What’s going on everyone!? Today, we are back with a new interview! We speak with Birmingham, UK artist Tabz SOS. Tabz dropped his new EP with DJ Blkluos titled Sleep When I’m Dead. Tabz has high quality bars and has very top notch skill with the music!
In the interview, we speak on growing up in the UK, musical inspirations, the new EP and much more!
Check everything out below!
1. Where are you from and what was it like growing up there?
I’m from Birmingham, UK. Handsworth, to be exact. It’s tough growing up there. The environment is dog-eat-dog and there’s no help or handouts. I only had a few family members to rely on and got caught in the mix early. A lot of petty crime and gang-related activities. I’m grateful for the experiences, though.
2. What music inspired you growing up?
My dad was a DJ, so I loved music since I was a kid. If we’re talking rapping, then it’s a mixed answer. I grew up listening to 50 Cent, Max B, Brotha Lynch, and Mobb Deep. I was listening to Ghetts, Blade Brown, Giggs, and some other UK artists, too. Any rapper that sounded like they’ve experienced the streets would resonate with me. I crafted my style around lyricism and authenticity, so that was what I wanted to hear.
3. What current music inspires you?
Not a lot, to be honest. The new stuff I’m hearing sounds weak sometimes. It feels recycled and uninspired. I’m taking more inspiration from the artists who are creative with their sound.
4. Tell us about the new EP ‘Sleep When I’m Dead’.
Sleep When I’m Dead is a quick project just to get things in motion. I wanted every track to have a completely different vibe from the others, so DJ Blkluos sent me a folder of instrumentals and I worked my magic. These were the 4 that made the cut because they stood out the most. On this project, I’m talking about street life, hopes & aspirations, hardships we overcome, brotherhood, non-stop grinding, and some other things, too. If you like real there’s a vibe for you on there.
5. What is your favorite track on the EP?
The titular track, Sleep When I’m Dead. It’s track 2 on the project. I’m really spitting on them verses, but the hooks got catchy energy. You hear it and want to sing along. And DJ Blkluos did a madness with the instrumental.
6. What plans are in the works for 2023?
I’ve got a lot of upcoming releases in the months following the EP. Every month until the year ends, I’ve got new visuals and a few singles dropping. I’ve been working constantly since the year started.
7. If you could work with any artist ever, who would it be?
There are a few I’d work with. I’m gonna say Nas, though. Prodigy, if he was alive. Max B, if he was free. Youngs Teflon or Kojey Radical, in the UK.
8. Anything else you want the world to know…
SOS is the lifestyle. Safer Off Safety, Success Over Surrender, Suffering Only Strengthens. Follow the journey, we’ve got a lot to say. Stay dangerous.
