Music shapes how people dress, talk and see the world. London Real has sat down with rappers, DJs, pop stars and producers, and with the managers and executives who build their careers. These conversations cover the birth of hip-hop, the rise of British dance music, life after fame, free speech and how technology is changing the way artists reach fans. Many guests talk as openly about their struggles as their success. Every full interview is free to watch.
From Run-DMC co-founder Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, rapper and actor Ice-T and Fugees co-founder Wyclef Jean to drum and bass pioneer Goldie, DJ Fatboy Slim, Grammy-winning musician Imogen Heap and the late hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa: the stories behind the music.
Afrika Bambaataa, who died in 2026, talked about the Bronx roots of hip-hop, the Universal Zulu Nation, James Brown and how Planet Rock was made. Darryl McDaniels explains how Run-DMC pioneered new school hip-hop and broke barriers around the world. Bboy Crazy Legs of the Rock Steady Crew describes how breaking helped shape the culture. Ice-T looks back on his career and gives his view on free speech, while Wyclef Jean reflects on life after The Fugees. Immortal Technique and British rapper Lowkey talk about politics, power and their music.
Goldie talks about his early life, his musical inspirations and the legacy of his work. Brian visits Fatboy Slim at his home studio in Brighton. Pop Idol winner Will Young speaks openly about mental health and who he is. Danny Jones of McFly and Matt Willis of Busted talk about fame and how few people are ready for it. Ashley Walters explains how he went from So Solid Crew to acting. Jamal Edwards, who died in 2022, described building SB.TV into a music platform on YouTube.
Some guests work behind the scenes. Shep Gordon, who has managed Alice Cooper for decades, explains why he believes safe doesn’t work in marketing. Former A&R executive Michael Alago talks frankly about the excesses of the 80s and 90s and how he changed his life. Nick Raphael of London Records describes signing Jay-Z and argues that success in music is a team effort. Imogen Heap explains how she builds new platforms to connect artists more closely with their audiences, and Songkick CTO Dan Crow shares lessons from Apple and Google.
Get every new episode free: watch the latest London Real interviews.
Who has London Real interviewed about music? Brian Rose has interviewed Darryl McDaniels, Ice-T, Wyclef Jean, Goldie, Fatboy Slim, Imogen Heap, Will Young, Afrika Bambaataa, Shep Gordon, Jamal Edwards, Immortal Technique and Lowkey, among others.
Which hip-hop pioneers have appeared on London Real? Afrika Bambaataa, Darryl McDaniels of Run-DMC, Bboy Crazy Legs of the Rock Steady Crew, Ice-T and Wyclef Jean have all talked about the history of hip-hop and their part in it.
Does the page cover the music business too? Yes. Manager Shep Gordon, former A&R executive Michael Alago, Nick Raphael of London Records and Songkick’s Dan Crow talk about how careers are built and how the industry is changing.
Are the full music episodes free to watch? Yes. Every full-length interview on this page can be watched free on londonreal.tv.
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