9:50am Friday 3rd July 2009
CHIPMUNK’S headline slot on Basingstoke Live’s main stage is not the first time the young rapper has headlined a Basingstoke show.
Last July the talented grime and rap artist performed at the Academy for the launch event of Basingstoke’s Beats n Bars, a platform for young hip-hop artists to perform live.
Pat Neal, who founded the nights with her nephew, Richard Reece, said: “He came to a Beats n Bars night when he wasn’t particularly well known. A year on, after his career had really taken off, I still had his manager’s number on my phone so we were able to get back in touch for him to come back.
“A friendship has built up and he is really supportive of what we are doing. The night will be like a version of that night in the Academy, because we have a whole line-up of MCs before he comes on to headline.”
She added: “Chipmunk is a massive role model for the youth of today. He’s only just turned 18 and with all that is going on, he is still studying – he’s just finished his A-levels – so he’s kept his feet on the ground.
“He’s an ordinary guy from north London, and he often talks about that in his music. He says that he has done it and so can you, so he’s really an inspiration to young people.”
Win a meeting with Chipmunk Basingstoke Live and Beats n Bars are teaming up to offer three lucky winners the chance to meet Chipmunk backstage at Basingstoke Live and signed copies of his new single for runners-up.
Just go to basingstokelive.co.uk, answer a simple question and submit your entry by July 7.
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