Since the demo that got him signed over ten years ago, Cappo has worked with a wealth of different producers, whilst still being dedicated to his own production during that time. From the critically acclaimed flavours of the Get Out to the Heavy Bronx sounds of his Spaz The World album (whilst working with the likes of Herbaliser inbetween LPs), Cappo has laid his lyrics over many different styles of hiphop. As he launches an impressive new mixtape - a retrospective of his work over the last ten years, we asked him about the music that has inspired him along his journey...

Kool G Rap
I believe Kool G Rap is the greatest living MC of all time, barring Rakim. He is the rapper that has influenced most artists like Big Pun, Nas, Saigon and Eminem. Staying relevant throughout three decades, he creates pictures and stories in his verses that are astoundingly vivid. His originality and rhyme flow is impeccable, making him untouchable as a master of lyricism.

Iron Butterfly
Famous for their songs being used by Nas (i.e Thief's Theme and Hip Hop Is Dead (although Nas used the Incredible Bongo Band version) Iron Butterfly have a power in their music unlike any other rock group in their genre. Every album I have heard contains a drum break or drum samples and I have often referred back to them for samples and inspiration. Soldier In Our Town from the Metamorphosis album was used for the drums on Grand Finale off my Spaz The World LP.

Roxanne Shante
Roxanne Shante is the true form of hiphop, being brought into the industry by Marly Marl she was given the official seal of approval from the beginning. I had the honor of watching her being interviewed on B.E.T in America years after her early releases and her composure, strength, voice cadence and rhyming ability was amazing, I believe she is one of the best female MC's ever alongside Lady of Rage and Lauryn Hill.

Phil Lynott
As well as the Johnny the Fox drum break and his other Thin Lizzy work, i have listened to Phil Lynott's solo album Solo in Soho a lot. He has a track were he names a lot of other groups from that time to a frenetic rhythm pattern. I believe this track to be way before its time. He had a style and character that was second to none.

Havoc
For production, Havoc is paramount in beat making along with DJ Premier, Dre, Marly Marl etc. He created a sound of his own and has always stuck to the same formula. Queens Bridge has spawned many of my favourite artists. Alongside Prodigy, Havoc's business sense and intelligence in his music is unrivalled.

Al Green
Al Green’s unique voice and music has always been of great interest to me, the drums on his recordings always sound extremely different to other artists. The engineering and song writing is very distinctive. When an Al Green song starts you can immediately tell it's him because the sound is so different to anyone else, His music has been sampled a great deal by many artists including biggie smalls.

The Notorious B.I.G
Biggie is my favourite MC, his work ethic and mind frame was incomparable, his wit and story telling capabilities were incredible. I have recently been studying a lot of his work and realised how difficult it is to create verses like he did and how captivating his songs were. Tracks like Story To Tell and Gimme The Loot are examples of his imagination and knowledge.

Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige has featured on so many tracks it is impossible to pick the best ones. Her work with Puff in her early years has paved the way for today’s modern hiphop, soul and RnB. Her live singing is perhaps the best I have ever heard. Her work on Can't Knock The Hustle on Jay Z's first album Reasonable Doubt solidified my thoughts that she is one of my most inspiring artists.

Vinny Idol
At this point in time Vinny Idol has to be one of the best producers for real hiphop. The way he manipulates a sample is extremely intricate and each track I hear has the sound that I'm most influenced by. Working with D Block he has created highlights on albums, mixtapes and DVD features for many artists.

Shock G
In truth I have not listened to Shock G's music intensely and have only recently been introduced to a lot of his work. Noted for bringing Tupac into the industry as an MC, his work has a feel and honestly that sets him apart from his peers, his rhymes and melody's and original drum programming on his album Fear Of A Mixed Planet make it a classic.

Cappo and Styly Cee play at Muse on Thursday October 4th. Dealmaker presents the 'Directors Commentary launch party'  - a selection of Cappo's work past and present with support from Rukus Regardless, Midnite, Konny Kon and Blood.

Buy his brand new mixtape online at www.cappomixtape.com.

 

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