Latest news with #DanceWivMe
Metro
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Rapper with five number one singles and Mercury Prize retrained as a plasterer
Legendary 00s rapper Dizzee Rascal has revealed he has retrained as a plasterer, adding another accomplishment to his already lengthy list. The Bonkers hitmaker, 40, is considered a pioneer in British hip hop and grime music, and has garnered five number one records in the UK. But Dizzee, real name Dylan Kwabena Mills, could one day be skimming your walls after spending £1,495 to become a plasterer during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Baseline Junkie rapper shared that he became qualified with a City and Guilds Certificate in Plastering after attending Able Skills Construction Training in Dartford. Despite saying that he had forgotten the skills that he learned on the course, Dizzee felt he 'needed to learn to do stuff.' 'I did a plastering course for however long. I forgot how to do it, I got the certificate and everything,' he told Fix Radio. 'In the pandemic yeah, for some reason I felt like I needed to learn to do stuff. Big up Able Skills it was wicked.' However, the musician said that some of his fellow coursemates were 'miffed' he had enrolled, asking 'what's he doing here?' Some didn't recognise him, not realising they were sharing a classroom with an Ivor Novello and Brit Award winner. 'Towards the end, there was a couple dudes I've been with them for weeks. They were like 'Hey, oh my Go,d it's you, hey man, he's rich man, he's famous man'. 'Right at the end is when they clocked it.' The London artist has several well-known singles under his belt, including Dance Wiv Me, Holiday, Fix Up Look Sharp, and You've Got The Dirtee Love. He is credited as one of the greatest rappers of all time, as well as the artist to bring UK rap into the mainstream. He has worked with many huge artists, including Calvin Harris, Arctic Monkeys, Florence + The Machine, Robbie Williams, and Shakira. More Trending Dizzee has put out eight albums, with the latest, Don't Take It Personal, released last year. In 2020, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Birthday Honours for services to music. In 2022, he was given a community order with a 24-week curfew and a 12-month restraining order and must wear an electronic tag after appearing in court to face sentencing for assaulting his ex-fiancée Cassandra Jones in 2021. The grime star was found guilty of attacking Jones, with whom he shares two children, with a judge concluding he had been 'abusive and aggressive'. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Liam and Noel Gallagher in high spirits back at work together for the first time since reunion MORE: Freddie Mercury's sister 'spent £3,000,000 to get back singer's memorabilia' sold by his ex MORE: The Who re-hire drummer Zak Starkey after issuing statement on 'personal issues'
The Sun
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Rapper with four UK number ones reveals he's retrained as a plasterer after being found guilty of assault
RAPPER Dizzee Rascal has got a secret side from his typical stage persona after secretly becoming a qualified plasterer. The 40-year-old rapper, real name Dylan Kwabena Mills MBE, has become famed for storming the charts and earning five UK number ones including Bonkers, Dance Wiv Me and Dirtee Disco. However, his career was derailed when he was convicted of assaulting his ex-fiancée, Cassandra Jones, in 2022 during a 'domestic dispute' about child contact. But Dizzee has now revealed that, prior to this, he took part in a new qualification during the Covid-19 pandemic. Forking out £1,495 for the course at Able Skills Construction Training in Dartford, Kent, Dizzee is now fully-certified plasterer. Speaking to Fix Radio (via NeedToKnow), the singer said: 'I did a plastering course for however long. 'I forgot how to do it, I got the certificate and everything. 'In the pandemic yeah, for some reason I felt like I needed to learn to do stuff. 'Big up Able Skills. It was wicked.' However, he added that he wasn't initially welcomed by the others taking part on the part-time course, explaining: 'People were miffed, when I got in the queue people were like 'What's he doing here?' 'Towards the end there was a couple dudes, I've been with them for weeks. 'They were like 'Hey oh my God it's you, hey man, he's rich man, he's famous man'. Dizzee Rascal, 37, avoids jail after attacking ex-girlfriend and shoving her to the ground 'Right at the end is when they clocked it.' The star got the certificate before his conviction, which he tried unsuccessfully to overturn in 2023. He was able to swerve a jail sentence at the time, instead having to wear an electronic tag for 24 weeks after being handed a community order. As part of the rules of the tag, he had a curfew between 8pm and 6am. He was also slapped with a 12-month restraining order and ordered to pay £2,190 prosecution costs and a £95 victim surcharge. Prior to his arrest, he won Best British Solo Artist at the Brits, and in 2012 he performed during the opening ceremony at the London Olympics. 5 5 5
Scottish Sun
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Rapper with four UK number ones reveals he's retrained as a plasterer after being found guilty of assault
