In a year of many standout moments, we saw one of the legendary members of the scene in President T finally drop a project for his fans via the means of ‘Greatest To Ever Touch Down’.
Grime has seen itself revel in a breakthrough process, yet President T has previously seen himself shy away from the limelight for one reason or another.
That’s all changed, and despite the long process of ‘Stranger Returns’ finally set to come to fruition, ‘Greatest To Ever Touch Down’ is a gift of loyalty to fans who have shown just that.
I was lucky enough to catch up with the man himself and cut into the roots of the mixtape and just have a general catch up.
First of all, why the need to drop a mixtape despite ‘Stranger Returns’ still pending?
I feel like I owe something to the fans who have been very loyal to me, so it’s only fair I reciprocate that loyalty. It’s been a long time since I’ve dropped a project, so I’m looking to churn a number of quality ones out.
The features mainly come from in-house artists. Why is this?
To be honest, I can’t be arsed with all the politics from certain artists. Nowadays a lot of people look at features as doing a favour for someone rather than realising it works both ways. So taking that all into account, it’s not worth the hassle. Plus the features on the mixtape are big ones on the MC and producer side.
Interesting. What I took away from the mixtape was a different side with regards to beat selections – was this intentional?
With ‘Greatest To Ever Touch Down’ I wanted to showcase to everyone that I’m not one-dimensional. Of course I still went in with the same President T flow, but I showed that I can do it on a variety of beats. In this current climate, you have to show versatility, so yeah, it was intentional.
Bit of weird one, but if this mixtape was a chocolate bar, what would it be?
A Toblerone – because you can take off piece after piece and even save a bit for later and come back to it.
That’s a sick answer. Nowadays we have a load of ‘New Gen’ fans. How have you dealt with the influx and what are your thoughts?
Obviously it’s great that the scene is finally getting the recognition we’ve been fighting for. Since I’ve come back into it all properly, I’ve had to learn how to cater for all audiences. In my opinion they aren’t about it, it’s just a new trend for them, but hopefully we will breed some proper Grime fans as a result.
Do you feel like you have to re-introduce yourself and capitalise on the current hype?
Of course. I went away for a minute, and now I’m back and have to showcase what I’m about to a whole load of new people. Grime is probably at its peak right now, and having been there when it wasn’t so pretty, I’d be foolish not to capitalise on it.
The current climate in the Grime scene has significantly changed. Do you feel artists get too gassed off YouTube views?
Let me tell you this, I know certain artists who are buying views – you wouldn’t believe it. I’m not going to name names but they know who they are. When they see this article, they’re gonna be shaking worrying about it. In general, it’s a lot easier for artists to come in the scene and do well, which is a good and a bad thing.
You’ve mentioned many times that Bloodline are the hardest crew about. Is that still the case?
I’ll be honest with you, Bloodline has slacked over the last year, I can’t lie. When we’re firing on all cylinders, we’re unstoppable. At the minute, I rate Section Boyz, they’re doing their ting, as well as a few other crews.
What can we expect from ‘Stranger Returns’ and when is it dropping?
First of all, it’s coming out in January, so straight after ‘Greatest To Ever Touch Down’. You can expect three big names from the scene that I’m sure most people rate highly. It’s taken a while to get it all together, but it’ll be worth it.
Is there anything you want to clear up to the people out there?
You know what, yeah. First of all, from now on, it’s President T not Prez T. I want the fans to decide whether or not they want to shorten it, but on articles and videos it’s President T. Also, my real name is Anthony Harris – I want people to know me on a personal level, I think it’s important…
…Oh yeah, the ‘Breakfast Bars’, that wasn’t me! Everyone keeps tweeting me, and even you thought it was me, Jaik. But yeah, that wasn’t me, but maybe I should give it a go… Salmon in foil… these fish ain’t loyal (laughs).
2016 is set to be another big year for the scene. What are your plans to crack it?
After ‘Greatest To Ever Touch Down’, you’ll see ‘Stranger Returns’ finally come out. Then I’ll only leave it a small while before I bring out anther project. I’m going to work hard next year and just keep delivering for the fans, that’s the key. Look out for the ‘KILL OFF KILLY’ tour coming soon, as well as expansion of the clothing line – it’s gonna be mad!
Is there anything else that you’d like to add?
Make sure you go and cop the new mixtape “Greatest To Ever Touch Down” which is out now. Also, check out my clothing store presidentt.bigcartel.com which has the “Kill Off Killy” t-shirts, jumpers and hoodies.
“Greatest To Ever Touch Down” is available to buy now on iTunes.
For more information on releases, shows and more, follow President T on Twitter.
Words by @JaikBFenton