EVOLUTION OF KRISISBy Harpreet Dawett

An upcoming rap artist from Coventry is drop-ping linguistic rhymes like no other (even better than Shakespeare!).

As the doors opened to his home I was welcomed in by Krisis himself. I was expecting the typical rapper mentality, but was pleasantly surprised by the polite and courteous young musi-cian. He greeted me into his home studio, which was set up im-maculately and I could instantly see he was serious about this. As I set my cameras up, we spoke a little to ease the nerves and did a quick sound check. I asked him if he’d ever go to uni-versity but he’d rather make his career on his own, which he’s doing one hell of a good job at.

James Crawford is a 25-year old aspiring hip-hop rap artist, born and bred in the historic city of Coventry. He goes by his stage name Krisis, which he came up with when rapping alongside his friend Havoc.

Krisis began rapping at the age of 11 when he got a bootleg of Eminem’s film 8-mile, the film representing the life of Eminem before he became a successful rap artist, showing the struggles and commitment when going into the music industry. Along-side being influenced by Eminem, Krisis is also influenced by artists such as Method Man, Biggie, Kid Ink and Machine Gun Kelly. Krisis produces his music in his home studio and has recently signed a contract to join record label Diamond In a Rough En-tertainment, he also works alongside his team The Society who feature other aspiring rap artists such as Havoc, Skatta, Kronic, Bryon, C-mo and Saint.

Like many hip-hop artists, Krisis gets his inspiration from writing music on the events in his life. He says, “I hope people can relate to my music and what I’m saying, we go through some of the same problems.” Krisis is like a poet, he tells a story with his music and I must say, I can relate to some of his songs myself. The song From Time (Remix), which is shown on his Soundcloud OfficialKrisis shows his passion for rap/hip-hop with lyrics used like ‘I told them I’ll never change, stay the same James… with these lyrics that I write, its my life’.

“I HOPE PEOPLE CAN RELATE TO MY MUSIC”

INfLUENCEd bY METHOd MAN, KId

INK ANd MORE!

“I dON’T THINK IT’S RIgHT TO gET

INvOLvEd IN CRIME”James aka Krisis in his home studio (where the magic happens).

KRISIS

“I HOPE PEOPLE CAN RELATE TO MY MUSIC”

The Image

Snapbacks, tattoos and gold chains may make you think twice but image is not something to judge about Krisis. Yes, he has tattoos and there are musical meanings behind them. You’ll be sure to not forget his name as he has “KRISIS” tat-tooed along the side of his neck and “this life is a mystery” across his arm.

Krisis writes lyrics such as “so a life of crime is mine blind-ed” in his song. When talking about crime and rap associated together, Krisis adds “I don’t think it’s right to get involved in crime, some people will tell you different, to get mon-ey, but that’s not my thing”. It’s good to see rap artists like Krisis turning away from crime and influencing people with music that doesn’t associate drugs and violence, yet still simultaneously making amazing beats.

What next?

Krisis has announced that he is currently working on new music videos and his EP Silence Before the Storm. He says “I’m doing it all myself, so it takes a bit of time”. He has also released a single called ‘Hold Up’ featuring Fred Nice, which you can now buy off ITunes for £0.79p. I recommend you highly to go check this song out!

“I dON’T THINK IT’S RIgHT TO gET

INvOLvEd IN CRIME”Harpreet Dawett

INTERVIEWS

KrisisWATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE:Or go onto: https://vimeo.com/120874262

Follow Krisis on TWITTER: @KRISIS ARTISTListen to his music on SOUNdCLOUd: Official Krisis Acknowledgments to Record Label - Diamond In A Rough Entertainment and team The Society

A Journalism and Media student from Coventry University.

“I had a great time interviewing this aspiring artist!”