The UK’s Tinie Tempah has seen some stuff in his 24 years. Some of his experiences have been very, very British: he’s met Prince Charles, played the London Olympic closing ceremony and hosted much-loved music trivia gameshow Never Mind the Buzzcocks, trading good-natured barbs with The Mighty Boosh’s Noel Fielding. If things got a little too British for you there, then don’t worry – he’s making a bid for the hearts and minds of the whole world. His latest album Demonstration sees Americans Big Sean and 2 Chainz dropping in for features, while superproducer Diplo contributes beats to the transatlantic project. Learn more about the rapper’s plans for world domination right here.
What kind of stuff were a you listening to when you were making Demonstration?
Everything really. I’m very open when it comes to music and my own personal taste is pretty eclectic. Adele’s 21, Jay-Z and Kanye West’s Watch the Throne, Dom Kennedy’s Yellow Album, Ben Howard’s Every Kingdom and Lana Del Rey’s Born to Die were all in there somewhere.
There’s a big American presence on the album (2 Chainz, Diplo, Big Sean, Ty Dolla $ign). Was this a conscious decision?
It was definitely a conscious decision to make the album have more of an international feel. As for collaborators I always work with people whose music I love or who I think could add or bring something different to my records. The way you can hear 2 Chainz and Big Sean on Demonstration is the same way you can hear Emeli Sandé, Dizzee Rascal, Laura Mvula and Paloma Faith – who in my opinion are some of the best British talent at the moment.
A 2 Chainz verse is expensive. This is what 2 Chainz said to us: “You know what they say. If you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it.” Did you find that you had the budget to achieve things with your new album that you couldn’t achieve in the past?
Absolutely – everything has a price. From production costs, to appearance fees, mixing. A bigger recording budget definitely helped in bringing all my ideas into fruition.
What was going through your head when you were playing the Olympic closing ceremony?
‘Don’t fuck up.’ [Laughs.] Honestly, that was the only thing. Everything was rehearsed in a such away that if you got one movement wrong you could mess up everything. So my concentration levels were at 110!
What was it like hosting Never Mind the Buzzcocks? Was it stressful following on from the likes of Simon Amstell and Mark Lamarr?
TV’s always a bit weird for me again because of how structured things are. But I think it was great. I had so much fun… so many laughs!
Do you have any good stories from touring with Jay Z and with Rihanna?
Not really, but watching artists at the top of their game run their operations is always interesting for me I always end up learning so many things that help me improve as an all-round artist.
How would describe your style as a fashion designer?
A perfect balance between high-end streetwear and high fashion. I try and add a little twist with every look too.
Who are your style icons?
Pharrell, Kanye West and Ozwald Boateng
Kanye had Maison Martin Margiela design his tour wardrobe. Drake had Calvin Klein design his tour wardrobe. If you could pick any designer to design gear for one of your tours, who would you pick?
I had Christopher Raeburn do my first Arena Tour, which was amazing! If I could pick my dream designer to do my next, it’d probably be Christopher Bailey from Burberry. With the British heritage about the brand and the materials they use for their garments – from pony skin to latex – I think we could work on the coolest tour wardrobe
What fashion staple should every guy own?
A Swiss-made watch.
You’ve met the royal family, right? Who did you get to speak with? What did you talk about?
I recently met Prince Charles during LCM [London Collections: Men] and he was speaking about the success of british male designers and how good it has been for all areas of the industries, and how it’s providing jobs for more than 800,000 people. We also spoke about The Prince’s Trust and all the amazing works it’s doing.
Whats the best part about being a published author?
I can say I’ve “got my own book in my library” like I did in Trampoline. [Laughs.]
How would you describe your music to your grandmother or grandfather?
Good question! I’d describe it as futuristic, edgy and Fresh.
Who are you most looking forward to seeing perform on the Future Music Festival tour?
Macklemore and Rudimental. Loved both of their albums.
Whats next for Tinie Tempah?
I’m looking forward to touring Demonstration all over Europe and then further afield. And launching our second capsule collection for the Disturbing London clothing line. We’ve been able to do some amazing collaborations with Mitchell & Ness and Lavenham which I’m excited for people to see.
Tinie Tempah’s Demonstation album is out now on Warner Music Australia.