The singer has landed five UK number ones in his career so far HOUSE FIX UP Rapper with four UK number ones reveals he's retrained as a plasterer after being found guilty of assault RAPPER Dizzee Rascal has got a secret side from his typical stage persona after secretly becoming a qualified plasterer. The 40-year-old rapper, real name Dylan Kwabena Mills MBE, has become famed for storming the charts and earning five UK number ones including Bonkers, Dance Wiv Me and Dirtee Disco. Advertisement 5 Dizzee Rascal trained up as a plasterer during the Covid pandemic Credit: Getty - Contributor 5 The star said that other trainees were 'miffed' that he was there Credit: Getty However, his career was derailed when he was convicted of assaulting his ex-fiancée, Cassandra Jones, in 2022 during a 'domestic dispute' about child contact. But Dizzee has now revealed that, prior to this, he took part in a new qualification during the Covid-19 pandemic. Forking out £1,495 for the course at Able Skills Construction Training in Dartford, Kent, Dizzee is now fully-certified plasterer. Speaking to Fix Radio (via NeedToKnow), the singer said: 'I did a plastering course for however long. Advertisement 'I forgot how to do it, I got the certificate and everything. 'In the pandemic yeah, for some reason I felt like I needed to learn to do stuff. 'Big up Able Skills. It was wicked.' However, he added that he wasn't initially welcomed by the others taking part on the part-time course, explaining: 'People were miffed, when I got in the queue people were like 'What's he doing here?' Advertisement 'Towards the end there was a couple dudes, I've been with them for weeks. 'They were like 'Hey oh my God it's you, hey man, he's rich man, he's famous man'. Dizzee Rascal, 37, avoids jail after attacking ex-girlfriend and shoving her to the ground 'Right at the end is when they clocked it.' The star got the certificate before his conviction, which he tried unsuccessfully to overturn in 2023. Advertisement He was able to swerve a jail sentence at the time, instead having to wear an electronic tag for 24 weeks after being handed a community order. As part of the rules of the tag, he had a curfew between 8pm and 6am. He was also slapped with a 12-month restraining order and ordered to pay £2,190 prosecution costs and a £95 victim surcharge. Prior to his arrest, he won Best British Solo Artist at the Brits, and in 2012 he performed during the opening ceremony at the London Olympics. Advertisement 5 The star's chart-topping career stalled after he was convicted of assault in 2022 Credit: Redferns 5 The singer said he has already forgotten how to do the skill despite forking out over £1.4k on the course Credit: Getty - Contributor
The Guardian
22-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Blind date: ‘He said I looked like Kate Moss, then went, 'No, wait, Kate Bush – I still fancy her though!''
What were you hoping for? A fun evening and my first column in the Guardian. First impressions? Very understanding about how late I was. What did you talk about? Ice-cream van turf wars. Whether you'd buy bedsheets from a charity shop. My undying love for Pizza Express. My new cow-print shoes. Most awkward moment? He told me I looked like Kate Moss, then went, 'No, wait, Kate Bush – I still fancy her though!' Good table manners? He was very good at sharing his food (and also took the pudding we didn't eat back for his friends who were staying with him). Best thing about Jack? He sang part of Dizzee Rascal's Dance Wiv Me to me during dinner, which is all I could want in a date. Would you introduce Jack to your friends? I would, but not the ones who are into running clubs (Jack hates running clubs). Blind date is Saturday's dating column: every week, two strangers are paired up for dinner and drinks, and then spill the beans to us, answering a set of questions. This runs, with a photograph we take of each dater before the date, in Saturday magazine (in the UK) and online at every Saturday. It's been running since 2009 – you can read all about how we put it together questions will I be asked?We ask about age, location, occupation, hobbies, interests and the type of person you are looking to meet. If you do not think these questions cover everything you would like to know, tell us what's on your mind. Can I choose who I match with?No, it's a blind date! But we do ask you a bit about your interests, preferences, etc – the more you tell us, the better the match is likely to be. Can I pick the photograph?No, but don't worry: we'll choose the nicest ones. What personal details will appear?Your first name, job and age. How should I answer?Honestly but respectfully. Be mindful of how it will read to your date, and that Blind date reaches a large audience, in print and online. Will I see the other person's answers?No. We may edit yours and theirs for a range of reasons, including length, and we may ask you for more details. Will you find me The One?We'll try! Marriage! Babies! Can I do it in my home town?Only if it's in the UK. Many of our applicants live in London, but we would love to hear from people living elsewhere. How to applyEmail Describe Jack in three words. Sweet, sincere and funny. What do you think Jack made of you? He told me that I had great stories. Did you go on somewhere? Not on purpose, but we got totally lost in Westfield so we went to lots of different stations … just not the one we needed. And … did you kiss? Not after the stress of getting so lost. If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be? Probably the restaurant only letting us have one glass of wine each. Marks out of 10? A strong 8. Would you meet again? We found out we live 15 minutes from each other and run in the same park, so it will be hard not to. