Breaking into the U.K’s powerhouse of a music scene is no easy feat. Achieving this in your teenage years showcases an unhinged amount of talent that is almost destined for stardom. This is the case for one of East London’s rising stars in Arz.
His ceiling of potential is endless having been on an unprecedented run ever since the heartfelt release of Alone With You. As the 2022 single rapidly grew in stature, many wondered how they could relate to such a young artist. Fast forward to 2024 and Arz remains as relevant as ever.
Honey, I’m Home symbolises Arz’s identity as a rapper who can tell you every side of the story. Compelling, with the clarity of a wordsmith in the peak of his powers, the latest body of work showcases the emcees’ ability to speak to his listeners and leave his audience wanting more.
With this being his third consecutive drop in as many years, we caught up with the rapper to speak on the EP, taking over New York, future goals and much more.
Honey I’m Home – What can fans expect with this new album?
“12 heartfelt bangers, 12 emotional bangers, 12 real vulnerable tracks! My story from my past year, my relationships all in one tape.”
What made you choose the title for the album?
“It’s always been a saying that my mum used to say to me. The whole theme is love, so it’s me being away then honey, I’m home! The main theme is love but both sides of a relationship. Everyone likes to talk about how nice relationships are but there are definitely two extremes. It can be nice but there’s also that hate and toxicity. It’s me showcasing both sides.”
Was this made for someone in particular?
“Someone in particular slyly! Generally though, everyone can relate to it.”
How was the recording process? Did you have a concept in mind for every track or was it about hearing a sound when in the studio?
“I kind of had half of the tracks first before I came up with the title. The recording process was mad. We started at the end of last summer, then started shooting and then picked it up and went New York for On The Radar. Around that time, I dropped Hostage and Long Time No See was before that, so we’ve started the rollout quite early. There are songs from Amsterdam on there, New York where we shot visuals there too. A whole year of meeting different people and producers, having conversations, getting inspired. It’s been a long journey man.”
So you went to New York for On The Radar, how does that feel when you think of just entering your music journey?
“It’s sick bro! It’s mad, especially On The Radar because it’s not something that’s really tangible for U.K artists. For me, that was an eye opener that I must be doing something right. It was a vibe out there.”
The clarity in your rhyming is clear to see, have you always rapped like this or was there a different side to Arz musically before?
“I feel like as time has gone on, it’s definitely improved. When I’m in sessions a lot of people say my clarity is sharp. I feel like I’m just in the studio so much. I’m 20 now and I’ve been making music since I was 13/14. Six years being in the studio it’s like muscle memory, I feel like because I’ve done it so consistently, it’s really showing now.”
Speaking of being in the studio, when it comes to the features on the project, who would you say you had the best chemistry with in terms of creativity?
“They’re all my people, I can’t lie! Dido, I met her for the song Smoking Endo, super sick singer. We was in Amsterdam and that was sick. Londo, that’s been my brother and we’ve been making music for time. The one I enjoyed the most, I would say 23 AZ. I met AZ through my manager who spotted him. We linked up and it was just love. When we’re barring off, the chemistry was there. He’s a proper sick rapper. To work with someone that maybe not everybody knows about, but the music is sick, I find that inspiring.”
What song do you find yourself replaying off the project?
“I think Sweet Tooth and Ice Rocks. Everyone loves Ice Rocks. I feel like it’s proper vulnerable, the beat is outrageous! With Sweet Tooth, I feel like my writing is proper on point. The theme, structure and detail make it my favourite.”
This is now the third consecutive year in which you have dropped, was this the aim to drop yearly and what can we expect in 2025 from Arz?
“I love making music. Yearly, if I could drop two tapes in the year I would. It’s never limiting myself to one tape a year or planning to drop one tape a year. Minimum, I’m always trying to drop at least one tape a year. The people listen to me, so I got to give them new music. More tapes and shows are coming. I’m also looking at a deluxe, like an extra five tracks at the end of the year.”
What is your first memory when you think about music?
“I think making my first song. I was 14 and dropped on Mixtape Madness, it’s called Y1C. If you saw it and see me now, you’ll say mad! That was big at the time, being 14 and getting it on Mixtape Madness, I was gassed. The support early on was nice, a lot of people in my area were supporting me. That was the start of the journey, definitely a vivid memory.”
When did you know you had a talent for rapping and did anyone else see the vision and push you in the direction to take it seriously?
“No one really told me, but a lot of my friend supported me and told me I was hard. My management and family as well. From the jump, they were heavily invested, and they gave me the right words. When I dropped out of college, my family were a bit sceptical, but I got my foot in the industry and they kind of knew I made the right decision.”
Finally, what advice do you have for those that might just be starting to think of music as a career choice?
“Trust your gut. Don’t follow trends. Make music for yourself first then respond to what others like. Before anything, make what you love and what you listen to. Don’t let anything exterior that’s not coming from you or your support system influence what you’re doing or how you feel what you’re making, that’s a spiral down. Just trust your gut, keep a good support system, stay consistent and stay inspired!”
Arz new EP Honey, I’m Home is out now and available on all digital streaming platforms services.