If you are yet to see Cadet’s “Slut Freestyle” then I’m not quite sure where you have been.
The last couple of weeks has seen the South London artist cause a commotion with a freestyle unique in its own right- but this is a change in style for Cadet, who many will have known for close to a decade, with his work being active in the scene for a long time.
His recent shake-up has culminated in solid wordplay coupled with genuinely relatable, real life bars, so we thought it would be a good idea to catch up with the man himself and ask him a few questions.
What’s up man? Thanks for taking your time out to speak to us.
No problem, bro. Let’s go.
You’ve been putting a lot of content out lately, but very different to your previous style, what has caused this?
It was Jamal Edwards. He asked me to come with a different angle, focusing on the pain aspect. When the video dropped, I was getting crazy love for it, so I thought I had to run with it.
Do you see yourself continuing down the same path musically, or switching it up every now and again?
As a Grime artist, it’s quite difficult to go with the pain angle, but it seems like people are really relating to it, so I’d be silly to drop it.
You mention that it’s difficult to use such an angle as a Grime artist. Have you seen much hate come your way about it?
Not really to be honest. When you’re talking about real life, it’s hard for somebody to call you out or say that you’re lying. Also, people can tell by your conviction. You get the odd person, but that’s always going to happen.
As we know, your SBTV Warm Up session and Slut Freestyle has caused commotion. Which one has received the most love?
The Slut Freestyle by far. With the Warm Up session, that would have really hit home if you knew my story of moving slow whilst others around me were getting big.
Your Slut Freestyle was done on OSM instead of one of the ‘bigger’ platforms. Why did you choose to do that?
I’m happy I did it on OSM because O Dot is a friend of mine who has helped me in times when no one else would. Another thing is that when you put it out on such a channel, you know the views are purely for you. People have actively gone out of their way to watch/listen to it. On other channels, it’s hard to tell.
Why do you think it has managed to viral?
Everyone can relate to it in one way or another. We all know a guy like that, or have even been that guy. It’s a topic that everyone has had some form of experience on. I feel people are looking for something to relate to nowadays.
Going back to Gipset/DGM days, what was that like?
It was fun man! That’s where it all started, it’s what made me. Back in those days we didn’t take it too seriously, we just had bars and wanted to be the hardest in the ends. Looking back, our bars were basic compared to now.
It was a long time ago now, do you think you have changed as a person?
A lot. I’ve experienced so many things in life since those days. Musically as well, my techniques have not only changed, but strengthened, such as my wordplay and punchlines. My view on music in general has changed a lot, but I have to pay homage to my Gipset days.
In what way would you say your perception of music has changed?
Back then it was just for fun, I didn’t see myself making a career out of it. However, now I can see that I can make a living out of something that I’m good at and enjoy – it’s a different kind of motivation.
You were around in the early days of the internet movement with Grime – making videos with SBTV back in 2008 – how do you think such outlets have helped the scene?
It’s helped it a lot. What it’s done is let you rely on your talent. Before, you had to be rated and respected in your ends to get a name, but if you have something that people want to hear, they will find it somehow.
Now some people may not know you have a famous cousin in the form of Krept. How do you rate his success at the minute?
I love that, he’s my cousin! I’m extremely happy for him. If any of my friends see success then I’m over the moon, but if it’s my family, that’s even better.
Do you feel his success has given you motivation to reach that level?
I’ll tell you the realest. We’re exactly the same age, and when he does something, I automatically compare it to myself. It’s motivated me ridiculously, I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t. I say to myself, if he can do that, I have no excuse to not achieve the same. We were in the same group and at one point we had the same buzz, so why can’t I do that? So yeah, it’s definitely motivated me.
Moving on, what else do you have in the pipeline? Can we expect more from you in 2015?
A lot of angles. I’m working on an EP at the moment with a couple tracks already laid down for it, but I haven’t got a name for it yet. Apart from that, I really want to carry on smashing the internet with similar freestyles that people can relate to. Seeing the way it has gone so far, I’d be a fool to not run with it.
Sounds good. When are you expecting to drop the EP?
I would reckon in the next three months.
Thanks for your time bro, much appreciated.
Anytime my bro, thank you too.
Follow Cadet on Twitter: @CallMeCadet
Writer’s Twitter: @JaikBFenton
Haven’t seen his “Slut Freestyle” yet? Check it out below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1FeIlIU_d4