Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer returns to Manchester

Good afternoon, sir!

Thanks for taking the time to talk to us!

For those that have had their head in a bucket of Pims for the last decade, tell the readers a little bit about yourself...

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Mr B - I am Mr.B The Gentleman Rhymer and I am a...no - THE Chap-Hop Superstar

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THE, Indeed!!
I believe your used to rap a few words before becoming the outstanding Gentleman Rhymer that you are today? ...

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I did indeed. I've been rhyming since the 80s, but I imagine you may refer to a band I was in in the 1990s?

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What influenced you to start rhyming ??... and later on, what influenced you to choose the banjolele as your most well known accompaniment?

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I've been a fan of hip-hop since early days and I tend to try my hand at anything going, so I produce my own beats and, being a somewhat solitary teenager I did the rhymes myself too and found I rather enjoyed it.

I took up the ukulele originally rather by accident. I bought one as a present for my godson, but then decided i wanted it for myself. I moved on to the banjolele soon after because it sounds funnier and works better for Nile Rodgers style funk playing.

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You started your career in Cheam, playing small venues and cabaret clubs... but have since played HUGE events, like Glastonbury. How did you find the transition from smaller to large crowds?

Do you enjoy one more than the other?

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I enjoy both, for different reasons. I enjoy the intimacy of a small show and the general banter one can have with one's audience (plus the sound, for chap-hop tends to work better in smaller venues), but there's nothing to beat the feeling of getting a reaction from a huge crowd. It is most exhilarating!

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Agreed - I can certainly see the appeal of both!
Glasto has to rank pretty highly in your list of "best gigs"...and of course, we know it may be tricky to name a no#1 ...but any other amazing gigs that rank amongst your "will never forget" list?
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The Swamp Shack at Bestival a few years back was an unexpected treat. The act on before me had about 20 people sat about. When I took to the stage there must have been upwards of 5,000 people there. Makes a change from 30 people down the Cricketers at the Oval!!
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I'm assuming there were one or two boystrous acts amongst the crowd, to be witnessed at that one!!

...and as a party goer, not on stage. What was a memorable event from the last few years? Do you get a chance to go out at all? Last Ashes test perhaps?!!!

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I rarely get a chance to `go to` things apart from playing, although I went to legendary beats night Low End Theory in LA a couple of months ago and it was the best club night I've been to for many, many years. I also enjoy the Freakaholics nights in Brighton. Two top quality lady DJs playing all sorts of good stuff.

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That sounds outstanding. I've often said the female DJ population is hugely under-represented, so its fantastic to hear someone mention an event hosted by such quality lady DJs, as one of their "faves"...

Anyone who has heard 'Chap-Hop History', can guess who influenced Mr B.... but who specifically influenced you're earlier days?...and who is a modern day influence?

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Crikey...Melle Mel was a pioneer. Chuck D, LL Cool J, Eric B changed the game..as far as rhyming goes, my later influences are probably MC Paul Barman and Busdriver. Both lyrical genii

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That sir, is a solid list of consumate professionals!
And whilst we're on the topic of professionals, who is Sgt Rock? ...

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Someone I knew around the turn of the century. His album `Live Te Dream` is criminally underrated

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haha. I believe so!!

You've written half a dozen studio albums now, as well as a few singles.
Thats pretty prolific fort 10 years producing!
Whats your creative process?

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I simply, to coin one of my own album titles `Can't Stop, Shan't Stop'.

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Quick change of tack for a reader's favourite question...

Top 3 things you never leave home for a performance, without.

(Keys and banjolele not included!)

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Pocket Square

Notebook

Hip Flask

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A quality selection of essentials, sir!

And.. what are your top 3 desert island discs?!!!

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Art Of Noise - Beatbox

Public Enemy - Bring The Noise

Ronald Frankau - He?s A Twirp

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NICE!! Not sure I expected that!

Before we say good bye, tell the reader what you've been up to the last few months, and whats on the horizon!

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I`ve just released `The ChapHop Songbook`- 140+ pages of Chap-Hop lyrics and chords, all illustrated by my own fair hand.

Also, `Chapstep Volume Two: Olde Jack Swing` is out now. An album of chappist garage.

( Editor - both available via gentlemanrhymer.com )

And finally `ADSR Soul`, a new mini LP by my electronic beats side project The Major came out a couple of weeks ago . ( Editor - available from themajor1.bandcamp.com )

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Thanks for taking the time to speak with us. Its been an absolute pleasure, and I cant wait to hear your set at Prohibition 5th Birthday event, on 6th April!

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Chars!

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Reader, make sure you join us on the follow links, to stay in touch with our 5th Birthday event, as well as Mr B's incredible assault on Chap-Hop history!

Tickets are no longer available for this event