Having created the renowned Supa Dupa Fly and Rock The Belles nights, which are always roadblock events and DJ’d around the world, Emily Rawson is something of a UK Hip Hop legend. With her new collaboration, Supa Dupa Fly X Soul Food set to launch in Shoreditch on 11th October 2014, which is set to see music and food combine perfectly, Matt Tarr spoke to the lady herself about what we can expect from the event, her trainer obsession and what the future holds for UK Hip Hop…
MT: You’ve had pop up kitchens at some of your events in the past, so was mixing food and music something you’ve always wanted to do?
Emily: Absolutely. Food & music are by biggest passions, I’ve just been waiting for the right time, and the right chef to collaborate with!
MT: How did you get Joseph Curtis involved and what was it about him that made him a good collaborator with your Supa Dupa Fly night?
Emily: He’s a friend of a friend & a fellow North Londoner born & bred! His cooking is incredible, he has so much passion & really cooks from the heart. All of my friends are major foodies so if they love him, it’s a no brainer.
MT: Did you have any input into what food would be served on the night and if so, how did you come up with the menu?
Emily: Yes, the criteria was soul food & Caribbean inspired food which obviously fits with the 90s & noughties Hip Hop & R&B vibe of the music at Supa Dupa Fly. I was in Barbados & Jamaica in August and the food blew my mind. My other half is also 2nd generation Jamaican so I’m majorly into Caribbean Food. I can throw down a pretty mean curry goat / jerk chicken & akee & salt fish!!! Also obsessed with the Soul Food I’ve eaten in NYC. Sylvias in Harlem does the best fried chicken & cornbread I’ve ever tasted. The menu came from all these influences. Joe & I worked on it together.
MT: Alongside the mouthwatering food, you also have the tunes which this time include a live performance from Leonn and a DJ set from Kiss FM’s Shortee Blitz. How did you go about selecting who would perform/DJ on the first Supa Dupa Fly x Soul Food night?
Emily: Well Shortee Blitz is arguably the best Hip Hop DJ in the country, I think most people will agree with that. Leonn’s vibe is just perfect for the event. He’s like a modern day Prince but some might say a lot more easy on the eye!!!!
MT: With Hip Hop and R&B being your speciality, who would you say are the hottest new artists coming up through the scene and who which of these would you most like to have performing live at a Supa Dupa Fly event?
Emily: Obviously Supa Dupa Fly is 90s & Noughties, but in terms of new music I’m feeling Chronixx (who was played constantly while we were in the Caribbean!) Tinashe is incredible, saw her play at Basement a few months back. My boy Jimmy Napes is one of the hottest song writers & producers about right now too – he’s our old school Supa Dupa Fly family! Apart from that I’m still obsessed with Kendrick, but he’s not really new anymore is he?!
MT: With the majority of Hip Hop club nights playing almost solely US based music, do you think UK Hip Hop will ever be able to make a strong stand alongside its US equivalent and enjoy commercial success?
Emily: I hope so, there’s some incredible guys around that have played for us throughout the years. But my understanding is the major the labels don’t support it. They think the rest of the world won’t buy into it. Hip Hop originated in the US so that’s where it’s heart & soul will always be. Tinie has done well in America though so I’m sure with the right label pushing it, UK Hip Hop acts could blow over there. UK based independent labels like Big Dada are doing a great job over here though. More & more artists are starting their own labels now too which can only be a good thing. Also Hip Hop is so broad now so maybe traditional UK Hip Hop isn’t played at nights like ours, but there is definitely a lot of ‘MC based’ music that gets played in the clubs, be it grime/garage etc.
MT: Having been a DJ for a number of years now and supported a host of amazing artists, what has been the most memorable place you’ve played at and why?
Emily: Our Supa Dupa Fly stage at Lovebox in 2013 was epic – 1000 people going mad in Victoria Park amongst loads of other equally brilliant stages. Playing in Manila in the Philippines was incredible & surreal; I got accompanied to the toilet, I think they thought I was a major British celebrity! Rich Media’s night in Brooklyn; the first time I DJ’d in NYC. Apart from that, all of the Supa Dupa Fly & Rock The Belles events go off, so every set is a highlight really!
MT: If you had to pick one track that best represents your Supa Dupa Fly nights, what would it be and why?
Emily: DMX – Party Up In Here. From when we started this has been the biggest track. Mad energy! There are hundreds though.
MT: We’ve heard that you have a huge love for trainers, so are you going to be stepping out in a special pair for the event?
Emily: Just been speaking to Converse about sending some over for the weekend so I’ll see what delights they come up with! If not I have about 50 other pairs to choose from…
Gigslutz will be down at the inaugural Supa Dupa Fly vs Soul Food event, which is now sold out, but you can grab tickets for the next Rock The Belles event ‘Hip Hop N Bowl’ here which is set to take place on 25th October 2014 at Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes. To keep up with all the latest from Emily and the whole Supa Dupa Fly movement follow @itsSupaDupaFly & @EmilyRawson on Twitter.
Matt Tarr
@MattTarrJourno
Matt Tarr
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