If you've been following UK rap over the past year, it's clear that deed0t stands out — he aims to be heard. With heartfelt storytelling in tracks like ‘Do You Buy Your Girl Flowers’ and the lively, club-ready vibe of ‘Sonny Fodera’, the Manchester artist has created a diverse body of work that effortlessly shifts between different emotions. His consistent quality can be seen as a subtle strength, but his intention is equally important; every release, every visual, and every choice of beat fits into a larger narrative.
deed0t is not just a northern voice — he embodies a voice for the North, honing his musical style while providing a perspective shaped by real experiences, which make his lyrics resonate on a different level. Beyond his streaming numbers and stage charisma, he is crafting something lasting; rooted in authenticity, community, and the belief that music fundamentally serves as a means of connection.
CLASH spoke with deed0t about his life before music, the significance of visuals, the evolving UK rap scene, and how intention ties together his works.
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Your music demonstrates a remarkable maturity. Are the experiences you discuss drawn from personal lessons learned?
I keep it as genuine as possible. Despite our different backgrounds, we lead relatable lives in some ways. Before pursuing music, I worked an ordinary job like many others, and I can empathize with different perspectives — whether that's someone who's discontent with work or finds alternative ways to hustle, possibly even illegally. All these experiences are relatable and share a common thread. In essence, we're all aiming for similar goals. The stories I share are both personal and universal. I don't want anyone to feel excluded when enjoying my music; I'm not limited to a single viewpoint.
Music is rooted in emotions. I want everyone to experience what I feel when I create a track. To me, it doesn't always feel like storytelling; it feels like I'm discussing life itself. It doesn't come across as scripted or forced. The one thing we all have in common is the journey of living life and figuring things out. The narrative is broad and reflects life, and across each song, I explore various themes while always returning to the essence of shared human experiences.
Has the desire to create, particularly music, been a part of you from a young age? Where does your passion originate?
Absolutely, it definitely started early for me. I was a DJ at 10, influenced mostly by my dad, who was a prominent DJ in Manchester. He introduced me to it from a young age. After school, I'd go to his house with friends and we would play music. I developed a good ear for it; I was aware of BPM and musical keys.
Songwriting came a bit later. Around 18, I thought to myself that since I enjoyed music and had done DJing, why not try my hand at songwriting? My sister, C to the H, used to MC, and she took me to her friend's home studio where I recorded my first track called 'Piano' — that should still be on YouTube. That experience hooked me. I felt a rush in the studio; it was a way to take ownership of music differently. DJing lets you control the crowd, but with songwriting, it's about conveying your own words and emotions. From that moment, I committed to it and kept at it.
I started making music at 10 as well. My dad took me to keyboard lessons, and one day my neighbor came over and installed Fruity Loops on our computer — I was captivated. It felt amazing sitting in a room with the speakers on, translating thoughts into a DAW. Then days later, listening back felt surreal.
Yes, exactly. You feel a sense of ownership. It's a rewarding experience.
Regarding your current setup, how does your creative process look now?
I'm quite adaptable. Before I signed, I was self-reliant and even produced most of my beats. ‘Won’t Stop Calling’ was my production, but signing allowed me to collaborate with successful producers who I might not have encountered otherwise. Now, I'm open to learning and sometimes letting experienced individuals take the lead. I've also started co-producing. My production style remains simple and not overly complicated.
The track ‘Sonny Fodera’ was entirely produced by WhyJay & Litek, and it resonated with listeners immediately. I'm grateful for that. It taught me the significance of being open and versatile when collaborating, but I still bring my own uniqueness to the table. I want my music to feel fresh while retaining a sense of familiarity.
Right now, you're succeeding alongside other artists like Jim Legxacy, who share a similar vibe in attitude and energy, even if not in sound. As someone attentive to Black British culture, what are your thoughts on the current scene, both in Manchester and the UK as a whole?
There are ups and downs. The positives are that everyone now has a platform. In the past, gatekeepers controlled visibility
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If you've been following UK rap in the last year, you'll recognize that deed0t isn't interested in fitting in — he aims to stand out. From the heartfelt