Quickly rising to fame after collaborating with the likes of Ed Sheeran, Rizzle Kicks and supporting the late great Mac Miller on his nationwide tour, Mikill Pane has been a prominent figure in the UK’s rap scene for the past ten years.
His songs constantly elevate British rap music and with each new release, Mikill pushes new boundaries and styles throughout. Mike’s Back, Mikill’s latest track is no exception to this, featuring murky, rebounding basslines and 80’s inspired synths that sound like they came straight from a videogame.
Mike’s Back is the latest exciting instalment to be dropped in the lead up to Mikill’s anticipated second album, The Night Elm on Mare Street.
Scroll down to see what Mikill, real name Justin-Smith Ikpaema Peter Damian Uzomba, had to say to our 10 Questions, from chatting about his mum to the album he can’t live without.
Describe your music in 3 words…
Underrated rap gems.
Who’s your greatest influence?
My older sister, Queensley.
What does music mean to you?
The only thing that always understands what you’re feeling.
Who’s the last person you called?
My mum. She called me yesterday while I was playing for Romance FC in the Indie Music Cup and I missed the call, but also shamefully forgot to call her back. She calls me once a week, ‘just to hear my voice’. I called her back first thing this morning and got her voicemail. She put the ‘ma’ in karma.
What did you talk about?
Nothing, but I would’ve left a message if I knew I’d be answering this question so soon afterwards!
One item of clothing you couldn’t live without?
Now you’ve got me scared that the loss of this item of clothing will bring about my untimely death, so thanks! For real though, my most treasured item is a one-off Nike Destroyer jacket that was custom-made to mark the release of my debut album, Blame Miss Barclay.
One album you couldn’t live without?
Again with the scaremongering! That’s such a tough one. I think it would have to be Harlem World by Ma$e.
What’s your favourite way to spend £10?
Food!
How about £100?
A cheap flight somewhere.
What’s next for you?
Today: finish off some writing and do the laundry. In general: make people believe that my next album, The Night Elm on Mare Street, is the best thing they’ve never heard.
Thanks Mikill Pane!
