What’s your stage name and where are you from?
Born 2 B from Greenwich, London (UK)
What’s the story behind your stage name?
In the late 80’s, my DJ Orsom G and myself (at the time known as Junior Cee) were performing under the name ‘Far 2 Def’. One day, I said to Orsom G that we need a name change because the 90’s were approaching and ‘Far 2 Def’ didn’t cut it. Orsom G said to me “Well, what are you thinking?”. I said “Oh, I don’t know. Something like Born 2 B or something like that”. Orsom G responded “That’s it, that’s the name” and so it was. However, after our first single in 1990, Orsom G decided to leave the music business and I adopted the name ‘Born 2 B’ for myself as a solo artist.
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
My career took off when I collaborated with NW1 (aka Hip-Hop Jazz band US3) on the single “The Band Played The Boogie” on Ninja Tune Records in 1992, which reached No 56 in the UK National Single Chart. After decades of EP and single releases on a variety of global labels, I decided it was time to release my debut album “Blue Notes, Beats & Rhymes” (releasing June 2025). I am currently recording material for my second album, which will be released in 2026.
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
I originally wrote this song in 2009, however didn’t think it was the right time to release it. Recently, I sat watching the news and with all of the wars and absurd behaviours from global leaders, celebrities and politicians, “U Don’t Know” suddenly re-entered my head and I knew this was the right time to release it.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
Many people are awake already to the systemic injustice, media illusions, and conspiracies surrounding us day in, day out, year in, year out. However, it is amazing how many people are still blind when the evidence is staring them in the face. Things that come to mind are the Horizon/Post Office scandal in the UK, the injustice of the murder of teenager Stephen Lawrence (who I grew up with on Woolwich Common Estate), Jimmy Savile, Harvey Weinstein, Prince Andrew, Donald Trump … the list goes on. I want people to hear my message, think about it and make up their own minds.
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
My studio had recently been deconstructed whilst I had some decorating done and I am always nervous when I have to connect it back together and expect some hiccup. However, this time, I had two major issues when I set it back up and could not work out what the problem was. The deadline to submit my single for release was fast approaching and I needed a miracle. My guardian angel turned out to be ChatGPT. After inputting the very complex and detailed description of my set up and outlining the problem, ChatGPT came to the rescue and within an hour it was fixed. I finally got to record my vocals and mix the single just in time for the deadline.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
Rakim because he is the God MC!
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
Well, I have one more single to release from my debut album and I am just completing my first single from the second forthcoming album, which is going to be the bomb. I’ll be performing live around Europe to coincide with the release of my debut album “Blue Notes, Beats & Rhymes”.
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
I’m eager to get back out performing again and this time I’ll be bringing my 9-year old Son, Harvey with me. He is growing into quite the MC and he’s learned all the lyrics to my songs, so I am looking forward to collaborating with him.
Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?
https://ukhiphopborn2b.bandcamp.com/
