Interview: Res One
Bristol rap icon Res One put his city on the map in 2011 with his homegrown rap group Split Prophets, releasing their debut Scribbled Thoughts album which struck chords nationwide. The acclaimed single Ain’t Amused went viral, as one of the first ever UK hip-hop videos to achieve a million views which helped propel the renown of UK hip-hop across the world. As a label, Split Prophets went on to release many more solo and collaborative projects. However everything changed for Res in 2018, causing his decision to temporarily step away from Split Prophets. In this interview, Res reveals exclusive insight into what has taken up his time over the last three years; founding Green Brick Records, Fatty Lou, conceiving a son with his fiancée Helen, moving out of 84, Brick Sofa, an upcoming Green Brick Compilation tape, a new Split Prophets project, solo album & more.
Green Brick Records was founded in 2018 by Res One alongside Split Prophets turntablist, BadHabitz. Following their prior success with Split Prophets, both artists felt a need to create a new label which they could co-manage themselves. Now decisions concerning music releases could be made by one person, as opposed to multiple. “We were trying to go further afield and do stuff which maybe some people might not like music-wise,” began Res One, explaining the creation of Green Brick. “So rather than it being eight people making a decision, we decided to make a label and use our platform that we kind of got through Split Prophets, to make a platform for other people as well.” Although Green Brick is fully down to support a new generation of South-West hip-hop talent, the original intention of the label wasn’t to remain area specific. In fact, Res One is currently working on a Green Brick project with artists from France. “It’s not just South West artists,” confirmed Res One. “There are people in France that I am going to be releasing with. It is basically using the platform that I have already to try and bring through other people that I think are really dope, also at the same time keep my foot in the door when I am not necessarily making music.”
A Dog’s Dreams was the debut Green Brick Records release, a solo Res One album produced by RLD affiliate Illinformed, who was Res’ housemate at the time. Although this project received a good response upon its release in September 2018, Res couldn’t help but notice a major difference in reach when comparing Green Brick’s with Split Prophets. “It was like stepping backwards,” laughed Res. “Going from, say what, 30,000 subscribers on YouTube, 12,000 on Facebook or whatever… So yeah, it is difficult but that is just part of the game, isn't it?” From having thousands of followers to then restart from zero was humbling for Res, despite his somewhat dejected note that many Split Prophets fans are still unaware of Green Brick. “There are Split Prophets fans that think I haven't released anything in God knows how long,” continued Res. “They might not even know Green Brick exists, or think I have just dropped off the radar because it is not on the Split Prophets channel, you know?” Nonetheless, Res has since made a return on his initial investment and remains content with Green Brick’s progress. “I like having something that I can call the shots on,” added Res. “To push my own preferences, also to push people that I really believe in.”
All smiles with Res One’s fiancée & son, Helen & Leon.
At the same time, Res and his fiancée Helen also set up a clothing company called Fatty Lou, although Res readily admits Helen is the driving force behind it. Since registering their companies on the same date, Fatty Lou has gone from strength to strength by building from the bottom similarly as Green Brick. “We are just getting new garms in,” said Res. “We are getting some great collaborations and are trying to create affordable, stylish streetwear - which doesn't cost an arm and a leg.” Although Green Brick and Fatty Lou are hand in hand in the sense that both founders literally live together, Res states they are their own companies not strictly affiliated to one another. As well as all this, Res and Helen also conceived a son named Leon and moved house during 2018. “Me and Helen, we literally kind of did it all at once,” laughed Res. “We got engaged, we set up two companies, we had a baby, we moved house… Having Leon obviously takes up all our time, but that's all good, I wouldn't change it for the world.”
