April 30th: Today’s Feature

April

Kano, the talented British MC, discovered his gift for words and song at a young age. Originally named Kane Brett Robinson (born 21 May 1985) and hailing from East Ham, he grew up in London during the emergence of grime music. As a founding member of the N.A.S.T.Y Crew in east London, Kano quickly made a name for himself in the underground music scene. His solo album, Home Sweet Home, released in 2005, showcased his exceptional talent with tracks like ‘P’s And Q’s’, propelling him to new heights in the music industry. This album marked a significant turning point in Kano's career, transitioning him from an underground grime artist to one of the most respected MCs in Britain.

Reflecting on his rise to success, Kano describes it as thrilling and fast-paced. He attributes his success to unwavering dedication and a mindset of giving his all to what he loves. Notably, Kano gained widespread recognition for his role in the acclaimed show Top Boy, which was brought back to life by Drake exclusively for Netflix. His performance in the series garnered praise from audiences worldwide, solidifying his status as a versatile and talented artist in both music and acting.

Journey to Success

Kano acknowledges the complexities of navigating through the music industry and the impact it can have on rappers' relationships with their communities. He highlights the challenges that arise when success leads to changes in friendships and the desire to distance oneself from the neighbourhoods they grew up in. Additionally, Kano emphasises the financial aspect of fame, where the influx of money can lead to impulsive spending and unexpected tax bills.

According to Kano, the journey to success in the rap world is filled with peculiarities. He recognises that achieving fame can create a divide between artists and the communities that shaped them. This division can manifest in various ways, such as friends betraying their loyalty or rappers feeling the need to distance themselves from their humble beginnings. Kano also sheds light on the financial implications of success, highlighting the common scenario where artists experience a sudden influx of money only to be blindsided by unexpected tax bills. These challenges serve as reminders that the path to success is not always straightforward and can come with unexpected consequences.

At the age of 34, after almost two decades in his profession, the artist experiences a sense of seclusion that accompanies his fame. He acknowledges that he had people who supported him, but their assistance is limited because they have not encountered the same challenges. It can be quite difficult, as there are moments when it feels like he is navigating through life completely alone, without any real support system.

However, as he has grown older, he has become more comfortable reaching out to others. He believes it is important for young artists to understand that when they open up and speak to someone, they will realise that they are not alone in facing these issues. By engaging in conversations with peers or mentors, they can find solace in the fact that others have experienced similar struggles.

Honours, Awards & Recognition

Robinson's achievements in the music industry are remarkable. In 2004, he received the prestigious Best Newcomer award at the Urban Music Awards. The following year, he was nominated for four MOBO Awards and emerged victorious in the Best Newcomer category. Additionally, he was recognised at the Channel U "Best of British" Awards and was honoured as one of "London's Heroes of 2005" by Mayor Ken Livingstone.

In 2006, he received a BRIT Award nomination for Best Urban Act. Fast forward to 2016, his album Made in the Manor was nominated for the Mercury Music Award and won Best Album at the MOBO Awards. Continuing his success, his sixth studio album Hoodies All Summer earned him a second Mercury Music Award nomination. Finally, in 2022, Robinson's outstanding performance in the fourth series of Top Boy earned him a MOBO Award for Best Performance in a TV Show/Film.

Music, Meaning & Expression

In his music, Kano delves into the deep divisions within the country, particularly the fractures within black communities caused by hostile policies from the Home Office and the impact of gentrification on neighbourhoods in east London. He explores the inner thoughts, fears, and frustrations that simmer beneath the surface for teenagers, which often make headlines in articles about youth violence. Through his songs, he aims to humanise those who are often ridiculed and shed light on the lives of young working-class individuals who have unfairly become scapegoats in society.

During the 2020 Brit Awards, rapper Dave, who is also known for his role in the TV show Top Boy alongside Kano, delivered a powerful performance that stole the show. In his performance, Dave took the opportunity to address the ongoing mistreatment of the Windrush generation and criticised the Prime Minister, referring to him as a 'real racist'. Kano, impressed by Dave's boldness, expressed his admiration for his co-star's decision to use his platform to speak out. Kano finds Dave's actions inspiring and believes that it is important for artists to stand up for what they believe in and express their true feelings. As an artist himself, Kano has always strived to do the same and hopes that his own actions have inspired others to do so as well.