Pubs, Publishing and Public Enemy with Andrew Emery

Once A DJ

New Book "Write Lines" out now: https://velocitypress.uk/product/write-lines-book/

This week we sit with Andrew Emery to discuss his experiences as a journalist for Hip Hop Connection, founding Fat Lace magazine, and loads more from his past as an aspiring rapper (he's also done bits of DJing so we aren't cheating), and much more.

This book covers his time in publishing, and is his second memoir after "Wiggaz With Attitude: My Life As a Failed White Rapper" ( https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wiggaz-Attitude-Failed-White-Rapper/dp/1999760700 ). Both books are highly enjoyable and a fun look at different phases of life told through a lens of hip hop.

SHOW NOTES

Summary

In this conversation, Andrew Emery discusses his passion for music and his career journey from being a rapper to a journalist. He shares his early experiences with hip hop in Nottingham and Leeds, including the vibrant hip hop scene in Nottingham and the influence of Rock City tapes and Arcade Records. Andrew also talks about his transition to writing and his work at Paul Raymond. The conversation concludes with a discussion about his early recognition of Eminem's talent. In this conversation, Adam Gow discusses various topics related to hip-hop, including the disappointment of artists who didn't live up to expectations, the short-lived hype around Dr. Dre's album 'Compton', and the changing landscape of music consumption. He also talks about the influence of regional hip-hop scenes, the mixed reception of shiny suit rap, and the fun and freedom of working on 'Fat Lace' magazine. Adam shares his experiences and challenges in writing and publishing books, as well as his thoughts on the ethics and boundaries of writing about controversial topics. He also mentions his journey of self-publishing 'Wiggers' and the potential TV show based on the book. Lastly, he reveals his ideal dinner guests: Chuck D, Charles Dickens, and Woody Allen.

Takeaways

• Andrew Emery's passion for music has shaped his career journey, from being a rapper to a journalist.
• The hip hop scene in Nottingham and Leeds played a significant role in Andrew's early experiences and love for the genre.
• Andrew's transition to writing allowed him to explore his passion for music in a different way and make a mark in hip hop journalism.
• His work at Paul Raymond provided unique insights into the world of adult publishing and the evolution of lads' magazines. Artists often face high expectations and may not live up to the initial hype surrounding their talent.
• The reception of an album can be short-lived, with initial excitement fading quickly.
• The way people consume music has changed significantly, with streaming platforms offering a vast array of options.
• Regional hip-hop scenes have had a significant impact on the genre, with different styles and sounds emerging from various locations.
• The shiny suit era of rap had a mixed reception, with some appreciating the more commercial sound and others criticizing it.
• Working on 'Fat Lace' magazine provided a fun and creative outlet for Adam and his colleagues, allowing them to celebrate hip-hop culture and poke fun at its more serious aspects.
• Writing and publishing books can be challenging, with the need to navigate the industry and find the right audience.
• There are ethical considerations when writing about controversial topics, and it's important to approach them with sensitivity and respect.
• Self-publishing can be a rewarding experience, allowing authors to have creative control and reach a niche audience.
• The potential TV show based on 'Wiggers' could have been a compelling exploration of hip-hop culture and personal journeys.
• Adam's ideal dinner guests would be Chuck D, Charles Dickens, and Woody Allen, representing different eras and perspectives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:02 Passion for Music and Career Reinvention

03:03 Early Era in Nottingham and Leeds

04:00 Discovery of Hip Hop

05:24 Influence of Hip Hop in School

06:46 Vibrant Hip Hop Scene in Nottingham

07:43 Rock City Tapes and Arcade Records

09:09 Transition to Leeds and Establishing Tribe

09:39 Journey to Get Signed as a Rapper

12:06 Formation of Crew and Demos

15:31 Transition to Writing and Career in Journalism

25:34 Work at Paul Raymond

28:00 Interviewing Eminem

29:21 Early Recognition of Eminem's Talent

30:19 The Disappointment of Artists Who Didn't Live Up to Expectations

33:11 The Short-Lived Hype Around Dr. Dre's Album 'Compton'

35:09 The Changing Landscape of Music Consumption

37:01 The Influence of Regional Hip-Hop Scenes

38:00 The Mixed Reception of Shiny Suit Rap

41:21 The Fun and Freedom of Working on 'Fat Lace' Magazine

44:43 The Challenges of Writing and Publishing Books

46:38 The Ethics and Boundaries of Writing About Controversial Topics

50:01 The Journey of Self-Publishing 'Wiggaz'

52:00 The Potential TV Show Based on 'Wiggers'

55:50 Andrew's Ideal Dinner Guests: Chuck D, Charles Dickens, and Woody Allen