You may already be familiar with CA$PAR, the London-based rapper originally from LA, thanks to his explosive freestyles; his intense stare into the camera and quick-fire delivery highlight his deep appreciation for classic rap since his youth.
In 2024, CA$PAR won the Red Bull Raise the Bar cypher, which was curated by Unknown T. This event saw eight emerging MCs compete in front of a live audience. Over the following year, CA$PAR has been honing his craft with original releases that focus on instinct and introspection, such as the summer anthem ‘CA$H BEAT’, where small blessings are portrayed as cleansing and transformative.
In an interview with CLASH, CA$PAR shares his backstory, his enduring passion for hip-hop, his perspective on UK rap, and his choice to prioritize creative independence over label interest.
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Let's discuss your transatlantic origins. What was it like growing up in both LA and London? Who were you before you started making music? What did those early years look like?
I moved to LA at the age of 7, and growing up there was fantastic with all the sunshine and palm trees. It feels like a fairy tale. As a kid, I just messed around, attended school, and hung out with friends. LA has a specific vibe, which was enjoyable, but when I came to London, it was a crucial time for my personal development. London has a grittier, more authentic atmosphere. The weather influences the music, too; the grime from city life and the ambiance of the big smoke gives it that edge. That was integral for me growing up, as I made some great friends. It’s harder to find genuine people in LA, but all my friends in London are amazing.
What three albums by other artists best represent your musical preferences?
‘Illmatic’ for its music and beats—every track is a hit. ‘2001’ by Dre for its production; every song is a hit as well. ‘Good Kid, M.A.A.D City’ is just incredible. They all have had a significant impact on me. I also really like Jay-Z's ‘Black’ album, just to add that in.
Who do you consider to be the best lyrical rapper, either past or present?
This is a tough question, but I have a few favorites. Eminem is definitely among them. Nas is phenomenal. Big L is often overlooked; he passed away young, but his lyrics and flow were extraordinary. Kendrick Lamar and André 3000 are also impressive. While Nas may not rap fast, his ability to connect lyrics with flow makes him the GOAT for me. Writing like Nas is something you can't replicate; it’s innate.
Can you recall when rap became your outlet and form of expression?
I got into rap when I was 8 after discovering Eminem, and I became obsessed with it. I felt an urge to do something meaningful with my life, which is hard to articulate, but it felt like a responsibility to create. I sensed I had a purpose. I began freestyling at 14 with friends, and it all fell into place. I freestyled for a long time without writing lyrics down, just expressing whatever was on my mind in the moment. Sometimes I’d articulate thoughts I wasn’t even consciously aware of. Is it a reflection of my life? Recently, I’ve started writing lyrics, mostly because I genuinely enjoy it. I rap because I love it; I'm obsessed with the art form and its sound. The appreciation I receive is exhilarating.
Your musical journey began with rapping over DnB/jungle productions. Can you share about those experiences and how they contributed to your breakthrough?
My close friend is deeply into drum and bass and DJs, and we’ve always been best friends. He kept encouraging me to rap. While I love DnB culture, I'm not a huge raver; I don’t like attending raves because I avoid drugs. I see myself more as a grandpa in that aspect. However, I appreciate the culture and genre. I engaged with it to refine my craft and improve my performance skills, learning how to engage and energize the crowd. It taught me a lot, although it was never my main passion, and I'm grateful for the experience.
You've built your audience through freestyles on Instagram. Was the public aspect of being an artist something you had to grow into?
In university, I created music and invested a lot of time and money into two EPs that didn’t gain much traction. Very few people listened because I lacked a fanbase. I realized that music doesn’t just blow up by itself; it’s rare. I needed dedicated fans and to collaborate with producers. To do so, I needed some leverage—not in a toxic sense, but having a bit of clout helps in attracting collaborations.
I aimed to write 100 freestyles by the year's end and ended up writing
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You may already know the LA-born, London rapper CA$PAR from his intense freestyles, where he offers piercing looks to the camera and delivers monologues.