HOOLIGAN: EVERYTHING IS UP!
June 2003
Wassup? Well, for the past few months, on the local scene it would seem that two main things have been noticeably up. The first is the novelty rap tune Kollox Up!, which has garnered a healthy (even if unexpected) amount of radio airplay on Maltese stations. The second – and more significant ‘thing’ that is up, or rather, in – is the singer of that very tune, a young man who goes by the name of Hooligan.
Hooligan’s groove of choice is hip hop and while rap music is certainly not anew thing to the local scene, rapping in Maltese is…which is why his debut album, cheekily tilted Originali Bhali, has been making major waves since its release a few months ago. I’m sure there will be those of you who will dismiss this album as just another novelty record, but before you do that, you may want to listen to songs like Tinqeridx, Maltama or even Hooligan’s 3D. Chances are you’ll be interested in getting a copy of the CD yourself!
But, enough about the music… Just who is this Hooligan? I took the time to chat with this young man, who, despite his tough-sounding street name, packs a personality bubbling with emotion, dedication and above all, humour, not to mention a mighty punch in the spoken word stakes!
Q. You seem to have come out of nowhere. How long have you been rapping?
A. I first started rapping in 1997. Back then, my friend (rapper Buggly B) and myself used to write our own lyrics (in English) and rap just for the buzz of it. We used to meet up with a whole bunch of other guys into hiphop and then started our own rap parties, where there would be an open mic. I used to go up and do my own rap over instrumental tracks by other artists!
Q. Is there an actual hiphop scene in Malta?
A. Of course! There are many who like to listen to hiphop, but more importantly, there is also a growing number of local rap groups. Unfortunately, the scene is still quite small and underground, which is why not many people are aware of its existence.
Q. Can you name a few other Maltese rap artists beside yourself?
A. Sure, there's Unexpected, Exhumed, Psychohatchet, IQ, South Thugz, Court Sidaz, X-Treme and a whole bunch of others...
Q. With hardly any promotion beforehand, what pushed you to record and release this CD?
A. No promotion yes – but I did have the ambition to do it. And then there was the positive response to the first promo, Maltama. It’s been a dream of mine to release this CD. When I met Joanne (his manager), her belief in me gave me that extra bit of confidence and the push to go all the way.
Q. Rap artists are usually pretentious and self-enamoured. Is this real or is it just a macho act?
A. Well, that depends on which artist you’re referring to. With most of them I guess it’s just an act to attract attention, but I think that with the main names in ‘gangsta’ rap, like Tupac and Biggie, for example, I believe it’s all real.
Q. Is this also relevant or even necessary for the Maltese hiphop scene?
A. Not really! Speaking for myself, I don’t think I have, or try to have such an image! It’s not that important.
Q. So how would you describe yourself?
A. I am pretty self-confident and I like to get lots of attention. I guess I’m a bit spoilt. I also like exotic pets and women!
Q. What do you personally think of the whole East/West coast feud in the US hiphop scene?
A. I don’t believe it had anything to do with music to begin with, but sadly was getting to be more important than the music, which was definitely not good. Fortunately, since the deaths of Tupac and Biggie, the feud seems to have died down!
Q. Since your album is basically a Maltese-language album, sales may be limited. What prospects/plans do you have for expanding your career?
A. I have to say that I’m pretty happy with the sales figures of the album so far (2000 and rising!), but I do know that being largely in Maltese its potential becomes restricted. The original plan for the next album is for it to be in English, in order for it to have a wider appeal. However, going by the performance of Originali Bhali, I have been reconsidering that line of thinking in favour of another Maltese language release.
Q. Your music definitely carries some serious messages. Are these inspired by real situations, and what else inspires you?
A. The whole album is based on situations and experiences that I have come across myself, except for one track. One such example is the song ‘Tinqeridx’, which carries an anti-drug message. It was inspired by the death of two of my friends from an overdose. Otherwsie, my inspiration to write is usually pretty spontaneous! It can come from anything and everything!
Q. I know you hate the Eminem comparisons, but you can hardly deny it with your bleach blonde hair, gear and attitude! Your comments…
A. I think people just see the bleached hair and immediately think I’m just a ‘wannabe Shady’, when in fact I’ve had bleached hair for over four years now, back when Eminem wasn’t as well-known as he is now! I did get people telling me I look like Eminem but it’s not something I appreciate – as an artist I don’t really want to be like anyone, especially not Eminem, as I basically don’t like the way he disses everybody!
Q. Who is your main influence? What is your favourite song/album of all time? Why?
A. Most rap actually, but definitely Snoop Dogg at the top. Other favourites include Dr. Dre, Cypress Hill and Wu-Tang Clan. My favourite albums are Doggystyle and The Doggfather, both by Snoop. I’m just blown away by the lyrics and the music on those records, plus he’s always stayed in the middle of the East/West Coast feud, working with artists from both sides of the border!
Q. What are the first and last albums you bought?
A. The first was definitely Snoop’s Doggystyle, which I bought on tape because I didn’t have a CD player back then. My next purchase was Dre’s The Chronic. The last album I bought was (surprise surprise!) Snoop Dogg’s Pay The Cost To Be The Boss!
Q. You seem to be well versed in hiphop. Are you also into ‘old skool’ rap of artists like Kurtis Blow or Run DMC?
A. Well, not exactly, but I have listened to stuff from bands like Naughty By Nature, Sugarhill Gang and Ice Cube, amongst others.
Q. Has there been a ‘best moment’ so far or is it still coming?
A. So far it was definitely the launch of the album, which was well attended. Another special occasion was a recent relatively low-key gig, where the reception I was given was tremendous!
Q. What is your favourite track on the album and why?
A. I have two – the first is the title track, Originali Bhali, because it is autobiographical to a point, and it also features my younger sister. The other is Ready For Competition, because (inspired by Wu-Tang’s Triumph) I’ve always wanted to record a song that would involve so many rappers, and like Wu-Tang, there are nine on my song!
Q. Tell me a little about the real person behind Hooligan?
My friends tell me I have a very flexible personality. What I do know for sure is that I like to joke and laugh, all the time, but other than that, what you see is what you get!
Q. There have been other Maltese hiphop acts before. Why did you call the album Originali Bhali (meaning Original like me)?
A. I may not be the first hiphop artist in Malta, but certainly the first to do it in Maltese. Furthermore, I think that not many albums are as inspired by personal experiences as this one. Last but not least, and without meaning to offend to any other rap artists, there is no machoism or ‘bluff’ in my songs. I may like to listen to some gangsta rap sometimes, but it won’t make its way into my music!
Q. What’s in the pipeline this summer?
A. For sure, the top priority right now is promoting the album, both on radio, and with PA’s and live gigs. Naturally, given I do manage to find the time, I’ll probably also be working on new material.
Recommended weblink: www.hoolistyle.com
