Check out London artist Tim Ajayi

1. Artist name and where did it originated from?

Tim Ajayi is my actual name. Well my actual name is Temilolu Ajayi but it is customary in England to adopt an "English" name to allow people to pronounce it. I chose to keep that name as my artist name as it embodies both the conforming to society (Tim) and my heritage (Ajayi). I am of Nigerian descent as represented by my birth name and Tim Ajayi embodies who I am and my experience in having to conform/fit in. Plus I'm not sure there are many Tim Ajayi's out there! 2. Where are you from?

I am a well-travelled man! My parents are Nigerian and moved to England, where I was born. I was born and raised in Stratford, which is in East London, before moving to the small town of Southend-on-Sea, where my family still resides. I pursued a college scholarship to the States, Orlando to be precise, and now I ply my trade in Miami. I hope that covers it! 3. Influences/inspirations?

• This is a tough one to answer because my influences are dynamic depending on what frame of mind I'm in and different stages in my life. Growing up, I wanted to be a Grime MC in London and considered the heavy-hitters in the scene at the time as my inspirations. That is: Skepta, Wiley, Ghetts, Bashy, Kano, and the rest. They heavily influenced my early artistic style, particularly the flows and smart wordplay in my lyrics. My travels expanded my horizons to the point where my influences changed pretty drastically. I became heavily inspired by Neo-Soul artists like Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, Andre 3000, and Ill Al Skratch. I would say the one constant influence throughout my life is Tupac, he was soulful, inspiring, and delivered the truth.

4. What makes your music different than other artists?

• I'm one of a limited few that has spent time living in both the UK and the US prior to gaining exposure. That brings a wide range of experiences that I am able to draw upon and gives me a pretty unique style of delivery and content. I'd also say that among modern day rappers there is a lack of appreciation for women. I have some very important women in my life, particularly my mum and sisters, and that carries through in my music. Finally, I am fully independent and plan to be for as far as my music takes me. More and more people are in this digital age, but it is still fairly rare.

5. Dream collab?

• There are so many I could say, so I will probably stick to who I would collab with right at this very second and say H.E.R or Anderson .Paak. They're incredibly talented. With that said, I think a track with Jay Rock or Nipsey Hussle would be an instant classic.

6. Favorite rapper and why?

• Tupac. The fact he could become so revered in a time where hip-hop wasn't the prominent genre it is now and to do it with a positive message speaks volumes. Current, I'd say Kendrick. The guy is more incredible than most people realize.

7. Where do you see yourself In 10 years?

• 10 years is a lifetime in music. I expect to have released 3-4 high quality, thought-provoking, revolutionary albums and begin transitioning into my role at my label SEA Collective in working with new, inspiring, talented artists who are capable of life-changing music. After these albums I'd like to become more of a songwriter, behind the scenes, writing for RnB, NeoSoul artists.

8. Favorite album?

• Tupac's 1995 "Me Against the World". This albums encapsulates Tupac's ascension from a rapper to a thinker. For me the concept of the "world" in the title and album is still himself, so it's a conflict between him and himself, a battle I myself acknowledge and now embrace. I have to shout out To Pimp a Butterfly and Forest Hills Drive though, they're both incredible too.

9. Upcoming projects?

• Right now I am just starting to build momentum towards my debut studio album, which will be produced in-house by my production team at SEA Collective. In the meantime I will be releasing 4 singles, all of which I am very proud of, the first of which was released this week and it's called Freakin' Out. Its a great track on the pitfalls of being tempted by lust. Go and watch the video, it encapsulates my artistry well.

10. Fun fact about you?

• I could French plait hair before my two sisters.