Quite the enigma, A2 is known for hibernating and dipping in & out of the music scene as he pleases – only to pop back up with an album or EP of pure brilliance. I was once told by a little birdy in the industry that A2 can be a difficult artist to strategize with…I laughed to myself a bit as this sentiment totally feeds into one of the many reasons why I love him.

At this point it's safe to assume that this disappearing act lends to his creative process entirely (and is probably when his best music is made). It also lends to my personal philosophy of not letting music industry demands override our love for the music. (It's probably also why A Colors Show referred to him as a “Diamond in the Rough” 😂) 

 

In a strange way, It felt synchronistic to learn that A2 had a similar experience as me, but in reverse. Transitioning from hip-hop to grime in 2015 was a major shift. I not only had to learn an entire new style of rapping, but how to execute in a grime cypher which could only be described as a jazz ensemble of DJ's & MC's, combined with a royal rumble wresting match. Grime truly is a sophisticated, but aggressive sport. (one that I am totally enamored with). 

Thanks to A2 and his unparalleled form of creative expression, I was not only inspired, but blessed enough to work with his collaborator (Clonez) – an experience that allowed me to come back home to hip-hop and to fully embrace my role as a cross-genre MC. I'm grateful for it all. Thank you grime, thank you hip-hop, and thank you A2.