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Jamie Laing
Hello everyone. My name is Jamie Laing and this is great company. Well, I'm very excited today.
Jemima
Hello.
Jamie Laing
Hello.
Jemima
Don't forget that bit.
Jamie Laing
I will never forget that. Hello everyone. Welcome back to our lovely podcast. This is Jemima and this is Jamie. Jemima's the producer. I am the host of the show and we have a really exciting episode for you today. I say that every week.
Jemima
You do say that. Jamie gets excited about every, like genuinely every single episode.
Jamie Laing
Every single episode.
Jemima
You know, people always ask me, what, what's he really like? I'm like, exactly.
Jamie Laing
What it says on the tin.
Jemima
What it says on the tin when Jamie says he's excited for every guest. He genuinely is.
Jamie Laing
Yeah.
H
Yeah.
Jamie Laing
What. What you think I'm like is exactly what I am. A little bit overexcited at times, a little bit impatient at times, a little bit too energetic at times, kind of all over the place.
Jemima
But also every week, just renewed, like, oh, gosh, I'm so excited for this one.
Jamie Laing
But genuinely, I am so excited for today's guest.
Jemima
Me too.
Jamie Laing
Because it is the one and only. It's H. H is a rapper. He's a performer. He's quite big on social media. He's had lots of different hits. He's fascinating.
Jemima
Yeah. And he's got a new album coming out as well.
H
4.
Jamie Laing
And he's got a new album coming out. 4. So he's coming on today to chat about 4. To chat about his life. Really interesting with H as well. He likes to talk a lot about his family.
Elise Hu
Yeah.
Jamie Laing
And what I love about that is when you ask someone about their family, you see their eyes light up.
Jemima
Yeah.
Jamie Laing
And I feel like today H is going to be like that.
Jemima
Yeah, absolutely. He's also from Manchester. He is from Manchester with a very thick accent. Very thick accent, which is quite like. I feel like you can always tell. Do you know what? This morning I was listening to the radio and he has a song out at the moment with AJ Tracy, and immediately I was like, oh, this is H because of that thick Mancunian accent.
Jamie Laing
You can hear it. So you're saying if I was a rapper, you'd be able to tell that it was me from my accent?
Jemima
Potentially, Because I don't think there's too many rappers with your accent.
Jamie Laing
West London Southern accent.
Jemima
Yeah. Thick Chelsea. Although you say us weirdly, I do say us, which I think is an Oxford thing.
Jamie Laing
I think we think it's an Oxford thing.
H
Yeah.
Jamie Laing
Okay. This episode is gonna be amazing for lots of different reason.
H
Show.
Jamie Laing
Buckle up for this. If you haven't subscribed already to our show, please do. It does us absolute wonders. I cannot tell you. Also, check us out on social media at Great Company podcast and you can send us an email. Great companyproductions.co.uk Here we go. Enjoy this episode of Great Company with.
Jemima
Oh, sorry, you say that you can say it with H. With H.
H
Yo, people is H. And right now, I'm in Great Company.
Jamie Laing
I remember I was younger, I had this weird habit of, like, hiding things in cupboards. It's weird. And I did. I actually did this twice. Once I had a spider man outfit once and I. My brother had a Batman Outfit. And anyway, we were playing like hide and seek in the house and I went around the corner and he jumped out and went, Batman scared me so much. I shat myself. So then I. I had to. I went and hid that in a cupboard because I was so embarrassed about it. And the same thing happened when I drank for, like, when I was young and I drank for like, I don't know what time, and I. And I threw up in the be. And I was so embarrassed. I hid it and hid it in my friend's cupboard.
H
Oh, my God.
Jamie Laing
And a week later his mum found it.
H
Yeah, that's. That's bad.
Jamie Laing
Something embarrassing about that.
H
Have you ever done that one where. Well, this is all gone left this podcast. Ever done that one where you vomiting?
Jamie Laing
Yeah.
H
And you're yourself and you don't know whether to put your head in the toilet or your ass in the toilet and either way, some it's going to go on the floor. I have definitely been a victim of that, bro. And I was just.360 and sicking everywhere because I didn't know. I didn't know where to put my head. That was a bad one.
Jamie Laing
My favorite things you say when you say fluffy.
H
Fluffy. Yeah. Hell. Do you know what. Yeah, I feel. Do you know what I feel like? Yeah. I feel like no one ever mimicked the man Coxin until I came about. That's what. I genuinely feel like that from the bottom of my heart. So I've ruined it all for us all.
Jamie Laing
Talk to me about growing up. What was it like?
H
It was mega. It was just like a proper stereotypical North Manchester, like, upbringing in it. Like we was outside. We was. I was on my pedal bike 17 hours a day, all over the place. You know, you get them little calls about 9 o' clock, you better come in here and come in his house now, you know, I mean, all that stuff, it was good, man. It was amazing. You, you go get on your bike, you go get lost on the other side of Manchester, find your way home. All that stuff, you know.
Jamie Laing
Adventures, man.
H
Yeah, adventures and that. And just like being buzzing when you say, I, I've got two pound fifty. He's got two pound fifty. But our kids come out with a five. Oh, we're nice today. Do you know? I mean, things like that, like, things have also changed now. Like, you don't really see kids where. When I go to my area now, I don't see like big groups or gangs of kids, like, stood outside the shop, like back in the day, for some reason. I Feel like it's very more enclosed now. Or like, for example, like my little sister, she's 15 now, she don't go out or do after things that I used to do. And that's not because like I've been keeping her in an adlock or anything like that. It's just like, it's different. It's different.
Jamie Laing
Do you think that makes it, does that make it better or worse? Truthfully, Even though, even though, even though you were experiencing things at a young age, but we were having adventures.
H
Was having adventures and it was like you actually learn people skills and stuff like that and like how to, I don't know, just how to deal with people and just be around certain things and also just being aware. Like, I feel like kids now, not every kid obviously, but certain kids now. Like we would say when we was kids, it's part and parcel to go. Stop at the pavement, look left, look right, and then cross the road in it. Like if a kid has grew up, now gets dropped off at the school gate every day, comes back home and don't go outside, they're gonna be. This sounds so stupid. They're going to be locked in on the phone while they're in the car. So they can't. They're not even looking outside. I know this sounds so stupid, but it's. They're just going to be running across the road left, right and center, not even knowing what's going on.
Jamie Laing
It's so funny you say that because I was, I was thinking back when I was younger, the other day, this is so weird. I was thinking about that saying, stop, look, listen, live.
H
Yeah. Do you remember that exactly.
Jamie Laing
When we used to cross the road, that's what we were taught in school. But you have to stop, look, listen live. I don't think kids are taught about that anymore because they're in the phone, they're dropped out of school, they're just sort of.
