Successful Rapper inspires students

Up and coming Urban musician Shimm1 visited the region recently to take part in a live interview on the student show That Tom and Katy Thing.

A Self made artist, songwriter, producer, video director and label owner, he agreed to take part in the show, filmed at Staffordshire University’s TV Centre in Stafford, after meeting Film Technology Student Jessica Davison at The Main Event Festival, which he produced and directed.

He then invited Jessica and her friend Katy Piggott, host of That Tom and Katy Thing, to the launch party of his last single, where he agreed to take part in the show.

Katy, 22 from Stafford, said: “Shimm was so enthusiastic when Jessica introduced us so we were really keen to get him to come along to the Uni.  He has done so much with his career already and gives so much to charity, as well as giving students a chance to work on his various projects, that he is an inspiration to other students.”

Shimm1, 25, was born in Wolverhampton.  After graduating with a LLB Law degree in 2000, he returned to the Midlands and has since set up his own record label Blueprint Muzic, has produced his own videos which appear on MTV, set up his own festival, created his own clothing range and played to more than 30,000 people at Party in the Park.

In 2006 he signed a licensing deal to release The Silencer LP and is currently working on his new album.

Shimm1 said: “I still run my business from Birmingham and like being in the Midlands but I spend a lot of time in London these days as it is where the big urban music scene is happening.  I also travel to America to perform gigs regularly as I have friends over there too.”

“People do think it is strange that I have ended up in this industry when they find out about my degree, but I grew up watching LA Law and it is something that I always wanted to do.  It wasn’t until I was at Uni and I met my first band that I realised where my real passion lay and after being in the education system for so long, you learn how things work and that ethos stays with you and you learn to take every opportunity.”

“I get bored easily and like a good challenge so I think that is why I have ended up expanding into so many areas but it is good to gather as many skills in life as possible.”

After growing up in the 80’s listening to artists such as Phil Collins and Kate Bush, he is planning to remake Phil’s Both Sides of the Story to: “explore the contrast between the two types of music and make it work for an urban artist, alongside an amazing video made by me!”

Shimm1’s latest single, It’s Over, is out now and he has high hopes for the record to make it to the top 10.  The album Yeah Whatever will be available in the spring.

That Tom and Katy Thing is streamed live on the University’s website and will also appear on Sky TV’s Educational Channel.