Catch is a natural talent. When the breakout South London rapper steps onto the Lyle & Scott set, she radiates smiles and positivity, her innate energy and keen focus illuminating the scene. It’s surprising to learn that this is her first significant shoot, yet she approaches it effortlessly. “I’m a bundle of nerves on the inside,” she smiles, “but I manage to conceal it.” The night prior, Catch attended a concert featuring Kendrick Lamar and SZA at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a breathtaking experience that sparked her ambitions for her own live performances. The Lewisham rapper has seen a meteoric rise since her debut just under 18 months ago – “it feels like it’s been longer, honestly!” – as she made her mark in the UK rap scene.
A remarkable freestyle with Kenny Allstar went viral, followed by a stream of noteworthy singles – including the anthemic ‘Press Da T’ – leading to her well-received and deeply personal mixtape, ‘Young Trapper’s Dream.’
“I’ve always had the skill to rap, but growing up, there weren’t many visible successful rappers,” she reflects. “I hesitated to pursue it as a career because I wasn’t sure if I could sustain myself. However, as time passed, my passion for writing and rapping never faded… it stayed with me. When everything else fades away, and that talent remains, you have to focus and pay attention. I feel like the universe was sending me a message. So I decided to dive in.”
Catch is serious about her craft. For an emerging independent artist, her Spotify figures are impressive. “I’m still getting used to it!” she admits. “That’s the frustrating part – you never have the chance to truly absorb it or thank people. Words can’t fully articulate what I feel. It’s so much deeper than I can express verbally. But I love it.”
“I often tell people that I don’t speak much… but I can rap. If I need to communicate something, I turn it into a song and share it with someone. That’s the only way I can convey how I feel.”
Everything Catch releases feels deliberate and thought-out. She’s not here merely to occupy space; each piece contributes to her narrative. When recording, she favors one-take sessions – entering the zone and getting it right. “I’m not effective at writing in the studio – I need to be in the right mindset. I prefer not to see or hear anyone. I write at home.”
Nodding, she remarks: “For me, it’s all about what I’m feeling. Sometimes I’m in a reflective mood. It’s all tied to my emotions.”
‘Young Trapper’s Dream’ was a six-track mixtape characterized by authenticity. It tells the story of life – with all its aspirations and regrets – featuring Catch expressing her truth. “I wanted to prove to the rap scene that I deserve respect,” she explains. “I was surprised by its success, especially being early in my career and with rap competing against the rise of dance music. I never expected it to achieve what it did… but it did, and I take a lot of pride in that.”
The mixtape signifies an ongoing evolution in her journey and her artistry. “I changed my writing approach,” she shares. “I stepped back for a while. Initially, I was still tied to street life, so my writing lacked depth – it was mostly about boasting and showing off. As time passed, those material concerns faded, and I became more introspective. During lockdown, I realized I had no idea what was happening in the world! I began to think: what do I have to represent myself beyond this eight by four room…? It struck me profoundly and transformed the way I write.”
“One of my friends advised me: Catch, be vulnerable. It felt odd because I’ve always wanted to be open, but I didn’t think people would want to hear that side of me. They were used to me being tough. But now, that authenticity is what differentiates me.”
Since the mixtape’s release, accolades have poured in, with industry icons like Dave and Giggs reaching out in support. “It’s surreal!” she exclaims. “They’re legends. They’re my heroes! I grew up listening to their music.”
Clash notes that they’re all from south of the river. “There’s something about South London, man! Something in the water.”
Being on set is part of Catch’s strategy. She believes in manifesting her dreams; the original lyric sheet for ‘Voice Of The Streets’ already bore the tagline ‘Kenny Allstar Freestyle’ before she secured the booking. A new tape is on the way, and the South London artist is also planning a show before the year ends. “Last year and this year were about unveiling who I am. And tomorrow, I’m going to demonstrate that I’m as
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Catch is a natural talent. When the breakout South London rapper takes the stage for Lyle & Scott, she exudes joy and vibrancy, showcasing her authentic positive energy.