Q). Hows things with you?

Everything's really good thank you. I've been working on new music and taking some time to look after myself. I've lost a stone in weight recently and I feel amazing and more confident.

Q). Where did the whole PanthaDogg journey all begin?

My story began at the age of 7, when my big brother played 'Til I Collapse' by Eminem and Nate Dogg to me for the first time. And that was it for me, I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Growing up I also listened to a lot of Westlife, Blue, David Guetta, metal bands and WWE theme songs. It was around that time I came up with the name PanthaDogg and I've kept it since as a reminder of adapting to your environment.

Q). Your album ‘Food For Overthought’ is available now. Tell us more about that?

'Food for Overthought' is my second studio album. It's the most important body of work that I've put out so far and I'm really proud of it. For the most part it's a rap album with influences of other genres. The album came together at a time when I was really struggling with my mental health and I wanted to project all of those negative emotions into something therapeutic; it's also dedicated to anyone else who has mental health problems.


Q). Whats it like being in the studio with PanthaDogg?

Either interesting or tedious depending on your perspective! I'm a bit of a perfectionist and I won't take a break until I'm satisfied with the take. Attention to detail is very important to me. Typically I'll record all the rap verses 4-8 bars at a time and if there's any singing parts I'll record them separately. Quite often each song I record is pretty different from the last one. Either way it's an experience. 

Q). How would you describe your sound?

My sound is predominantly UK hip-hop or UK rap. Anything that falls under the banner of alternative rap, conscious rap, political rap, experimental rap etc. But there's a lot of influences of genres such as EDM, R&B, drum & bass, pop, soul, drill, grime, heavy metal and lofi beats. I don't really try to confine to the same sound if I can help it; I hear a song, I fall in love with it and I aim to emulate that sort of sound, regardless of the genre. Music is freedom.


Q). Is there anybody who you would love to do a track with?

Bruno Mars has always been the top of my list, along with Sting. I wanna do a song with both Mura Masa and James Blake on the same song. I remember I wanted to a collaborative album with Cannibal Corpse. slowthai, Skepta, Kofi Stone, Dirty Dike, Little Simz.... Any UK rapper who's willing to collaborate, follow me on Instagram and shoot me a message - let's work!

Q). Who is your biggest influence?

Eminem is the biggest influence on my music. He's my favorite artist and one of the greatest rappers of all time, the reason I got into music. Behind him I'd say people like 2Pac, Kanye West, Big L, Post Malone, Dave...the list goes on for about 600 lightyears!! But I also take inspiration from a lot of Disney films and anime. 

Q). Why did you choose to get into the music industry?

In a way, music chose me. I come from a family of singers, songwriters, musicians, dancers, actors. One of my uncles is a music teacher and another one is a drama teacher. My cousin has sung and played in several bands. So really performing arts is in my blood. But I decided to pursue rap because I love playing around with words and syllables and creating multisyllabics and internal rhymes and experimenting with different flows. Music has also helped me through a lot of grief and given me closure when I needed it.

Q). What would you say is your biggest achievement in music so far?

'Food for Overthought' stands out as a big personal achievement. I played my first paid gig earlier on in the year; it was a show called 'It's A Rap', which brought together the rappers and hip hop fans of Lincoln, it was unbelievable. The first time I got played on BBC Introducing was a really big moment, I've since been played on the radio a few more times since.  I was a special guest on LCR FM Sunday Underbelly and I was interviewed by Katy B the host. I think every opportunity I have to perform or create there's something to celebrate.

Q). What can we expect from you for the rest of the year?

I want to do more open mics and gigs around the country before the year is out. I've got some new singles ready to go and I'm gonna get some music videos shot for those hopefully soon. I'm working on my next project and I wanna get some more collaborations under my belt. The only way is up.

Q). Do you have any social media for new fans to follow you?

Instagram - panthadogg
YouTube - PanthaDoggTV
Linktree - linktr.ee/panthadogg