Fatty Lou ‘Handstyle’ Hoody & Joggers. Available @ fattylou.co.uk
Another integral part of Green Brick was the Brick Sofa podcast’s, where Res and DJ Rogue would interview professional creatives in Res’ attic room, at his notorious 84 yard. “One of the reasons the podcast was laid back and it worked so well is because people could smoke, drink and there weren't too many rules,” explained Res. “It was easy, but in my new place we don't have the space - I can't smoke inside because of my kid, so we are just struggling to find a place to do it.” With a laid back vibe, the Brick Sofa podcasts were able to uncover a variety of exclusives, from music stories to straight up randomness that anyone going to a usual interview with that artist wouldn’t have found. “No-one else is doing that dynamic,” continued Res. “With a podcast, you have got more scope and range to talk about anything. So we are going to get them going again, shouts to Rogue and shouts to Oscar - everyone who was a part of it - I am speaking to a couple of people about locations at the moment.” DJ Rogue is a veteran, Bristol based scratch DJ that has been a part of his city’s scene for decades. “I remember, there are photos of me going to shows when I was just starting to rap and he is there DJing and that,” added Res, recalling how DJ Rogue became involved with Brick Sofa. “I hit him up because I knew how funny the guy was, he is one of those people who is quick-witted - sometimes he needs to let himself settle into a situation before you get that side of him, but when he comes out of his shell, he is fucking hilarious. But I don't think he has really got a shell any more man, he doesn't give a fuck.”
On the Green Brick website, at the time of writing seven artists were listed as affiliates, however Res is quick to also shout of Illinformed & DJ Skitz for their involvement. Among those listed is Mac Lloyd, who recently impressed with his Melancholic Soul Club release on March 18th. “He has released Sweetheart Soul Jams, Tired Eyes before that,” said Res. “I think Mac Lloyd is a really, incredibly diverse artist - he produces his own music, he sings on it, he can rap, he can play live instruments - he is extremely dope.” Another Green Brick affiliate with material in the pipeline is Joe Burn, who Res met through the festival circuits before Corona struck. “Then Skitz as well, he is a good friend of mine and he is Joe Burn's godfather,” continued Res. “He has got a crazy stack of music man, we are just waiting on a couple of final finishing things - obviously with Joe Burn, his music is very festival orientated and it would suck to not be able to play shows, so we held off on releases and stuff because we didn't know what was going on with the lockdown, etc.” Res was also excited to announce that Bristol emcee, Springa was set to make a Green Brick debut, on the upcoming ‘Brick Top Volume 1’. “That is a compilation record which we are bringing out in the Summer,” added Res. “I've known Springa for years and years, he is extremely sick man, he is a real talented lyricist.”
Although there have only been four official Green Brick releases to date, Res assures that more music is certainly to come. The ‘Brick Top Volume 1’ compilation is to be released digitally and on 12” vinyl, a thank you to patient fans as well as an insight into what’s to come from Green Brick. “We have got nine tracks on it,” said Res. “We just wanted to create something that will be a collectible, each year we will press a compilation record. Whether it is completely unreleased stuff with one or two released tracks or remixes, but we want to do it every year so we have at least one record coming out a year.” The unfortunate reality for most musicians is that their trade disappeared after lockdown, making uncharted territory out of what would usually be considered the standard. “I made an EP with my friend out in France the summer before lockdown,” continued Res. “In the summer of 2019, I made an EP and we can't finish it because I haven't been able to go over there, it has been difficult for artists all around the world.” Currently Res is finishing off his last collaborations, then he intends to work fully on his next solo album. “I am working on something with Chester P, Verb T, Farma G, who else…” added Res, shouting out some upcoming collaborations. “Me and Joe Burn are working on stuff together, there is all sorts but really when that is all done, my focus is just going to be my album - to be fair, I have got another project with Illinformed as well which will be another solo project, so yeah, there is loads of stuff coming.”
“Yeah, yeah they can, man,” replied Res, asked whether Split Prophets fans could anticipate a new release for 2021/22. “Me, Upfront and BadHabitz have got a few things stacked up. We were going to work on an album, I am not sure whether that is going to turn into an EP or not. But we have got a load of music stacked, I know Upfront has got a lot of music stacked. We have got a plan to basically rent a studio for all of us and just crack out another album, that is going to be the one man - a new Split Prophets album. So yeah, 100%. Any Split Prophets fans out there, thank you for your patience. We have got stuff coming, 100%.”
Res One, thank you for your time.
Words by Evo