Leeds-based Graft is a former professional football player. Realising his first love was music, Graft put all his efforts into becoming an artist - going on to win MOBO UnSung 2018. Graft wants to be known globally - but where will he make it in the competition?

Have you always been a rapper?

I used to be a footballer, I played for Leeds. When I was with them we were in the championship. We thought we were gonna make it to the Premier League, but we bottled it. We kept bottling it. I stopped playing when I didn’t get my pro contract. But my music was going well - so I put all my energy into my music and here I am.

How did you come across The Rap Game UK?

I found it on Instagram. I thoroughly enjoyed the first series and have kept up to date with all of the contestants. I knew of Ransom, FOS and Lady Ice beforehand. It’s good to see artists that I know on TV, putting their skills to the test, battling against each other for the main prize. It’s surreal that it’s me doing that now. I’m ready to seize the opportunity and share my talent with viewers.

What do you want to get out of the competition?

I’m here to win. Whenever I’m involved in something I play it to win and I play it to better myself. I want to demonstrate all of my capabilities to everyone. I’m here to grow as an artist and I’m here to have a really great time. I think that hunger comes from my sporting background - I love to learn and progress. I love to see myself levelling up in everything I do. I’m hungry to win, learn and succeed. I want to be the best person I can be.

How would you describe your style?

I’m versatile. I’m energetic. My music involves a lot of content that is relatable and real. I pride myself on being different to what other people are rapping about. There’s a lot out there. I’ve got flows, metaphors - my stuff is intelligent. I’ve got something for everyone.

What does music mean to you?

Music is my life. Music has helped me through times when I couldn’t express myself. Writing music is a way for me to express how I’m feeling - I write about situations going on in my life or the world. Music is universal - I wanna be able to reach people who have a similar taste in music as me and who appreciate my sound and wanna listen to some real music with some proper content. Music is me.

How do you feel when you’re making music?

I’m in my element when I’m making music - especially when I’m performing. I love the writing and recording process too. I’m a perfectionist so I love to be able to lay the song and lyrics down and just work through it. I wanna create the best body of work possible.

How does music compare to football?

Football’s a very competitive sport. Everyone’s got an opinion about you. It’s the same with music. You have to be mindful of who you’re around. But they’re both fun and fast paced. They both take a lot to reach the top. You have to stand out from the rest. I’m here - if I wanted my football career to work out, I wouldn’t be here today. Music is my calling, it’s my purpose in life. Music resonates with me on a deeper, spiritual level. I have a lot to share through my music. I love football, but music is me - truly. The only thing I miss about football is the banter in the changing room. It’s a lot of fun when you’re with your teammates.

Who’s your favourite player?

Ronaldinho is my favourite player of all time.

Favourite rapper?

Good question. I have a few but I would go with Nas or Jay-Z.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

In five years’ time I see one of the biggest music artists not just in the UK but in the world. I’m gonna be known worldwide. I wanna be able to tour worldwide, win even more awards. I wanna create generational wealth for my family, look after myself, my friends, my loved ones. I want to have my own record label in that time - GCO records. I want to show how great I am to the world. I want to be one of the greatest UK acts worldwide.

What would winning the Rap Game mean to you?

If I won The Rap Game… that would be my biggest achievement to date. The exposure would open so many doors that I would not be able to walk through otherwise - it would put me in the right place with the right people. It’d allow me to network with huge UK and worldwide acts. It would show the world who I am. I’m hungry and I’m motivated and the world needs to know who I am. Winning The Rap Game would be the best thing for me in my career right now. Everyone would get to know who I am.