Kennington rapper Blanco is as breezy as they come. Known for his pinnacle involvement in the pioneering drill collective, Harlem Spartans, Blanco reinvented himself post a spell in jail, offering an approach that leans into experimentation and differing sonic and rhythmic tendencies, a artistic characteristic that came to a head of his statement debut project City Of God.

Now cemented in his reputation as one of the most exciting and individualistic names in UK drill, Blanco has continued to push his sound and technique since the release of his aforementioned debut project. The rapper has now returned with a follow up body of work in the shape of “ReBourne”. The mixtape, which features heavy hitters in the scene Kojey Radical and Avelino, is a further enhancement of Blanco’s narrative-driven lyricism and charismatic performance. The beats are effervescent and diverse, and Blanco flaunts his cheek and craft, easing us further into his striking personal story.

We had the opportunity to discuss the project with Blanco, delving into his Harlem Spartans origins and stylistic transformation in the process.

Listen to “ReBourne”…

Read the full interview…

Who and what inspires you to create?
If this was a few years ago i would of said other artists and the sounds i hear but nowadays it’s anything and everything anyone and anywho.

How did you first find your path in the industry?
I found my first path in the industry with the Harlem Spartans, I was planning to stay on that path but with

How do you feel looking back on the legacy that Harlems Spartans shaped?
I don’t feel a thing, I don’t look at it with the same mindset others look at it with.

What do you think of the current direction of the drill scene? Do you think some sections of it are losing its authenticity?
The drill scene is having it’s natural progression just like everything in life, with humans there wasn’t just one species there was several as we evolved eventually just like everything it’s gonna die too.

How did you set out embarking on your solo career and shaping your sound into what it is today?
My sound wasn’t done with the intention of cementing myself to this sound, I’m experimental I like to try things & I realised Baile funk flowed really well with me. I knew being in prison that when i came out I was going to go solo and do some songs with Bis.

Your range of collaborators is incredible, who have you worked with that’s stood out in your eyes?
The people I’ve worked with that stood out were NSG, Avelino, Ace & NSJ Mali these 4 people are incredibly talented they have a natural gift for music.

City Of God was an outstanding project, how do you feel looking back on the LP and its reception?
I feel like most of the reception was good. I was anxious about it – I’m always anxious about everything creative. I do I feel like things coming from your mind is unique and you don’t know how people are going to take to that but the reception was good nonetheless.

Talk us through the creative process of your new mixtape, “Rebourne”?
My creative process was different to the previous process it was more of a random creative process, with City Of God I knew what subjects I wanted to touch on and where the songs would fit, this one was more spontaneous.

What can listeners expect from the project?
Expect different vibes and randomness.

Where do you want to take your artistry?
I want to take my artistry to the different parts of the industry & different parts of the globe.