H
And also, and even when we did get taught that at the time we did get taught that, we probably sat there going, I know I'm not stupid. Across the road 10 times today. Do you get what I mean? Whereas now if I kidder that they'd be like, oh, okay, right, yeah, stop, look. It's like, are you mad? I'm coming across the road on the back wheel, on the, on the, on the bike, because I know the road left like the back of my hand. You know what I mean? But I feel like kids now, don't get me wrong, not all kids don't ever get. Don't get it twisted but like, I feel like it's, it's a lot different though. Yeah, I mean, so, yeah, Talked about your sister. Bad man Legend. The goat. Yeah. Like she's like, she really is like the star of the show. Like in terms of going. If you go to my mum's house now, people will be there now just to see Grace. They're like my friends. Like, people don't come see me at my mom's, they go see her. We've. They've actually just got some new neighbors, my mum and dad. They've been there for like a couple of days and my sister has been over there for dinner like all week because she. They can't let her go. It's a legend.
Jamie Laing
What's your age gap?
H
10 years, is it? She's a twin, my sister.
Jamie Laing
Is she?
H
Yeah, she's a twin. So I remembered dead clearly. I remember I must. Well, I must have been about 10 years old. I remember I was eating a ham sandwich in the living room and my mum and dad came up to me and said, you're gonna have a brother or sister. And I was crying my eyes out, fuming, thinking, not a chance you've done me like this. Anyway, got over it. And then I remember going. I think I was off school or something, I can't remember. But I remember I had to go to the hospital with my mom to get a scan when she was getting a scan and I remember that the nurse saying to her, oh, there's two in there. I remember my mom going like that. I remember my mom lay on the bed like this, belly out here, massive. Yeah. And I remember just going like this. I thought that was good. And then obviously they came and it was Hattie. Hattie was first. Hat says if you're like a. If you're a super, super fan, you would have seen Hatter. But I don't really like to put her everywhere, you know, I mean. And Gracer. Yeah, and that's my, that's my best mates MC right there.
Jamie Laing
Does Gracie ever perform?
H
Yeah, she actually, she came on stage with me once. I didn't even know actually. It was. It was actually pretty cute to be fair. I was on stage in Manchester doing my G and whatever. I'm getting the crowd going, everyone's waving and obviously there's a spotlight on me and as I'm waving like this, I've seen, I've like felt the spotlight come off me, you know, I mean, I'm waving like this. I'm thinking, where's my Light. Put the light on me, please. And then ended up, like, breaking and thinking, what the. I'm looking and a lot. And Gracie was walking on the stage, and it was sick. And then she was. She was just whatever, dancing, singing it and all that. But, yeah, she loves it. She's like. But even, like, little things, I think, when. When they go out sometimes. Not all the time, but sometimes, like, people will see her and ask her for a picture.
Jamie Laing
Really?
H
Yeah. But she loves it, though. She, like, come home, like, looking. Looking all like that. You think? I think I know what's going on.
Jamie Laing
In your relationship because Gracie has Down syndrome, right?
H
Yeah.
Jamie Laing
Being so protective over her, like. Like, what does that. What did that teach you as a human, as a man, as a brother?
H
Wow. Loads, loads, loads, loads, loads, loads, loads. Where do we even start? It taught me, first of all, it taught me, like, to. This also sounds. It sounds quite bad, but it taught me to. Or more. It taught me more to treat everyone the same and to understand that everyone's a human, bottom line. And it's funny how much of a proper conversation you can have with my sister. Like, you could do a podcast with my sister now, really, and it'd probably be the.
Jamie Laing
The best.
H
The best one. Do you know what I mean? And it's funny how, like, I don't know so many things. I've learned so many things off her. I wouldn't even be half the person I am if she wasn't here, you know? I mean, yeah, 100. She's taught me so many things, and, like, it's just like. What's the word? I don't know what the word is. But, like, when I do this, like, raising awareness thing, it's not to, like.
Jamie Laing
Mate, that was right? That was going up Kilimanjaro.
H
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. But, like, it's not like, I hope people don't think I actually seen a comedian speak about Dallas syndrome. Also, I'm gonna take his. Take his thing. And he was like. He said something like, oh, yeah, when I tell people my brother's got down syndrome, they're all like, oh, I'm sorry to hear that. And he's like, are you mad? He's got the best. He's living his best life. He just. His joke is he's just sit there and drink Capricorns all day. That's what he was saying. He's pretty funny. But, like, I know what you really are, but, like, there's not nothing to. To be, like, upset about. Like, if anything, it's Made life better. That my. How my house is, is that house. You know, if you open my mum's door, it's got 64 pairs of trainers on, you know, in the door, because everyone's there, there's music on. She's singing, she's doing what she's doing. Like, it's just a big bright light in the house that definitely wouldn't be there if she wasn't there. Do you know what I mean? And she actually teaches you lessons that you don't even realize till after. Every time I used to go to bed, she used to always. She used to always grab my. This is random. No one's told us to do this. She always used to grab my face like this before. I used to go bed and just go, harrison, don't be afraid. Yeah. And I used to just laugh at first. But then she started doing it all the time. I started thinking, yeah, like. Because in the grand scheme of things, it's like you'd think a person would say, look at me. You did it. All these people in the room. And then Gracer. And feel like maybe, like, she needs to be afraid. She's the one that needs to be afraid more than anyone else in it. Do you get what I mean? And it's just not the case. Like, she's just absolutely living her best life. Whatever anyone else has got going on around her, she's gonna be sweet. Anyway, I started taking that. And it's funny how, like, every time she says it now, I feel like I could walk outside and take on the Hulk. You know what I mean? And it's mad. And even when we was doing the Mountain, when he was doing Killer Manjaro, that was like, we've got it on camera. The weirdest thing ever is on the night we was meant to summit, the guy who. Like, our guy who was leading us, he was stood there. He didn't know that Gracie says this. That don't be afraid or anything. And he was sat there and he said one thing today, guys. He was like. He was from Leeds. Awesome. At Sheffield. He said, don't be afraid. And it was weird. And, like, obviously me, V, or a couple of my people who we know that Gracie says that. We all went and looked at each other like, what the. Like, it's weird, bro. Like, but, yeah, don't be afraid. And I got it tattooed on me. I've got it tattooed there. And I just feel like it's just such a simple sentence in it, but, like, it just hits.
Jamie Laing
Does it make you emotional? Speak about her?
H
No. Because I also know how much of a little she is actually. So. No, but maybe it did that foot. Do you know why? Do you know why? It doesn't make me emotional. This is what I'm saying. This is my point. Because there's nothing to worry about. There's nothing.
Jamie Laing
No, it's just. What I meant by that is, I see like. Like, it's like people who are listening. There's like the. The raw love.
H
Yeah. Yeah.
Jamie Laing
In, like, your eyes. And. And when you're saying it's taught you so much. You're. You're almost trying to express to someone who doesn't understand how much. You'll never know how much. How much it can teach you.
H
Yeah. Yeah. And I also want to say that for people who say there's a couple right now and they're about to have a kid and they found out the kids got down syndrome, please don't think that it's the end of the world or like, like life's over or it's not. You're actually gonna have the best time of your life. Like, I promise you. I'm saying. And remember this. Please remember this. I don't get paid to say this or, like, I don't give a. Also, on some selfish. My sister's good. I don't need to care about anyone else, so I don't even need to say these things. Do you get what I mean? Like, if I'd, like, take this with a pinch of salt, if anything. Everyone else. My sister's sweet.
Jamie Laing
Yeah.
