East London has always been an abode to the UK’s music generals of the scene. From Ghetts to Kano, Wiley to Dizzee, the East end has played its part in shaping this ever-growing scene.
Under the radar for unforeseen circumstances, but not to be forgotten, is one of E8’s most prised assets in Asco. Today marks the release of a third body of work for the rapper titled Perfect Timing.
Its statement is bold and relevant as ever. Mulli’s been waiting a long time for a moment to proclaim himself back to the Rushmore of UK rappers.
As he gears up for promo with the album, we asked Asco to dive into Perfect Timing, the recording process for the album, career highlights and much more.
Let’s talk about the new album ‘Perfect Timing’. What can your listeners expect from this project?
“I believe my listeners can expect a classic body of work. It’s a lot of pain, a lot to get off my chest. A lot of stuff has happened since I went away. I’m speaking about my experiences whilst away and there’s some cool features on there. You can expect a variety of different songs, I think I catered for everyone, the mandem, the gyaldem, the older generation and the more conscious listeners.”
The project stands at 16 tracks. How long was the recording process?
“The recording process was over a few months. When I came home, I just got to work straight away. By the time I went to studio four or five times, I had 25-30 songs. I narrowed it down to 16 songs and the ones which fitted the project the most.”
Let’s touch on your latest single “High End Fashion”. This one is lyric heavy. How was it collaborating with Adz again?
“I wrote this song when I was away. I got the instrumental sent to me from Da Beatfreakz, wrote my verse when away and the hook when I got home. The recording process, I didn’t really link Adz. I just sent it to him, he done his thing, clipped it and sent back. We linked in Paris, shot the video and the rest is history.”
If there’s one track from Perfect Timing which would introduce yourself to a new listener, which track would it be?
“I’d probably introduce myself to new fans by playing them the intro. That’s me in a nutshell. That’s how I came up originally and saw myself as a rapper. For the fans that don’t know me now, I feel like that’s me giving them the rawest form of myself.”
You have shows for London and Manchester coming up. What can fans expect?
“The shows are going to be lit man. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so once I get the show to be how I want it to be in terms of how I want the tracks to be, what tracks I’m performing first, the fans should expect good show. I haven’t really done a headline before, so I don’t have much experience, but I think we’re going to put on a show still!”
Which track will go off the most?
“It’s due to be So Lit! It’s so sick, that I don’t think High End Fashion will be far behind!”
What’s been your career highlight so far and what’s one thing you still want to achieve?
“My career highlight is between Straight Drop 3 and So Lit. In terms of the numbers, I’m not to fussed, but I want to be called a great in this music thing. That’s what I believe I am in this music game. As long as I get that recognition, I’m cool. I think I do anyway to be fair.”
If numbers don’t play a part, what is your goal with the project?
“For it to just stick. A lot of the music that gets put out nowadays doesn’t stick. You might hear a song today and in two weeks no one’s listening to it. As long as the album sticks in terms of you rinse the album. As long as it’s been played for many weeks, months and years down the line I’ll be cool with that.”
Do you feel like you have to push promotion more in terms of when releasing an album?
“100% The game has changed; you just have to adapt. Before, I could just put a snippet out and leave it to do what it’s going to do. Now, you have to push the song more.”
Can you recall how you first got into rap?
“We used to just rap amongst the mandem. The first time I recorded, I must’ve been 17/18. I was still messing about but that’s the first time I laid something down.”
What are three goals you’re looking to achieve before the year comes to a close?
“We’ve done it already, but doing the most we can to make sure the album is a success. To push on from Perfect Timing and to so bigger and better things. What’s the next goal? Making a transition into other ventures outside of music.”
Finally, what advice do you have for the next gen of rappers?
“Just believe in your ting man! If you know you’re the truth, you know your things popping, it’s going off, don’t listen to nothing and what people have to say. Just make sure you’re believing and push. If you’re doing it for any other reason just forget about it. Everyone should believe at the end of the day. Look up to others who’s done it and been in the same scenario. Use them as examples and chase your dreams.”
Asco’s new album ‘Perfect Timing’ is out now and available to listen to on all digital streaming platforms.