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion What were you hoping for? An abundance of laughs, some great storytelling and lots of free food. First impressions? Excellent outfit and a great smile. She began with a story about how she got lost in a car park on the way to the restaurant – the perfect start. What did you talk about? Her book influencer life. Whether ice-cream vans are a British institution. The disdain she maintains for her family sausage dog. The time she got paid £120,000 by accident. Why parkrun is overrated. Most awkward moment? When I accidentally said she looked a bit like Kate Moss. I meant Kate Bush! Good table manners? I wasn't paying too much attention. I was focusing on our conversation. Best thing about Emily? She is a great storyteller. I could have listened to the recollections of her crazy encounters all night. Would you introduce Emily to your friends? Definitely. She could make good conversation with a brick wall. Describe Emily in three words. Really good fun. What do you think Emily made of you? I hope good things. I tried my best to be funny, but not sure I was successful. Did you go on somewhere? Only if getting hopelessly lost in Westfield counts. By the time we found our way out, most places were closing. And … did you kiss? Just an excellent hug this time. If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be? We live in the same part of south London – so perhaps not having to schlep to a restaurant in east London. Marks out of 10? 9 – maybe full marks next time. Would you meet again?She promised to take me for dim sum, so we will see. Jack and Emily ate at Hera, London, E20. Fancy a blind date? Email
The National
12-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
How Dizzee Rascal turned grime's raw energy into arena anthem
When Dizzee Rascal was enlisted as a supporting act for the UK arena tour for Justin Timberlake in 2003, he felt like a deer in headlights. Fresh from his game-changing debut album, Boy in Da Corner – widely credited with bringing the underground grime movement to the UK mainstream – he had to figure out how to translate its whirring energy and dense wordplay into a dynamic live show. "It was my first proper exposure to a crowd bigger and different to mine, not to mention the rare chance of playing in such a big room like Wembley Arena," he recalls ahead of his Dubai show at the P7 Arena on Thursday. "It made me understand the importance of making some music that was a bit wider – if you know what I mean. I was finding when touring with Timberlake that the crowd were happy and gassed to have me there, but if I am just standing there and spitting 23 bars of lyrics at them and there isn't much for them to hook into musically, what I am doing is more of an exhibition than a show." It was a lesson Rascal, real name Dylan Mills, took to heart over the following two decades, resulting in more expansive songs such as Holiday and Bassline Junkie, incorporating styles such as dancehall and electro without sacrificing the gruffness and visceral energy of grime. The most potent example remains 2008's Dance Wiv Me, a collaboration with burgeoning producer-turned-EDM superstar Calvin Harris. The track can be seen as a pivotal moment in grime's commercial crossover with mainstream pop and dance music. While fellow innovative UK artists Wiley, Kano and Skepta were pushing the genre forward, Dance Wiv Me showcased its mainstream potential, topping the UK charts and becoming a mainstay in Ibiza clubs, thanks to various remixes. Rascal says crafting the song was an eye-opening experience. "By that time, I had been to Ibiza and understood the club environment there – something I hadn't before, because all I knew was London and what was happening there," he says. "I remember my label at the time didn't want me to go in that direction, but my deal with them was up, so I could do what I wanted. The song just felt like a natural progression. A lot of people underestimate what it takes to make a big pop track. They see it as corny or cheesy, but it's not that simple. I can make a grime track with my eyes closed because that's second nature to me, but creating a track that crosses over requires a lot of work – and, at times, collaboration.' While other artists, such as J Hus and AJ Tracey, took that direction further – sometimes derisively labeled grime-pop – Rascal remains content with where the genre stands, comparing its evolution to jazz, another genre that grew from humble beginnings. "I don't even think it's diluted," he says. "Sometimes people get confused. You have artists known for grime making commercial music, but outsiders don't always separate the two," he adds. "But I've always seen grime as existing beyond just the songs – it has its own culture. In a way, it's similar to jazz, where you have artists like Quincy Jones creating huge commercial tracks while, at the same time, Miles Davis could just play the trumpet into oblivion. That doesn't make one better than the other; they each have their own space." Rascal has been steadily carving his own path, despite a near permanent setback – in 2022, he was convicted of assaulting his former partner, with whom he shares a daughter and a son, after an argument at a UK property. Rebuilding his career again with a new album, 2024's solid Don't Take It Personal and the four-song EP I Invented Grime, he says the coming European tour in April will find him focusing on what he does best. "It will be high energy and I am bringing the production," he says. "I want people to come and have a good time and just bring the vibes. Just be loose and let me do the rest." Dizzee Rascal performs on Thursday at P7 Arena, Dubai. Doors open 9pm; tickets start at Dh195