H
That's all I should care about, really. But I'm saying this to say, like, nah, it's lit. Like. And also, that's what she taught me. Even, like, just being ignorant to certain things. This. This isn't even a joke. I feel like people are gonna laugh when I say this. I didn't even. Never. I didn't even know what down syndrome was until my sister was born. Yeah. I started knowing about it. And then I felt like every time I got in the car after I seen 10 downs people a day. Do you know what I mean? It's weird, but she taught me, like, without even knowing, she taught me this. Not to be so ignorant.
Jamie Laing
Can I just ask for someone who doesn't know what is down syndrome?
H
Basically, it's just as simple as. I'll show you a tattoo here. See, I got a 21 tattoo there.
Jamie Laing
Ah.
H
With a lover.
Jamie Laing
Yeah.
H
So basically they have an extra 21 or 21st chromosome makes. Basically, that's what it is. That's just what it is. Basically. That's exactly what they're actually one up on us. So we can't what you're talking about in it, you know, I mean it's 1 nil to them lot. Yeah. I mean they're winning.
Jamie Laing
Why did you stop music for a bit.
H
Bro? To be honest, bro, because it was.
Jamie Laing
The honest, the honest thing. Why? Why?
H
Because, because obviously I was say I started rapping at 15. I was just putting in work from 15 to do. It blew up when I was 18 and then when I blew up I had to go twice as hard. And then I was, bro, I was doing it 365 days a year till I was about 21 and then I just stopped. I don't know, a lot was too much and then back to them. Things are like, oh, there's so many things I could say right now.
Jamie Laing
Yeah, but say it man, because I, I get it. It's that burnout period.
H
Yeah, yeah, burn out probably like losing friends because I've spent so much time trying to get to where I need to be. Do you know? I mean, people's lives change and all that. You don't know how people feel about you in real life because then you start tripping, thinking, oh, I've been too bothered about what these millions of randomrs are saying about me and not about what the people I care, you know, I mean, things like that. Just being in the, in the limelight and then realizing that at the time I didn't even. I've not lived, no, like from being 17 to 21, it's like prime time period in it for, for whatever. So, and I, I never lived that, you know what I mean?
Jamie Laing
I, I, Mine wasn't compared to yours, right. Like I did a reality show, right? And I started at what, 22, 23, so 24 to 5, 24 year period again, same as you. And I remember when I got to 27 and I had experienced whatever I experienced, right. I remember at 27 I was sitting in my apartment and I remember thinking, I don't have anyone to phone. I have no one to phone. I've rejected all of my old mates. My new mates aren't really my new mates. They're just from people I've met out clubbing.
H
Yeah.
Jamie Laing
I haven't spoken to my family in like a month.
H
Yeah, yeah.
Jamie Laing
What the am I doing?
H
It gets real, bro. It gets real. There's honestly, this topic could be like an endless conversation for me.
Jamie Laing
Yeah. But let's go down because I find it interesting what did it do to you mentally? What were you feeling?
H
I was just a bit like, I was just burnt out and I was just like, confused, you know? I was. Confused is a pretty good word. I was like, right, what the. This sounds mad deep. I'm not even a deep guy, but I think I was sat there thinking, like, right, what. What is my life? What the is this? I also felt like I was older than I was because I've done so much. So, like, I'm like. I'm like turning 20, thinking I need to find someone to settle down with. But every but then, oh, but does everyone just want me because I am who I am? And then that sparks a whole nother thing. Do you get what I mean? And then like, oh, bro bear things. And then did you ever feel down? Yeah, yeah, quite a lot at a certain period. It's also funny how, like, do you know if. If you live not a sheltered life, but. What's the word I'm looking for? Basically, if you. You come up and you've got your set, say you've got six friends and your mum, dad and your brother or whatever like that, and you go to work and you've got your two favorite work mates and that's it, and they're the only people you kind of socialize with. You don't. If. If they're good people. You don't really. You don't really know or sense any negativity because it's not. It's not really around you. You don't put yourself in that position. But then. And then you get flung into a thing where my job is based off people's opinions. Do you get what I mean? So I'm sat there thinking, I'm not all confused, thinking, rah. Why is everyone a prick? Do you get what I mean? Because even though. Because I might, I'm getting 20, 000 comments that say, you are the truth. You are amazing. I love you. But then you get free comments that's like. And you can't help but focus on them. Do you get what I mean? It's odd. It's hard being having a job where the success rate of my job is based on people's opinion, but I'm a person personally who doesn't give a. About people's opinion.
Jamie Laing
Yeah. But deep down, there's the party that can't help that.
H
Yeah. Yeah. But then on the flip side, get on this one here. On the flip side, then I'm thinking, you know, sometimes when I drop a song and I'm getting All this love. Yeah. I have the best couple weeks in my life. Like, I feel like superman.
Jamie Laing
Yeah.
H
And then say I don't drop for a month, I start getting all sad and then I start sending myself worried about it because I think, do you, like, are you trying to live off attention? Do you get what I mean? Like, are you just thriving off this attention and if you don't get any attention, then you're not happy? Do you get what I mean, man?
Jamie Laing
I know. I think so many people, like, in life in general and like, you know, especially in the entertainment industry feel that massively. And, and the more. And the last couple days thinking about you coming on, the more I've been thinking about the sort of music industry in itself and what, what is like what music industry used to be. It's so different to what it is now, right?
H
Massively.
Jamie Laing
And. And like, music sort of had this thing where it sort of stood the test of time and people were listening to albums for months and weeks and years after it was released and it was almost. And now music is so instant. And what I was thinking about is I suddenly just like had this moment where I was like, shit, it's actually so tough where like, someone like, take yourself for example, you release amazing track, it fucking booms, it goes for it, it goes wild. Their fans are like, we need something more now. We need more, we need more, we need more. And it doesn't stop. It doesn't stop.
H
I think that's. I think a lot of the time artists and music people sit here, sit there and blame the people for that. Yeah. But I think it's a bit of a 50, 50 blame. I feel like artists and that we've become too accessible and two, like. But. But also because. Not because for any other reason other than because you feel like you have to. Because you, you might, you might get advised off the label. We need to do, we need to do some personality tick tocks. It's like, yeah, but I'm a rapper, I'm not a social media influencer. Do you know what I mean? It kind of takes the fun out of it and the love for it out a little bit.
Jamie Laing
And that's what happened to you?
H
Yeah, a little bit. I was just like, no, to be fair, no, that was a bit separate really, because the game wasn't really like that when I took a break. It was more. There was just so much going on and all that. But like, I'm talking like nowadays, like, it is, it is very different. It is very different. And even like it's like you've got to get everything else sorted before the actual music now. Whereas, like, a couple years ago, a couple of years ago, you could have. You could rely on. Good music will prevail.
Jamie Laing
Yeah, it's different now.
H
I think that's different now.
Jamie Laing
Why? Explain that to me.
H
Because I think you need a lot more than just a good tune for it to be overly successful in every genre of music.
Jamie Laing
Or in yours, particularly.
H
I think particularly mine.
Jamie Laing
I think you're right with that. Like, especially being a rapper, there's. You have to kind of hold your own.
