WHO IS HE?
A Mancunian rapper whose career is firmly in the ascendancy. Last week, Rusholme rapper Mastermind announced the big news that he'd signed a contract with Columbia Records. And this weekend, the 24-year-old will be playing one of his biggest, most high-profile shows to date, supporting fellow lauded Manchester rapper Aitch at the Academy 2.
For those who've closely followed Mastermind’s career, it was only a matter of time before this young rapper broke through to a wider audience. Releasing music and performing live since 2015, he's built up a loyal following (six million plus views on YouTube) with his dancefloor-friendly blend of moody melodics, hip-hop beats and tight trap. Drawing on his turbulent background, the young rapper paints a vivid, nuanced portrait of his struggles, his grounded, gritty flow perfectly matched by the belligerence of his beats. Indeed, with his polished productions and technical prowess, you really wouldn't be surprised if Mastermind - out of all the current Brit urban music crop - made the biggest splash over in the States. For the time being, though, Mastermind is too busy focused on becoming Manchester's next big hip-hop star - he's started, and he'll most certainly finish.
FOR FANS OF:
Bugzy Malone, Geko, Lil Baby.
MAKE A DATE:
Mastermind plays Academy 2 (supporting Aitch) on Friday, September 20. More info at facebook.com/MastermindMCR
