 He was always hooked onto music, waking up on Sundays to the sounds of Rival and the smell of rice and peas, but now, Merksta is currently on his way to ripping the scene. Grime plays an important role in this young adult's profile and is yet another ‘started on the playground' MC. He's made appearances on 1xtra, Déjà vu and is currently performing around the Country in his search for stardom. Ok, stardom may be a strong word, but Merksta is surely expected to blow, and with tracks such as his vocal on Commander B's ‘poom poom riddim', I'm sure he will leave us with more jaw dropping material. Did I also mention that he's a producer? Here's what he had to say...
What have you been up to lately?
Well recently I've been working on my mix tape called ''Da Secret Weapon'', along with various other things. I've been sitting on the computer for most of my time and am making hits to which people are starting to notice the quality. I'm also writing so am working very hard. It's not all been ‘fine and dandy'. A lot of the times, I've been receiving a lot of unwanted attention and hustling my people who know what I'm doing. It's time for me to put my head down and work.
Rumour has it that your about to blow. What are we to expect from Merksta?
[He laughs] Yeah the rumours are true. I am the rumour, ‘the secret weapon'. Not a lot of people know about me however, the people who do know me, know that I am someone different out there and that there isn't anyone else like me. But actions speak louder than words, so just listen to my mix tape and understand what all the rumours are about. Big up Black-Jack from Nasty Crew. He blessed me. Watch out for the collaboration.
What are your views on grime at the moment and what made you want to enter into the industry?
Well I've been on the sidelines for ninety-five percent of my career. Right now, I'm not happy with the scene and see why critics associate the grime industry with a lot of violence and wastemans. That's why I'm trying to make a difference out there. Those MC's who keep talking about guns, shanks, and showing a hell of a lot of aggression on their tracks and videos really need to start generalising their actions. I don't talk the wicked talk but I do back myself and my people and will probably die doing it.
The reason I entered the industry is because I see it as a way out, not to run away from the street because running away from something which has raised you all your life is a difficult task. It's like me getting rich and leaving my mum. [He laughs]
Are we to expect a video from you anytime soon?
Yeah! For the past few months, I've been deciding on ways on how to come out. To really blow! I don't want my video to be associated with the average material you get to see on Channel U but it probably will be a street scene with a couple of young, fine females. So soon come people. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!
Got any hidden talents?
LOL! I can cook!
No! I mean some REAL talent lol?
I'm a psychologist and counsellor, even though the advice that I give, I should take myself. I can read people easily so I know when people are lying to me or being fake, but mostly and you may think it's rubbish, but I can tell how things are going to turn out whether its big or small.
O god! Not another Mystic Meg! Which MC's/Producers do you have high hopes for?
Everyone! It all helps the scene get higher and more recognised. But I mostly have high hopes for the people around me of course.
Do you have any beef at the moment?
Not that I know of. I can only answer that when I'm approached or whatever lol. I'm not the one to beef but the type that likes to be cool and want everyone to get along.
Anyone you'd like to big up?
My mumzy and sister! I love you loads! Also, big up Ryder, Raiden, Fresh, PowerBoy, Tu Tuff, all my road Nucka's, South, West and especially North and East famo (you lot know who you are) and all the people that made life hard for me because if it wasn't for you guys, I'd be nothing! O! And big up myspace!
www.myspace.com/damerksta
Words by: Bertan Budak
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