H
Yeah, yeah, yeah. 100%.
Jamie Laing
And if you start looking left and right, what people are saying or people.
H
Are doing, I also do think. No, it just depends on what kind of message you want to get across. Like, if I came out here now and, like, someone came around, people came around the corner, started filming me, like, whatever, trying to bully me or, like battering me, you're not really gonna get no street points in it.
Jamie Laing
Like, explain that to me. What do you mean?
H
So, like, if I was a rapper and I'm in every song, I'm saying, yeah, you know, I always keep the gun tucked or like, the ops are like, no one can chat to me.
Jamie Laing
Yeah.
H
And then I went outside there and just got bullied. You're not standing up, then it's like what you're trying for in it. But I've never said nothing other than, well, whatever I say in it. But, like, so, yeah, so I don't really think. I don't personally feel pressure to, like, keep up a certain Persona or anything like that. No, But.
Jamie Laing
But also. And we're going to try and dance around this. We don't have to talk about. We're going to dance. Right. But there are. You've had beasts of music and you've said things like that and.
H
Yeah, of course.
Jamie Laing
And you've held your own in that place. And it feels like from my side when I always listen, because, man, you know, your music's freaking great, dude. Like, man, 100%. And, like, everyone was so excited for you to come in because I think your fan base is, like, quite far and wide.
H
Yeah, it's all over the place.
Jamie Laing
All over the place.
H
It's all over.
Jamie Laing
But you. You aren't afraid to say what you want.
H
No, because.
Jamie Laing
And where does that come from? Because you. Because that's. That's. That's brave.
H
That's like. I reckon that's a mixture of, like, well, just rap in general. I'm just a rap fan and at the. The rap that. I know, that's what it is. You say what you want and you don't let. You don't let no one take the piss. You know what I mean? But then also, that's probably mixed in with some, like, straight up, like, Northern. Like, don't take no. In terms of, like, rap beefs and all that. There's also something a little bit playful about it at the same time. Like, no one. I would like to think no one's really got a mad problem. It's more just like, yeah, you tried it.
Jamie Laing
When you're that young and you're going through something, like you're 21 years old and, man, you. Everything's thrown at you and you're feeling burnt out and your brain's going crazy, and you feel like this and that. How do you. How do you even talk about that? What are you feeling? How are you expressing it?
H
I don't really know. Do you know why it was hard? Yeah. Because it's hard to talk to someone that's not in your shoes about something in it. And, like, I felt like a bit of an outsider when it comes to the scene or, like, looking for someone who's, like, in similar shoes to talk to. Because everyone's from London. I'm from Manchester at the time. I'm not actually friends with anyone. Everyone's just colleagues. Like. Like, I could. I didn't feel like I could message anyone on some normal. Without him saying, let's get in the studio. Oh, like, what? Do you know what I mean? So I don't know. And also around. Kovid was around that time as well, so I'm not gonna put the whole blame on that. It was like, everything's going up. It's all crazy. And then covert hits and then you sort of, like, back to reality kind of thing. There's a lot. There's a lot that go. That goes into it, really. But.
Jamie Laing
And I know we could sit here for another five hours and we wouldn't even get to the bottom of it.
H
We wouldn't even get to the bottom.
Jamie Laing
We wouldn't even touch. I know, I know.
H
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. 100. But I think the main thing is that this. This goes with everything, but sometimes your head just does all the time, especially to something that you kind of like. I can't think of a better word. But you. You smothered with you. I was just smothered with music and fame and money and these friends. Are these friends or these friends? Or are they even friends or. And Then it's like, even in terms of like, you might want to speak to your mum or dad about it, but your mum and dad are only going to give you kind of like a certain level of response because your mum and dad don't know nothing about not, not being able to go Sainsbury's without certain things. You know what I mean?
Jamie Laing
Who dragged you out of it?
H
I think myself really. I just needed time. It weren't even a thing of like.
Jamie Laing
He'S just young, 21 to have the, the self awareness to do that.
H
Yeah, I think it was just like. It weren't like no bottomless pit that I had to like really clim of. It was just like, right, forget about all that for a minute. Just be normal for a minute. Go ride a bike. Yeah, go ride. Exactly. Go ride a bike. Go on holiday, do all this. Do it. Because even I probably went to however many countries before all that and I was there for a day, got drunk, did I don't even remember what the place looked like, and then went to the next place. You know what I mean? So I just needed to just cool off a minute and actually get some inspiration. I think I, I think I literally said everything on the mic that I had to say. Do you know what I mean?
Jamie Laing
Yeah.
H
So I have to just go away, get some inspiration, live some normal life, also meet new people. Because you can't, yeah, can't be inspired with this. You can't be inspired with the same thing all the time.
Jamie Laing
Did this inform what you wrote, you know, in the new album.
H
New albums. The new album's a bit different. New album's a bit more kind of finding the balance of actually like this new school vibe of like people having a much shorter attention span and not really, not really having the patience to all the want to like try and listen to a song. Do you get what I mean? But then also still being me, not, not going all the way new school, I still got bars on there. I've still got heavy rap songs on there that are gonna slap finding that balance. And also I made this, this project mainly for a live show. Really. I feel like you listen to this project, if you listen to it on a streaming app, you get 50 of the feeling and then you need. You're gonna have to get over 50 by coming and, and watching it, you know, I mean that's, that's the vibe of this one also.
Jamie Laing
Great marketing.
H
You know what? Yeah. My first album Close to Home was a lot more like you get, you get to know me like you get a different side of me. Personal things. I had, like the. My G record on there, man. I had, you know, I mean, like, couple things what people didn't know about before. Whereas now that was like, hello, this is it. This is really H. Not like the. Not like the little kid who you think just out all the time, drinking all this. That was close to home. It's like, this is H. Really. This is Harrison. Four is like, don't you dare forget who the I am, you little bastard. That's what that is.
Jamie Laing
Why is it called 4?
H
4? It's called 4 originally because my postcode was M40. And when we was kids, we always used to say, like, I'm in the four or in pictures. We always used to put fours up like this. So it's just always been a thing. It's my fourth project. I'll be honest with you. I'm not going to sit here lying about it. It was meant to drop on the fourth or the fourth, but that didn't happen.
Jamie Laing
Let's go.
H
Yeah. So does it feel good to be back?
Jamie Laing
Yeah, but it's tough again, right?
H
You. You. Do you know what? It feels good. Do you know what it is? Right? I left from, like, from 2022, like, after the first. After my first album, after Close To Home. I think I left it on a certain note, which. A good note, on a bad note, but I left it. You know, my singles was like the Ashanti song, Ed Sheeran song, stone roses sample, 1989. I left it on a bit of a. Even though I. I did nothing but rap, I left it on a bit of a mainstream note. Do you get what I mean? Yeah. In terms of, like, that's the last thing you heard of me. Then I went missing. So I feel like, unfortunately, I give people time to forget the reason I'm actually here, which is because I'm a good rapper.
Jamie Laing
I think that's your own insecurity. I really do.
H
It might be.
Jamie Laing
I think it is.
H
It might be.
Jamie Laing
I think that's your own insecurity, if I'm being honest. I don't think people forget. I think people know that you. You fight. I think that's you judging yourself.
