AJ Tracey is back with his first album in four years, and this time it's personal. "I've avoided speaking about quite personal things," he says, reflecting on his earlier music. The rapper, real name Ché Wolton Grant, tells 1Xtra's DJ Target he's always preferred to keep his real self separate. "I like to keep AJ Tracey as a persona and a person that I don't have to always be connected to," he says. "When I speak about personal things I've gone through as AJ Tracey, then I can't really get away from it." But on his latest album, Don't Die Before You're Dead, he says that's about to change. As his career's progressed, Ché and AJ Tracey can be "quite hard to separate", he says. It's made even harder as an independent artist, AJ says, because "you don't want to ever miss an opportunity". "I feel like when I should be turning off, I'm still awake." Now though, the 31-year-old says he feels "secure and stable enough" to open up more in his music. "If Ché's gone through something and I can speak about it as AJ Tracey I'm willing to receive whatever conversation arises as AJ or as Ché," he says. "I'm happy to divulge, especially if it's going to help someone." Don't Die Before You're Dead delves into British identity, resilience and stories of the west London rapper's journey from Ladbroke Grove to the heights of the UK scene. Single 3rd Time Lucky, which was released in advance of the album, explores AJ's relationship with his mum and her recovery from cancer. She's meant "everything" to his journey, he says. "My mum gave the mandem somewhere to just chill that's away from danger and let us really foster our talent and be creative without being outside on the roads. "Instead of having mandem outside on the streets, it's better that we're in the house and she knows she can keep an eye on us. Even just that gave us the platform to jump off and go do what we're doing." AJ Tracey is speaking to DJ Target at an intimate gig at Maida Vale Studios, performing tracks from the new album in front of friends and family. TV chef and rapper Big Zuu, who's also AJ's cousin, is there and says they used the family's front room as a "harbour". "We would go there and write bars," he says. "It gave us a safety net to just be ourselves, have fun, connect." AJ has been a passionate supporter of dedicated services for young people, lending his voice to calls for more youth clubs and even partnering with Children in Need and McDonald's to pair restaurants with youth workers. "It's essential," he says. "We need safe spaces." With more personal tracks, AJ says it's important his music stays relatable. "That's how you build your fanbase and keep them locked in, by giving them things and showing them you're human," he says. "Like some of Drake's lyrics, I'm not rich enough to relate to any of that stuff. "It's nice to sometimes show people it's not easy but we're kicking on." AJ acknowledges four years has been a long time to keep his followers waiting for new music, and in a promotional video announcing the album earlier this year fans at his beloved Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ask "where is he?" But he thinks it will be worth the wait. "I don't like rushing music," he says. "Music lasts forever - when I'm not here no more the music will still be here and if you put out music that you rush, it's just going to leave a legacy you're not really proud of. "I want to be proud of all my music." 1Xtra's Album Launch Party with AJ Traceyis available on BBC Soundsand will air on DJ Target's 1Xtra show at 20:00 on Monday 16 June. It's also available to watch onYouTubeand BBC iPlayer. Listen to Newsbeatliveat 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen backhere.
British rapper AJ Tracey says he's ready to open up on his new album
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"AJ Tracey Discusses Personal Themes in Upcoming Album 'Don't Die Before You're Dead'"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
AJ Tracey, the British rapper whose real name is Ché Wolton Grant, is set to release his first album in four years, titled 'Don't Die Before You're Dead.' In a recent interview with DJ Target on BBC's 1Xtra, AJ reflected on his previous reluctance to discuss personal matters in his music. He expressed that he has traditionally preferred to maintain a separation between his public persona, AJ Tracey, and his private self. However, as he has matured both personally and artistically, he now feels more secure and stable, allowing him to share his experiences more openly. This shift represents a significant evolution in his music, which he believes will resonate with listeners and foster deeper connections with his fanbase. AJ’s new album will explore themes of British identity, resilience, and his own life journey, particularly highlighting his roots in Ladbroke Grove, West London.
The lead single from the album, '3rd Time Lucky,' delves into AJ's relationship with his mother, emphasizing her critical role in his life and career. He credits her for providing a safe space for creativity, allowing him and his peers to focus on their talents away from the dangers of street life. AJ's commitment to supporting youth services is evident, as he has advocated for the establishment of more youth clubs and collaborated with organizations like Children in Need to connect young people with mentors. He believes that sharing personal stories in his music is essential for relatability, as it reinforces his humanity and allows fans to see the challenges he faces, making his art more accessible. Despite the long wait for new material, AJ is confident that the quality and depth of 'Don't Die Before You're Dead' will make it worthwhile for his audience, as he aims to leave a legacy of music he can be proud of.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides insights into British rapper AJ Tracey's upcoming album, highlighting a shift in his artistic approach towards more personal storytelling. As he prepares to release his first album in four years, the rapper, whose real name is Ché Wolton Grant, expresses his intention to open up about his life experiences that have shaped him as an artist.
Artistic Evolution and Personal Reflection
AJ Tracey reveals that he has kept his personal life separate from his music persona in the past. However, he feels that it is now time to merge the two, emphasizing a newfound security and stability in his life that allows him to share more intimate details. This shift may resonate with fans who appreciate authenticity and vulnerability in artists, signaling a maturation in his music.
Cultural Context and Identity
The album, titled "Don't Die Before You're Dead," explores themes of British identity and resilience, reflecting on Tracey's journey from Ladbroke Grove to becoming a prominent figure in the UK music scene. By addressing his mother's influence and her battle with cancer in the single "3rd Time Lucky," he connects his personal narrative to broader cultural themes, potentially fostering a deeper connection with his audience.
Industry Implications
As an independent artist, Tracey highlights the challenges of balancing personal expression with career opportunities. His willingness to engage in personal storytelling could be interpreted as a strategic move to enhance his relatability and emotional impact, which might influence public perception and increase his fanbase.
Audience Engagement
The article suggests that Tracey aims to connect with listeners who value sincerity and personal narratives in music. By sharing his experiences, he may attract support from communities that resonate with themes of resilience and personal struggle, thereby expanding his reach within the music industry.
Potential Market Impact
While the article primarily focuses on Tracey's artistic journey, it may also indirectly influence the music market by highlighting a trend toward more personal storytelling in hip-hop. As fans gravitate towards artists who share authentic experiences, record labels and investors might take notice of this shift, potentially impacting investment in similar artists or projects.
Trustworthiness and Manipulation
The information presented appears credible, as it derives from an interview with the artist and reflects his own words and intentions. However, the framing of his openness about personal struggles could be seen as a strategic choice to enhance his public image and marketability. The language used is straightforward and reflective, with no evident manipulation or hidden agendas.
Trust in this article is derived from its focus on personal narrative and the artist's own voice, suggesting a genuine desire to connect with his audience. However, the potential for market-driven motives behind this openness cannot be entirely dismissed.