From Envy to ENV

Back in July 2008 Bent chatted to a new cute gay rapper on the scene called DJ Envy. Classically trained and with the confidence of youth he predicted that his star would burn bright in 2009, so, we caught up with him to see how it all went… and what he has planned for this year.

“Things are going really well thanks. This last year has been crazy for me and I can’t wait for what’s to come in 2010. In 2009 I toured America, performed throughout Europe, my new music video was also featured on MTV and the best thing of all is that I getting to do what I love and follow my dream….”

The name change from MC Envy to E.N.V was in itself the continued show of progression to his success, as he himself admits he felt the name was not showing his full ability as a musician, so E.N.V was created… but just how is this London lad received in other countries

“To be honest… the reception I’ve been receiving in other countries has been incredible. I’m starting to think am I’m living in the wrong country. lol. But it’s all good. When I was touring America, night after night, the audiences were getting bigger and the screams and applause were louder and louder, it was amazing!”

With confidence growing with each performance no doubt there were some shows that stuck in his memory as defining moments…

“Apart from performing in Trafalgar Square (London Pride) and in front of City Hall (San Francisco Pride) my best gig to date has to be in Berlin @ The Bassy Club back in November. I was pretty nervous before this show as it was my debut in Berlin and I was worried about how the language barrier would work with my music… but everyone loved what I did, so much so that I’m back in Berlin to do 5 shows at the end of this month.”

With one album behind him and a steadily growing legion of fans waiting on his next move, what can be expected in 2010?

“I’m currently just finishing my second studio album, which I’m planning on releasing at the end of summer/autumn. As far as singles go… I’m off to Mexico in March to shoot the new video, which is going to be Hot!!! So that single will be out around May, which is also when I will be starting my second American Tour.

Being a single guy (although he says open to offers) when he gets home from all the touring he can usually be found out and about partying at his favourite London haunts –  XXL, Kings Arms, Barcode, Duke of Welly, Eagle and White Swan. However, work-wise he has a list of artists he’d love to collaborate with.

“Chase and Status, Scissor Sisters, N-Dubz, Tinchy Stryder, Rodney Jerkins and Jay Sean to name a few….”

ENV launched himself as a gay rapper but now as he’s maturing does the homo label mean as much

“I love it but know no different… I have been gay all my life even when I wasn’t out… I wouldn’t want it any other way.”