H
What it is back to the things of. You highlight the negatives all the time. I'll see one or two comments that might say, H fell off or H went pop. It does me, Eddie. I'll just be honest with you. It does me edding. Because I'm thinking, like, first of all, whether it's. Whether I'm on a song with gigs or whether I'm on a song with Anne Marie. I do nothing but rap anyway. I've got bars on every song, listen, do you know what I mean? But I do get the vibe of like people want that raw. But then also it's not just the raw that's put me in this position today. It's also funny like feeling like you've got to cater to the fans. But also I need to pay me mortgage. But then also. Do you get what I mean? Yeah. So like you gotta find that balance. And again, back to my fan base. If I walk through the airport tomorrow, there'll be a 10 year old girl coming up to me asking me for a picture. There'll be 16 year old lads, there'll be a 45 year old woman. Do you get what I mean? I know, it's why it's all over the place. And I kind of like, like that. I feel like I am one of, if not the only one in the UK that kind of has a stretch that far when I say that I know that everyone's got fans all over the place.
Jamie Laing
No, but I agree.
H
I've really got thousands of 50 year old fans and thousands of 10 year old fans. Yeah. I mean, so yeah.
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Jamie Laing
What was it like climbing Kilimanjaro?
H
Oh, it was the best thing ever. It was the best. Worst thing ever, though.
Jamie Laing
How bad was it?
H
Oh, mate. Had the same boxes and socks on for seven days. Yeah. Do you want. I'll give you some raw stuff. I had the same boxes and socks on for seven days.
Jamie Laing
Yeah.
H
Yeah. I had to. In a tent that was about five foot high and about a foot wide. Yeah, yeah. Where I'm sat, having a. And then when I've got to stand up to wipe me ass, my nose, like hits the tent like that, you know? I mean, like, it was weird and then. Yeah. And. But it was good, obviously. Used to be so many amazing things about it. First of all, obviously, the cars we was doing it for in the first place was amazing. The fact that we was there with a couple straight, like a few strangers who. But it was there for the same reason. So it was like. It was a nice feeling. I was also like, before I went there, I was on some, like, losing faith in humanity because, like, don't know, because everyone's weird and that. But then in life. Yeah. But when I got there, it was like, oh, no, everything's fine.
Jamie Laing
I had that after my run.
H
Yeah. Yeah. It's funny in it, you realize how great humans are. I also feel like separately, like everything is in worlds. Like there's more. There's more than one world within this world, if that makes sense. So, like, because I feel like. I feel like everyone's a prick, but that now that's just because of the world I've put myself in. But go over here to this world.
Jamie Laing
And everyone experience so much.
H
Amazing.
Jamie Laing
Yeah. I mean, and we get so stuck in our own bubbles that we think in our bubble. Everyone's thinking, feeling, doing exactly the same and oh, my God, then you go somewhere else and you go, man, they're freaking living life.
H
Exactly, bro. Exactly. And we're all we've got. I don't even want to sound like some deep on some deep spiritual because I'm definitely not. Well, you can probably tell Bad all the previous things we said in this interview. I'm not that guy. But it was. Everyone felt like family. It was. It was mad. It was an amazing feeling. Like we was all backing each other. We didn't let no one fall back. It was amazing. But there was some scary moments. Like my friend the nurse had to come and put an oxygen Tank on him.
Jamie Laing
Oh, my God.
H
She didn't let him go any further because the altitude was too much. His head was about to pop off.
Jamie Laing
Is it hard, the altitude?
H
Oh, it's horrible.
Jamie Laing
Explain what it feels like.
H
It's like it's.
Jamie Laing
Can you breathe?
H
Nah. It's like. It's like your chest only lets you go to a certain point so you're kind of like walking up the mountain. Like.
Jamie Laing
Wow. Wow. Because it's steep.
H
Yeah, yeah. And obviously you're out of breath anyway because you, you're climbing and then it. Yeah, it's a weird one. It's a weird one. They actually say that smokers tend to get to the top more so than people who don't smoke. It's not a fitness thing. You can't train for it. It's about your lung capacity. So. Because smokers are already used to nailing their lungs. Yeah. Basically working at a reduced rate. That's what they say. Your lungs are used to working at a reduced rate. Smokers tend to get to the top.
Jamie Laing
That's why you ran it, people.
H
I liked it, mate. Some backflips all the way up, but. Yeah, no, but it was an amazing experience, bro.
Jamie Laing
And like, good on you, dude.
H
Yeah. For multiple reasons. For the cars we've done it for. Personally, just to experience that. And like I want to do it. Little things like it taught me. Little things like I will never, ever, ever in my life be ungrateful or. Well, yeah, ungrateful again. When we got to the end of that trip. Yeah. There was a man who. He. He was carrying all our water and we all got advised to drink 3 liters of water a day. Right. And there was. I can't remember the number, mate. I thought I said maybe 16 of us or something like that. So he's filling free ease, free fill in 16, 3 liter cups up a day carrying this big thing of water. Yeah. On his head. Yeah. And then he fills up the water at the camp, then we all start ascending and then what he does, he runs down, goes and gets more water, comes back up, meets us at the camp. But the next camp, by the time we get there, fills it all up. Anyway, at the end of the trip, everyone got paid and he got paid $40. Yeah, 40 USD. You got paid? Yeah. For doing that? For going up and down the mountain however many times with, with. What is it, like 50, 50 odd liters of water? Yeah.
Jamie Laing
So much weight.
H
And he got $40. And you know what happened? He got paid. And I've never seen a Bigger smile in my life. Yeah. And bearing in mind it's not like things don't actually change over there. Like it's not like 4p for a bottle of Coke. It's still like £1 20 for a glass pot. Bottle of 1.20 for a glass bottle of Coke. So like what do you buy? Yeah, exactly. And he had the biggest smile on his face ever. So, like makes you.
Jamie Laing
You reevaluate. You reevaluate humans, right?
H
Oh, bro, we, you know, us, another thing, another topic, you know, like English people, you know, like English people, like stereotypically if I think they're dead hard and all that. Yeah. I've realized, like, we're not. We're abs with small boys, you know, I mean, like, I feel like English people proper, like live off the fact that we won the war that long ago. And like, because we was on, because we was on, the bullying back then, like, we're still the same now. We would get battered off everyone. Trust me, we are not them. Guys. I'm watching man. I'm watching man lie up that mountain like there's no tomorrow. Not even breaking a sweat. And then I come here and mana sweating when they walk to the chipper. Do you know what I mean? Off. It gets me mad, stuff like that, you know.
Jamie Laing
You did it with your dad?
H
Yeah, I did it with my dad.
Jamie Laing
Was it amazing?
H
Oh, unreal.
Jamie Laing
Made you closer?
