Just Announced! Brit and Mobo nominee Kano
Kano is a grime MC from East Ham, Newham, East London, and has gained wider attention after his debut album Home Sweet Home. His decision to make grime music, and eventually other types of music as well, was vindicated since, in his younger years, he was a promising footballer representing Chelsea F.C., West Ham United, and Norwich City F.C by the age of thirteen. His cousins Jonathan Fortune and Clayton Fortune play for Charlton Athletic and Darlington F.C respectively. Kano first became known on the UK grime scene for his work with his original group, N.A.S.T.Y Crew, which included members such as Ghetto. From this springboard he was signed as a solo artist and began work on his debut solo album.
MCing in the underground scene on Flava F.M. as a youth, after a couple of years he was scooped up by N.A.S.T.Y Crew (Natural Artistic Sounds Touching You). Kano used the crews underground popularity as a springboard and left N.A.S.T.Y His first track was "Boys Luv Girls", which was produced in 2002, was later taken to a studio and remastered by Dizzee Rascal. Kano first became known in the UK grime scene for his work with his original group, Nasty Crew. From this springboard he was signed as a solo artist and began work on his debut solo album. In 2004, Kano released his debut solo single, "P's & Q's", on a 12" vinyl only release, which was a massive underground hit, marking Kano out as a rising star. He went up against Wiley on Lord of the Mics 1 in one of the most recognised grime clashes, despite only being 17 at the time and after being persuaded by Jammer.
He has been criticised for not being loyal to the genre that made him, instead deviating from the sound and collaborating with indie collectives and singers such as Kate Nash. The criticism is something that he strongly disagrees with, claiming that he is an 'MC', and should be able to spit over anything.
In March 2008, Kano parted ways with record label '679' and is currently unsigned. In winter 2008 he released 140 Grime St. , and album which was well recieved by the fans who had criticised his loyalty. However, in October 2009, Kano released Rock N Rolla, which was heavily criticised, as Kano used the Auto Tune, and used a dance beat.
He is also the Older Cousin of Lawless.
.jpg)
