.
I write all of my lyrics in an irregular arrangement. I don’t write the verses line by line, I just put a multitude of random lyrics that come into my head into a note then attach it like a jigsaw puzzle, keeping in mind the conclusion of the story I have in mind before writing.
Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?
I would like them to hear ‘Through The Fire’, as it delves into the events that inspired me to take my music into the direction it’s in today.
In the rest of this interview, Deca OTA speaks about:
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Faith and Artistry: The specific moment of spiritual awakening that forced him to change his entire creative direction.
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The Human Condition: Why he felt it was a mission to get out of his comfort zone for his latest album project.
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The “Jigsaw” Process: A unique look at his writing style, where he assembles random lyrics like a puzzle rather than writing line-by-line.
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Overcoming the Stage: How he transitioned from a quiet artist who hated the spotlight to performing without nerves.
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Defining Success: Why he stopped chasing industry accolades and shifted his criteria for success to a higher power.
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This interview is part of our Viper Presents long-form series, which has now moved to our Substack to provide a deeper, more focused reading experience. To read the full conversation with Deca OTA—including his five-word sonic definition and his thoughts on the future of London Hip Hop—head over to our new home.
[READ THE FULL INTERVIEW ON SUBSTACK]