H
Yeah, it did. You know what, me and my dad are close anyway, to be fair. But it definitely made us closer. And like any big conversations, it also, I could tell that he didn't. He didn't want to give up cuz I was there. And I didn't want to give up cuz he was there. Do you know what I mean? And we was both like pushing each other quite a lot. Conversation wise. It's all a bit of a blur. But I remember, I remember, I remember saying to Grace there before we went, like, we're going to do the mountain and that. And she, she kind of understood. She understood that we was going to climb a mountain to raise awareness for down syndrome. She fully understands that, that's fine. But like the intensity of the mountain, she doesn't, she shouldn't get that. You know what I mean? Yeah. And so like, really and truly, it was just like, yeah, we're gonna go do this mountain finger. She was like, oh, yeah, mint. That's it. Right, cool. That's it. And then I remember we was on the last night, we was getting to the top and I was so tired And I'm literally like falling asleep, walking, like, I'm. I'm all over the place and I'm a bit dizzy anyway. And I remember my dad pushing my back, like, pushing me up there, going, come on, son. Now think about your sister. Yeah, I know. And it was. It was quite, like, emotional. It was like a film. I think about your sister. It was all snowy on the mountain. And I'm going, yeah, I will. I will. I will put my foot down. Started going again in about three seconds after I went. She's not even asked. Do you know what I mean? Get me home. That's what I thought. Yo, she's not even bothered, man. Get me home. Honestly, bro. But we got to the top in the end anyway. But, yeah, no, it was. It was absolutely unreal. And I would definitely recommend it. 100.
Jamie Laing
Do you ever get in trouble as a kid?
H
Not like. Not like serious trouble. Not like police trouble. Never been arrested or anything like that. I was always like, the guy. I was like. What's the word? There's a certain word for it.
Jamie Laing
The ringleader.
H
No, no. Was not the ringleader. I was just like. I was just always the cool guy. Like, I was around maybe the people that was getting in trouble but always got away with murder, basically.
Jamie Laing
So you were the one who got away with it?
H
I was one that got away with it, yeah. Yeah. 100. But like, it weren't like. I don't know how to explain it. When I say, like, trouble, I'm talking, like, don't like saying this because I don't like, influencing bad things, but, you know, like little things. Winter time. Go sit in the bush, let a couple cars come past, snowballs, all that stuff. Try and find a.
Jamie Laing
That's fine.
H
Try and find the biggest guy ever, Throw one at him, get a chase off him, all that, you know. I mean, yeah, yeah, yeah. We used to try and find the biggest, scariest man ever, go lace loads of snowballs at him, then run for our life. Yeah.
Jamie Laing
Have you ever been in a fight?
H
Yeah.
Jamie Laing
Have you? What happened?
H
I've not been. I've not had a fight for probably, like, since I was probably 20, though. I've not had a fight for years.
Jamie Laing
What happened in it?
H
In just one? There's been a couple. I don't know. There's been a couple. I've never lost a fight, though.
Jamie Laing
Have you not?
H
No, no. I'm not saying that on a cocky one, I'll come out here and get knocked out. But no, I've been. I've been quite Successful. I'll tell you one story about a fight that I had, actually, which is funny. I've got a rap about it, actually, which came out years ago, but one time I was walking down Market street in Manchester. Yeah. And I remember I begged and begged and begged my mom to get me a Canada goose coat. Yeah. She never got me one. Yeah, the time. She never got me one.
Jamie Laing
Yeah.
H
And then one time, one birthday. I remember. I remember coming down and they weren't as many presents as usual. I'm thinking, ah, that weren't as many as last year. That. But when I opened one of them, the Canada goose coat was there, you know, I mean, so I was like, ah, yes. Sweet. Buzzing. And I remember.
Jamie Laing
What color was it?
H
It was like khaki green. It was fire. It was fire. Long, short, short. But then, side story, about two days after, I was at a party, and it got a sigil sig burn hole in the back of it. And what I've done is I got a sharper.
Jamie Laing
Yeah.
H
Because when it. When the whole burn, you could see the white, like, get. You could see, like, the material inside. And I got a Sharpie and tried coloring it in.
Jamie Laing
Did it work?
H
No, no. But anyway, so I was walking down Market street with my new Canada Goose on, and anyway, a couple guys came over to me and was like, yo, yo, you're that. You're that column in it. I remember it. They're clear York. I'm not called Colin, by the way. And I'm going, nah, nah, bro. He's going, yeah, you are. You're Callum from. I can't remember. I think he said something like Charlton, which is another area in Manchester. And I'm like, nah, bro, you got the wrong guy. And I remember at the time when everyone was heavy on Facebook, I was like. I got my Facebook out. I was like, bro, Look, I'm not calling bro. I'm Harrison. What are you talking about? Anyway, we've ended up going down. There's, like an alleyway on Market street in between, like, a bank and somewhere else, whatever ended up going down there. And they're going. I can't remember what they're saying something about this Callum guy. But basically, that was their way to get you down there, to get me down there. Anyway, next minute, they pull in my bag. I used to have this Armani man bag that I used to love. Yeah. That probably had sigils in it as well, but whatever. And then my Canada goose jacket, and they're pulling my. All my. Going, y' all take the Jacket off. I'm thinking, not the Canada goose. Thinking, you could have took anything off me today, apart from this. I was with my cousin, but my cousin was. My cousin kind of just went. I'm just froze. I'm thinking, sake, bro. Like, not the Canada Goose. Anyway, long story short, there was about four or five of them. This guy was pulling me. One of them was, like, watching the other end of the alleyway, making sure no one come down. Yeah. And the other couple of them was just stood around my cousin. I was thinking, I've ended up knocking him out. Yeah. And then everyone froze. So then I'm like this. And I'm stood there, and then I've turned into a madman. Because I'm thinking, you took the piss. You got me. You're thinking, you can get my coat. Like you're not gonna get knocked out. Yeah. But now it's Pete. Because now the fears hit. Now because I'm thinking something's actually happened. Yeah. Yeah.
Jamie Laing
You've done this.
H
So I'm on the madman thing now. I'm going, what? Yeah, Take my coat. Like, I was dead hard. Next minute, turn around. The guy from the other end of the alleyway has just come. Bruce Lee flying, kicked me into the wall. And that's when reality hit and I'm like this. I'm gone. Grab my cousin, flung him down the alleyway and just started legging it. Sweet. This is only the start of the story. I can't wait. I've still got the scar there. All my hand was split open and there was. There was a trail of blood from. If you're from Manchester, you'll know from. From Market street to Ancoats. I ran all the way to Ancourts. And it was a trail in the blood all the way. I'm thinking, I've been stabbed, but I didn't get stopped. It was just his teeth or summit. So, anyway. Cool. So that was that. Anyway, the story I'm about to tell you about is this other fight that I've had with this. With this same guy. Yeah, with the same guy. It's not the same. On my sister's life. May God strike me down if I'm lying on anything I say in this podcast.
Jamie Laing
Now, was he like, it's Callum again?
H
Yeah. No. So what happened was I was with my friends in town, but I am now H. Now, at this point. Got it. I wasn't H then.
Jamie Laing
You're Harrison.
H
Yeah. What? I dropped a couple tunes.
Jamie Laing
Yeah.
H
But no one knew who I was.
Jamie Laing
Yeah.
