Joker Starr A cursory glance at Joker Starr’s C.V. and a simple fact is made obvious: there isn’t much the talented artist can’t turn his hand to. From performing in New York as part of Jonzi D’s Lyrical Feater, to producing a track on MC Ty’s Mercury nominated album, Joker Starr doesn’t limit himself and certainly isn’t held back by a lack of talent. Creativity, personality, energy and originality: these are terms the young MC bandies about with ease when discussing hip hop music. They are also the only predictable elements that brand a style so varied and eclectic there’s no telling which direction it will take next. Humorous social observations jostle with serious statements, witty-one liners counter-point shout outs and put-downs. There’s no aspect of life the rapper won’t break down into Joker Starr sized pieces before reassembling to create a picture of the world the way he sees it. The Lyricist didn’t grow up listening to Hip Hop. His Sierra Leone parents brought him up on Calypso, Soul and Jazz. It wasn’t until the age of 18 that he discovered an interest in the genre, and soon after that interest was tested and proved true when the informal rap crew he helped to establish fell apart and he was left with the option of quitting or forging on. A duo with fellow rapper Dark Angel followed and while the creative relationship known as Amogee still continues, Joker Starr has clearly laid out the foundations for a solo career. ‘UK Hip Hop’ is a subject on which the MC has a great deal to say, however, his music speaks volumes unaided. The distinctive British accent, the narratives set in UK locales, the quality production that permeates every track, the collaborations with Terri Walker and Estelle, the tightness and energy that he brings to stage performances. In short the vitality, authenticity and personality he feels UK Hip Hop is lacking at present Joker Starr supplies in abundance every opportunity he gets. ‘MCing is about expression,’ he states in no uncertain terms, ‘it needs to come from you.’ A potent mixture of talent, vision and dynamism, Joker Starr is ready to add a new facet to Hip Hop music, with a distinctly UK flavour.