Slough's very own Joker Starr is gearing up to deliver another dose of uncompromising UK hip hop with his new album, Sidenote 2, landing on 6 November via Boot Records. Building on the foundations of its predecessor, the 14-track project sees the seasoned lyricist doubling down on what he does best, combining heavyweight production with sharp lyricism and an unwavering commitment to authentic hip hop.
Pieced together from a collection of standalone tracks, Sidenote 2 is a project that thrives on creative freedom rather than chasing trends or following a particular concept. Joker Starr lets the music do the talking, bringing together an impressive selection of underground talent, including Genesis Elijah, Cosm, Micall Parknsun, AnyWay Tha God and Verb T. Behind the boards, the likes of Josh Cyrus, DTYFT, Apollo and Giallo Point help shape the album's gritty sonic landscape, alongside contributions from Cosm and Micall Parknsun.
With singles ‘Chivalry’, ‘Chill Bro’ and ‘B.I.G.’ already setting the tone, Sidenote 2 promises another unapologetically raw offering from an artist who continues to champion the foundations of UK hip hop. No gimmicks, no unnecessary distractions, just quality beats, bars and a genuine love for the culture.
Joker Starr sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
It really started around Christmas 1991 or ’92. My mum bought me a radio cassette player, the double deck kind, and threw in a Bananarama tape and a Prince tape. That was my entry point, but the real turning point happened shortly after when I stumbled across Max LX and Davey J on Kiss FM.
Hearing that show was my first real introduction to hip hop, especially British hip hop culture. I was only 10 or 11 at the time and had very little knowledge of what the culture was about, but it immediately sparked an obsession, the music, the style, the elements, all of it. At that age, I wasn’t thinking about becoming an artist; I was just a fan who loved the art form and was already into writing poetry. It gave me a deep passion for something and gave real meaning to how I spent my time.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Internationally, artists who directly shaped my style include Mos Def for his cadences and Busta Rhymes for his incredible vocal delivery, how he can aggressively attack a track one minute and sit back on it the next. Wu-Tang Clan is huge for me too, specifically Ol' Dirty Bastard, Ghostface Killah, and Raekwon; their solo projects really inspired the vocal textures and overall sonic palette I aim for.
On the UK side, my biggest inspirations were mentors who gave me space to grow. Soliheen (also known as Def G from Lords of Rap) was a massive influence, as was Scanky the Ashanti early on, who took me under his wing and let me sharpen my production and MPC skills. I also have to shout out Old Boy Buddy Green from Newcastle, he was probably the first person to put up with an 18 year-old kid just trying to find his way, giving me the patience and room to be creative on his gear before I was a professional.
As for future collaborations, a dream track with Busta Rhymes would be incredible. I’d also love to tap into that Detroit energy and work with someone like Guilty Simpson, I think our styles would lock in really well.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
My new release Sidenote 2, is the follow up to my last album. Much like the first one, it wasn’t initially created with a strict album structure in mind, it’s a collection of music I’ve built up, either recently or recorded over the last few years.
It’s not a full collaboration project, but it features some brilliant guest appearances. Micall Parknsun, who I work with regularly joins in, along with my Italian brother Cosm, Anyway Tha God, Verb T, and Genesis Elijah.
Production wise, it’s stacked with heat from Apollo, DTYFT, Micall Parknsun, Cosm, Josh Cyrus, Giallo Point, and more. Sonically, it’s a real melting pot, blending hardcore rap with smoother palettes. For me, this project is all about recalibrating my vocal delivery and how I present my music at this stage in my career, having done this now for 26 years.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Bar-heavy, dynamic, superhero rap music, backed by excellent beat choices.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
With a career spanning over 20 odd years, it's quite difficult to pick just one single proudest moment. But looking at recent highlights, getting to perform at The Great Escape Festival with Jazz T, Micall Parknsun, and Anyway Tha God was really cool. Alongside that, I’d have to say the response my Sidenote album received was massive for me. I was just so grateful for all the incredible feedback and love people showed that project.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
To be honest, I wouldn't really call it advice for playing the music game itself, because the industry can be full of a lot of nonsense, treatment isn't always fair, and there’s often a big disparity between what you see on the surface and the actual truth of what you experience.
Instead, my advice is to focus on enjoying the music, enjoying your growth, enjoying the journey, and just getting better at your craft. If you have that as your foundation, it will serve you well. When you do things purely because you love it, it stops feeling like a chore, and you’ll always give your best.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Definitely check out Anyway Tha God, he’s super consistent, technically very good, and has a great perspective on the music he releases. Also, check out Josh Cyrus for his production and his own music; he’s a brilliant musician. I'll leave it at those two!
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your playlist currently?
Anything with Ru$h and Jay Nice is getting run at the moment, their whole catalogue is on heavy rotation.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
When I'm not making music, I like to watch football and socialise with my friends. I also love spending quality time with my fiancée and my puppy, shout out to Teddy, the most awesome Frenchie in the world! On top of that, I like to wear flashy clothes and go to fancy places to eat. You know what I'm saying?
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Pen, pad and a microphone.