H
I mean, so cool. So now at this point, say it's like a year later or something. I'm H now and I've got a couple songs knocking about in Manchester, like, they know who I am sort of thing. Anyway, I've gone to town, so I've got my hood up and I've got this like little balaclava thing on because I'm just like doing. It was like 10 o' clock at night in. In Manchester and I was with people that I maybe shouldn't have been with and all that. It was a bit shader. I knew that I had problems with these people who are always in town because I've knocked him out, you know.
Jamie Laing
So this is like. This is real beef.
H
Yeah. At this point.
Jamie Laing
And they know who you are.
H
Yeah. So basically, because after this there was comments on my song saying, we took his jacket, we took his bag. I'd obviously didn't. And so I'm like, did you reply? I'm all replying to the comment saying, I took your teeth.
Jamie Laing
So you got the ballet clover on. You're going down.
H
So I'm walking down and at the time, I'm walking down like this and the guy who my friend is with has gone, have you got any. You got any Sigs? And I had cigarettes on me at the time, right? So then my mate's gone. Yeah, yeah. H has got six like this. So I'm like, oh, you've just said my name. Why have you said my name? But I couldn't start acting weird, so I've just got. Pulled the Sig out and give the guy a Sig. And you. And you can obviously see my eyes. And he said H and he. And I'm like this, holding the Sig box out for him to take and he's gone like this. I'm thinking sake, like H, yeah. So I'm like, pulled the mask down. What's happening? He's gonna say, no more and run. Yeah.
Jamie Laing
How many of you are there at this point? How many?
H
There's probably like six of us. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And he's run off. I promise you, I'm not lying. He's come back with about 25 people. And then this guy who I've sparked out about six months ago last year, he's come around the Corner looking like Mr. T. Awesome. Yeah. Like a five foot six Mr. T. Like this. He's obviously just been in jail for a little minute or something like this. And he's coming. Do you remember me, bro? Like, I'm thinking me, I wish I didn't remember you. Do you know what I mean? Anyway, it's unbelievable. So at this time, more of my friends have come now as well. So we've said we're not doing all this weird, like, causing. Causing a big chaos in town. Let's just go somewhere and we'll just get it cracking again.
Jamie Laing
Just me and you.
H
Yeah, yeah. And it.
Jamie Laing
Are you worried about weapons or anything like that?
H
Well, now, because the people. The people I was with there was like my older guys. So me being, like, young and a bit, like, clueless to things, I'm thinking these lot have got me.
Jamie Laing
Yeah.
H
They won't let anything. They wouldn't let anything happen to me.
Jamie Laing
Yeah.
H
And I kind of like. Yeah, I trust them. So I wasn't bothered about weapons at the time, especially after the conversation of, we're gonna go to this car park now and get it cracking. Cool. So we went, and I promise y' all, there's about 50 man walking down through town now. And I'm walking. It's all weird in that because they're all just there next to me. I'm thinking. I'm just dying to just, you know, I mean, whatever. We're walking, we're walking, we're sitting. We've got. To the top of the car park. Cool. I'm mad confident. I'm thinking, all my olders are there. I've already knocked you out. This is a piece of cake in it. Cool. Took my jacket off. Whatever. There's a big circle around us. Cool. We're about to get it cracking. I've stepped to him, he's just gone. Give me about four licks to the face. I'm all over the place. I didn't know what to do. I've swung for him, he's ducked and he's picked. And he's picked me up like this. And I remember this so vividly. Yeah, it was. It was like slow mo as he's picked me up on top of this. Yeah. I've, like, gone up in the air and I just seen the most beautiful skyline view of Manchester ever. Yeah. It was like slow mo. Yeah. I've just been lifted up like this over. Over everyone that's around us. And I just went. I was like. I was like, oh, no. Boom. Ended up on my back. Anyway, I flipped it on, it said, whatever. I done what I had to do, I won. And that was that. And then. And then after it, the funny. The funniest thing is. Yeah, yeah. Is that after it, we've seen all the police come.
Jamie Laing
Oh, yeah.
H
So we've all legged it. Yeah. And as we're all. Everyone's just scattering. We don't even know who anyone is. As I'm. I'm running down the road like this, I've looked to the left and the guy that I just had a fight with, he's running next to me like this. And I'm thinking, what the is going on here? Like, this is the weirdest situation ever anyway. Yeah, I fucking wanna fight. That's it. That's a silly question.
Jamie Laing
We got five, eight quick fire questions. You ready for this?
H
Yeah, man.
Jamie Laing
Man, I freaking love this.
H
I feel like I've been waffling this at this interview as well. Are you kidding me? And you've just said quick fire, so I'll keep it. You know, I mean, what's the saying.
Jamie Laing
Or phrase that makes you smile or cheers you up?
H
Don't be afraid.
Jamie Laing
Best compliment anyone's ever given you.
H
Truthfully, it's massive. I'm joking because you said truthfully.
Jamie Laing
I thought you talked about music.
H
No, best compliment. I don't know. Do you know what? Quick one, the other day, someone messaged me saying that she's got two sons and one of them's got downs and one of them's not. And he. He was all like, the one who's not. It was. He was a bit embarrassed about his brother and didn't really. And then because of the certain things I've done now, he don't even come out, walk out the house without bringing his brother around. All the boys and all that respect. So that. That was nice. So, yeah, that was.
Jamie Laing
What scares you most about yourself?
H
What scares me most about myself is that I'm quite impulsive. I'm quite impulsive. And do you know what? I'll be honest with you. I don't like being told what to do.
Jamie Laing
That's your success there as well. That's entrepreneurial. I think it's a good thing sometimes. When was the last time you cried?
H
Kilimanjaro.
Jamie Laing
Really?
H
Cried my eyes out. Like a really. Yeah, yeah. For time.
Jamie Laing
Oh, man.
H
Yeah.
Jamie Laing
Something you can't let go of.
H
Manchester.
Jamie Laing
That's a good answer.
H
You like that one?
Jamie Laing
Like that one? What's your guilty pleasure?
H
Pleasure? Do you know what my guilty pleasure is? Honestly? Yeah. I like putting. I like. I like getting pampered sometimes. I like getting a pot of eye masks. Putting them in the fridge for hours. Going upstairs, making all my bathroom neat with all my creams and all that and all my smelly stuff and all that. And I want to get on from the gym, do all that. That's my little guilty pleasure. I actually had eye patch, eyes mask on all the way here and took them out before I walked in.
Jamie Laing
What turns you off?
H
Bad attitude. And when people. When you. When you wake up with someone and they wake up earlier than you and the whole world has to wake up. Do you know what I mean? The air dryer's on all these tick tocks next to me head. Do you know what I mean? I ate that bad.
Jamie Laing
What turns you on?
H
Everything else. No, what turns me on. I like it. I like it when girls don't genuinely don't know how sexy they are. I like that. I don't like it when a girl walks in looking like she knows everyone would her in here. That will make me definitely not you, by the way. I'm making it all sexual. I'm so sorry, but like, yeah, I don't like. Like if someone walked in here now and I could tell she felt like she was the it girl, I wouldn't even look at her.
Jamie Laing
What do you like most about yourself?
H
I suppose same answer as before. Like, I'm just. I'm always myself. So I. I can sleep at night knowing that. Well, no one can tell me I'm not being myself. You know, I mean, age.
