TIPPA IRIE INTERVIEW
The Pier was fortunate enough for reggae/dancehall performer Tippa Irie to take the time out to do a quick Q&A. AKA Anthony Henry, Tippa Irie has been spreading his music for almost three decades now. I have to say it was a honor for The Pier's first inter-continental interview to be with Mr Tippa Irie.
The Pier: So how has your radio show in the UK been going lately? Do you enjoy being on the radio?
Tippa Irie: My radio show is going great. I love being on the radio as it gives me a good chance to play the music I love.
The Pier: What's the reggae/dancehall scene like in the UK at the moment? Any new acts you are particularly excited about?
Tippa: The reggae dance hall scene is very quiet in the UK and there is no artist I am excited about. Most of the youth are growing up are not into dancehall reggae any more, they are into grime.
The Pier: That sucks. So do you have a personal all-time favorite reggae or dancehall act?
Tippa: My favorite dancehall act is Papa San.
The Pier: So how has the response been so far to your new album Talk the Truth?
Tippa: It has been great, people are feeling Pick up my People and the new single Ah Ho is getting good vibes, the tune with Elephantman, and so is Come On with Chali 2na.
The Pier: What was it like recording the album, did everything go smoothly and did it turn out how you hoped?
Tippa: Yes it was nice and smooth and I am completely happy with it. I think it is my best work in a long time.
The Pier: Did you have fun filming the new video for Ah Ho and Pick Up My People recently?
Tippa: For sure, it was nice going to Jamaica to do the video and I had a blast. Ras Kassa is a good directer and he knows his stuff.
The Pier: Your new album features Chali 2na and you have worked with the Black Eyed Peas on Hey Mama. What was those experiences like?
Tippa: Chali 2na has the best voice in hip hop and is one of the nicest brothers you wish to meet. Great artisit and a good soul. The Black Eyed Peas are cool and it was nice working with them. However, like in any group you have cool people and you have people with there head up there arse.
The Pier: You have also worked with a lot of So Cal acts like Long Beach Dub Allstars, Bredrin Daddys, Dirty Heads, Thicker Than Thieves and Jesus Wore Dickies, just to name a few. So do you like the So Cal sound?
Tippa: Yes the vibes in Cali is cool... the sun... the fun... I love that place so it gives me good inspiration to work. It's like being in Jamaica.
The Pier: Is there any other bands/artists out there you would love to record with given the chance?
Tippa: Yes, Dr Dre, Junior Kelly, and Bress Hammond.
The Pier: You played a few shows in Australia recently what was that like?
Tippa: Oz was a great place and would love to go back. All the shows bar one was sold out and the people loved my vibes.
The Pier: Any plans to tour the USA any time soon?
Tippa: Hopefully the end of February 2008 should be out there.
The Pier: Any other up-coming plans you would love to share with The Pier readers?
Tippa: My plan for the future is my new label Lockdown Productions. I will be working with a new artist called Messy and a girl artist called Miss Attitude, G Vibes and Michael Rose and more.
To check out more from Tippa Irie visit: