Prince Kong - REMANDED IN CUSTODY (Mixtape) + Interview
Prince Kong Releases Gritty New Mixtape REMANDED IN CUSTODY, Recorded Inside HMP Lewes.
Lewes, UK, rapper Prince Kong presents his boldest and most personal work to date with the release of his new mixtape, Remanded in Custody. Written and recorded entirely within HMP Lewes through InHouse Records, the project is a raw and unflinching account of the criminal lifestyle, reflecting the highs, the lows, and the heavy consequences.
Engineered by Jimmy Pilgrim, Remanded in Custody was completed in just three months while Kong was on remand awaiting trial for GBH, for which he was later convicted and sentenced to six years. The mixtape is a powerful snapshot of a turbulent time, created under extreme circumstances and charged with emotional intensity.
“All the tracks were written and performed by me inside,” says Prince Kong. This tape is me laying it all out — the chaos, the adrenaline, the regrets, and the real cost of living that life.”
Far from glamorising crime, Remanded in Custody is an honest self-portrait: reflective, confessional, and unapologetically direct. Across the tape, Kong paints vivid scenes of street life, inner conflict, and survival, offering listeners a front-row seat to the realities of his world.
“This is probably my best work to date,” he says. “I made it with nothing but a pen, a mic, and time. A lot of time to think.”
Remanded in Custody is more than just a mixtape — it's a document of resilience and a testament to creativity under pressure. For fans of raw UK hip-hop with something real to say, Prince Kong has delivered something unforgettable.
Prince Kong caught up with Wordplay Magazine over the phone from HMP Coldingley to chat about his newest mixtape:
1. So tell me about your new Mixtape “Remanded in Custody” and the inspiration behind it?
It’s a mixtape detailing the criminal side of my life over the years and the highs and lows that come with that lifestyle. I had just spent a year on the run out Thailand when I was arrested at Stanstead Airport returning to the UK. I wrote and recorded the whole thing in about 3 months while I was on remand awaiting trial for GBH (later found guilty and sentenced to 6 years) and I think it’s probably my best work to date.
2. You are currently serving time in HMP Coldingley, so making music, let alone putting it out must be very difficult, can you talk us through the process?
Unfortunately there are no recording facilities here at Coldingley but at HMP Lewes, where I spent my first 10 months and recorded Remanded In Custody, they have a facility called InHouse Records. They teach instruments, songwriting and production and they have a basic recording setup with a booth so I would write bars in my cell at night and go record during the day. Obviously being in jail with not much else to do this was a huge escape for me and it’s probably the only thing I miss about Lewes!
3. You are part of the legendary Rum Committee, will you continue to put out music as a solo artist or will the committee be back to make music in the future?
I’ll be honest, the only person from Rum Committee I still speak to is Rag’N’Bone Man. He’s my dargy for life and has always had my back regardless of what dumb situation I’ve gotten myself in! The other guys are off doing their own thing but I don’t talk to them or follow what they’re up to so I don’t really know. I can’t see us recording any new music in the future but, then again, Oasis just got back together so you never know! Would have to be a lot of dough tho…
4. How would you describe your sound?
I would say raw and aggressive but with an intelligent and vulnerable side. If I had to pick an artist I’ve been inspired by the most, probably DMX. Rest in peace the big darg!
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
There are quite a few that are up there for me. Supporting Onyx in Glasgow in 2023 as a solo artist was amazing and booking CasIsDead for Halloween as a promoter back in 2014 was wild, but the pinnacle has to be joining Rag’N’Bone Man on The Other Stage with Rum Committee at Glastonbury 2017. Walking out to a crowd of 50,000 plus people and performing at the worlds most famous festival is a life changing experience and one I will never forget. Surpassed only (just) by the birth of my daughter.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Yeah. DON’T WORK WITH YOUR MATES! Nah for real, I would say never doubt your own ability. And if you have a good idea don’t let other peoples doubts become your own. Believe in yourself and stay authentic cos people can tell when you’re not. And always keep it fun. If you’re not having fun what’s the point?
7. Do you find music is a good way to bond and connect with people in prison or can it sometimes be a catalyst for disagreements?
I found it was a real positive experience working alongside other prisoners in the studio. Ultimately I think music can have a hugely positive impact on offending behaviour and I think more work needs to be done in that respect. There is so much talent in prison. I’ve met incredible rappers, singers, producers, illustrators. Even down to the guys who rig the electrics in here so they can run multiple appliances in one plug socket. The level of intelligence i’ve seen has been nuts! I am actually looking at starting a record label for ex offenders when i’m released so watch this space!
8. Can you tell us what a typical day in your life is like at the moment?
I’m warning you it’s fucking boring! Wake up at 8am, clean my cell and head down for a shower. I do my work for the day (cleaning the stairs on the wing) then chill in my cell playing Xbox for a bit. Then its lunch at 11:30, followed by more Xbox and maybe writing some bars. Finally get locked up between 5pm and 7am and then repeat the next day. There’s a lot of hanging around doing nothing in here. And cooking. Everyone loves to cook.
9. I appreciate there is limited answers here, but what do you like to do when you're not making music?
DMT and finger painting. And Boggle.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio when making music normally, were there any comforts you were allowed when making this mixtape?
So.. As a free man it was usually weed, liquor and a sound engineer with the patience of a saint! Recording has always been a bit of a lively affair but i’ve gotten more professional the older i’ve got. As far as comforts with this mixtape, there weren’t really many. At that point i was spending 20 hours a day locked in my cell during a hot summer so the comfort was just being out for a couple hours in the studio doing what I love. To be able to record and release music from prison has been a blessing and I’m still working hard. There is plenty more to come from me in the future so stay locked in on my socials.