Jamie Laing
Your final one. Favorite swear word. You can go big.
H
Can we go big?
Jamie Laing
Can you go big? Go on, go for it. Whatever it is.
H
Well, I've just thought of one now, which I never say, but it might slightly be my favorite.
Jamie Laing
What is it?
H
Bellend.
Jamie Laing
That's a good one.
H
It's a good one, that one, isn't it?
Jamie Laing
I've got.
H
Oh, there's a couple, bro. SWAT's a good one.
Jamie Laing
I've got one more for you as well for just for me. Your favorite lyric you've ever written.
H
Wow. Oh, bro, you've smoked me there, I think. All right, what I'm gonna say is I've got a song called Close to Home. Yeah, that song, word for word, I should have it tattooed on my chest. That is like, that's the song. That's the song Close to Home. But as of recent, I wrote a lyric which is on four, and I say, I say, I say people only want to come around when it's funded. So I only give a about who lives at mom's crib, which is just quite simple. But it's like, yeah, that's good. When no one's getting paid, no one's about. But I don't pay my family and they're about so you lot. I only care about them lot.
Jamie Laing
Age. That was unreal.
H
Wow.
Jemima
That was a lot of fun.
Jamie Laing
That was a lot of fun.
Jemima
What a authentic human being.
Jamie Laing
Very authentic. The way he spoke about his sister is just so incredible. His family and what I just love about him is that, as you said, authentic. He just doesn't hold back.
Jemima
No, he's really fun.
Jamie Laing
He says everything that comes into his mind, which I freaking love.
Mint Mobile Announcer
Yeah.
Jemima
And I think quite a lot of people in the room quite fancied h really?
H
Yeah.
Jemima
Afterwards a few people in the room afterwards said to me, oh, is he hot? Well, I don't think he has too many problems.
Jamie Laing
I love that. Can't we. Thank you so much for listening, everyone. Remember, you can get in touch. Let us know what you think of the episode, what guests you want us to have next. All of those questions we want to hear from you. You can send us an email greatcompanyampleproductions.co.uk or you can slide into our dms@greatcompanypodcast. And we're gonna be back next Wednesday for another episode of Great Company.
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Great Company with Jamie Laing: Episode Summary
Episode: AITCH: I LOST FRIENDS CHASING SUCCESS
Release Date: June 24, 2025
Guest: AITCH (Harrison Carter)
Host: Jamie Laing
Produced by: Jemima
In this heartfelt episode of Great Company with Jamie Laing, host Jamie Laing welcomes Manchester-born rapper and performer AITCH (Harrison Carter) to discuss his personal journey, the impact of fame on friendships, and his latest musical endeavors. The conversation quickly establishes a genuine and engaging rapport between Jamie and AITCH, setting the tone for an authentic and insightful dialogue.
AITCH delves into his formative years, painting a vivid picture of his life in North Manchester. He reminisces about his adventurous childhood, spending extensive hours on his bike and navigating the streets of Manchester.
AITCH [06:10]: "It was mega. It was just like a proper stereotypical North Manchester upbringing in it. Like we was outside. We was... I was on my pedal bike 17 hours a day, all over the place."
His nostalgic recounting highlights the freedom and resilience cultivated during his youth, contrasting it with the more sheltered experiences of today's children.
A significant portion of the episode centers around AITCH's sister, Grace, who has Down syndrome. He shares touching anecdotes about their relationship and the profound lessons Grace has imparted on him.
AITCH [12:14]: "It taught me to treat everyone the same and to understand that everyone's a human, bottom line."
AITCH emphasizes how Grace's presence has enriched his life, fostering empathy and a broader understanding of humanity. He underscores the importance of raising awareness and dispelling misconceptions about Down syndrome.
AITCH [16:28]: "I'm saying, nah, it's lit. Like... She's living her best life."
His heartfelt reflections convey a deep sense of love and respect, illustrating how family dynamics can shape one's character and outlook.
A pivotal moment in the conversation revolves around AITCH's expedition to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise awareness for Down syndrome. He narrates the challenges and transformative experiences faced during the climb alongside his father.
AITCH [36:24]: "It was the best thing ever. It was the best. Worst thing ever, though."
The trek not only strengthened his bond with his father but also provided profound insights into human resilience and camaraderie.
AITCH [42:00]: "It was quite emotional. ... She was like, oh, yeah, mint. That's it. Right, cool. That's it."
Despite the physical hardships, the climb reinforced his appreciation for human connections and the support systems that buoy us through adversity.
The discussion shifts to AITCH's music career, exploring the pressures of rapid success and the subsequent burnout that led him to take a hiatus from music.
AITCH [18:50]: "Burn out probably like losing friends because I've spent so much time trying to get to where I need to be."
AITCH candidly addresses the sacrifices made in pursuit of his ambitions, including strained friendships and the mental toll of constant public scrutiny.
AITCH [20:16]: "Confused is a pretty good word. I was like, right, what is my life?"
He articulates the internal conflicts faced when balancing personal well-being with professional growth, highlighting the emotional complexities of a career in the spotlight.
AITCH reflects on the dichotomy of experiencing immense love from fans while grappling with negative comments and the superficiality of some new friendships formed through fame.
AITCH [25:03]: "You need a lot more than just a good tune for it to be overly successful in every genre of music."
He critiques the modern music industry's demands for constant content and persona maintenance, which can dilute artistic authenticity and strain personal relationships.
AITCH [22:14]: "Sometimes your head just does all the time, especially to something that you kind of like."
His insights shed light on the mental health challenges prevalent among artists, emphasizing the need for genuine connections and self-awareness amidst fame.
Towards the end of the episode, Jamie and AITCH engage in a rapid-fire segment, revealing quirky and intimate facets of AITCH's personality:
These moments provide listeners with a well-rounded view of AITCH, highlighting his humility, humor, and multifaceted nature.
The episode concludes with heartfelt reflections on the interplay between personal growth, familial bonds, and professional aspirations. Jamie lauds AITCH's authenticity and openness, reinforcing the episode's overarching theme of genuine human connection amidst the tumultuous journey of success.
Jamie Laing [59:11]: "He says everything that comes into his mind, which I freaking love."
Listeners are left with a profound appreciation for AITCH's vulnerability and the valuable life lessons shared, encapsulating the essence of Great Company – no gimmicks, just authentic conversations.
Notable Quotes:
AITCH on Learning from His Sister Grace [12:14]: "It taught me to treat everyone the same and to understand that everyone's a human, bottom line."
AITCH on Climbing Kilimanjaro [42:00]: "It was quite emotional. ... She was like, oh, yeah, mint. That's it. Right, cool. That's it."
AITCH on Music Industry Pressures [25:03]: "You need a lot more than just a good tune for it to be overly successful in every genre of music."
AITCH on Quick Fire Favorites [54:18]: "Don't be afraid."
Final Thoughts:
This episode of Great Company with Jamie Laing offers an intimate glimpse into AITCH's life, navigating the complexities of fame, familial responsibilities, and personal well-being. Through candid storytelling and heartfelt discussions, both Jamie and AITCH exemplify the podcast’s commitment to fostering meaningful and inspiring conversations.