‘Britain Ain’t Great’ – Rapper Krazy on politics and the power of music

Artist, producer and presenter Krazy’s latest release is a piece of social commentary that, he says, serves to bring to light the real issues affecting people and spark conversations in the run-up to the general election.

In Britain Aint Great Krazy and Impact Merv rap about the state of the country as they see it. The track is the lead single on a five-track EP.

The video was filmed and edited by Venomous Visuals. It features Rawnsley Park and Lansdowne Court estates in Easton as well as news coverage of Bristol stabbings and the toppling of the Colston statue.

Scathing lyrics take in Tory backhanders, lying politicians, bankers bonuses, the rising mental health crisis and the cost of food.

The Bristol born-and-bred artist, who runs the Wordlife record label that gives its name to his Ujima show, told Bristol24/7 why the time was right to make this track.

“Impact Merv was the first artist on Wordlife and it’s our first joint project together,” he explains.

“When we were in the studio we decided we wanted to speak more about current issues and cover the stuff that a lot of people can relate to. So we both started writing lyrics about the things affecting us and people around us.

“A big thing is knife crime and suicides – Bristol has been massively affected by that. And the NHS is on its knees as well. The economy’s gone wild. It’s not a good time for us. Britain is not as great as it’s made out to be. As it says in the track, it’s an illusion.”

What difference does Krazy hope the track will make?

“I think it’s just about being real and taking a stand, not allowing things to be brushed under the rug. There’s elections coming up and I think it’s a very important subject,” he says.

“It’s important to remind people what’s happened under the Tories. To be honest, a lot of the problems we see around us I would directly attribute to a Tory government.”

The video was filmed around Bristol estates including Lansdowne Court and Rawnsley Park in Easton

Krazy can see the damaging effect the economic crisis and underfunding of public services is having on both the arts and young people.

“Noone can afford to make music anymore because the cost of living’s so high!” he says.

“It’s affected the youth clubs, they can’t afford to run. I started out in a youth club as did most people of my era. Now there’s nowhere out there for kids to go.

“Then you’ve got JD Sports selling balaclavas and everyone’s pushing drill music, when drill means to kill someone. It’s nothing about musical skill.”

But music can have a profoundly positive impact.

“It’s changed so many lives. I could name 1000 people – seriously – whose lives have changed for the better because of music,” Krazy tells Bristol24/7.

“It gives you purpose, it gives you a place to vent – even if you’re not good at it! It keeps you out of trouble, gives people direction. There aren’t many things that have the power that music has. It’s a universal language.

“It’s so important, and I think that’s why it’s so bad that people are pushing the music they are at the moment – encouraging the gangster attitudes and the negativity.

“So I’m just trying to bring a bit of positivity back! As well as the ability to talk about our issues and real things, to open up a conversation. I’ve noticed this latest project has brought a lot of older listeners to us, it’s broadened appeal to a lot of people – people from all generations are very interested.”

The Wordlife record label features 25 local artists; some of them will be appearing at live shows in Bristol this summer

Krazy’s had a productive few months and has a busy summer ahead.

As well as the latest EP, he’s released two EP’s in the last four months, and the Lost in Space album which features 25 local artists.

He ran a recording studio in the galleries shopping centre for two years, and now has one in Fishponds; and manages a 730-video strong YouTube channel of which, he says, the live performances are “pretty much an encyclopaedia of who’s who in Bristol music!”

Above all, for Krazy, it’s about providing a space to create and a platform to perform. At Party in the Ponds on June 22 and as a host at the Harbour Festival on July 20 he’ll be presenting showcases of Wordlife artists.

“I don’t think Bristol – compared to other cities like London, Manchester or Birmingham – has a real music industry or platforms,” he says.

“I’m trying to give people a way to get together and get out there – instead of just sitting making music alone in your bedroom!

“The main thing is we’re trying to do something positive. Rap has abit of a bad name because of what the industry pushes, but I think it’s a lot deeper – it’s gives the youth direction.

“I’d much rather the kids were in the house or in the studio doing word puzzles than out there on the streets getting into trouble.”

Tune into the Wordlife show on Ujima 98FM every Tuesday from 8-10pm.

All photos: Wordlife

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