Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
"Like, the idea was like, these like gangsters who was out in the street and they were like, sharing weapons and stuff like that. And like to me, like weapons were just so available." — Ricky Dervace
"The process never ends, it's almost like crippling because you're listening to everything being like, oh I could, I mean, it's not like, once you put something out, it's like, in a way, it's not, it's not, it don't belong to you anymore, you know, it's not, it's ours now." — [Speaker Not Explicitly Identified, likely Ricky Dervace]
"Like, the more guns, the more, hey, hey, how you doing? New York, not that many guns. Go fuck yourself." — [Speaker Not Explicitly Identified]
The conversation begins with a lighthearted discussion about Will Smith's public incident, quickly transitioning to a more substantial exploration of UK hip-hop and grime music, with Ricky Dervace sharing insights into its origins and evolution. He contrasts the UK scene with American hip-hop, highlighting the distinct tempos, performance styles, and influences, such as Jamaican dancehall music. The dialogue also touches upon the societal differences between the UK and the US, including observations on gun culture, social welfare systems, and perceptions of wealth and opportunity.
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the complexities of artistic careers, particularly the struggle between commercial success and artistic integrity. The speakers discuss the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a lucrative industry, the pressure to conform to trends, and the long-term perspective of building a legacy. This is further explored through an in-depth examination of acting, with Ricky Dervace sharing his experiences and evolving views on the craft, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and emotional depth in performance, even as he admits to finding the process personally challenging. The discussion also touches on the impact of cultural background on artistic expression and how artists navigate their identities within their work.
Finally, the episode concludes with broader cultural reflections, including discussions on the perception of British versus American women, the nuances of regional identities within the UK and US, and the impact of cultural exchange, particularly in music and fashion. The conversation touches on the perception of royalty and the influence of celebrity culture, contrasting it with genuine artistic endeavors.