When you think about hip-hop, you don't necessarily consider any that originates from Ireland. Hip-hop has long been imported from the US to the rest of the world, with the UK, Australia and Latin America only recently coming up on the world stage for our rappers and hip-hop producers. 

But 25-year-old Dubliner, Rejjie Snow, has been carrying the torch for Irish hip-hop for a few years now, and will be returning to Australian shores this April for Groovin The Moo as well as a headliner tour with fellow GTM act Jimothy.

We asked Rejjie about modelling, working with the likes of Amine and Kaytranada and how Irish hip-hop differs from hip-hop elsewhere.

Firstly are you excited to head back to Australia? What did you like about Australia the first time you were here?

Yeah I’m excited to play for everyone, it was super fun last time. I really loved the weather and the ladies.

Your debut album Dear Annie is pretty varied musically, with soul influences, jazzy cuts and gospel, how do you discover music outside of your normal realm of experience?

The places I end up in tend to shape the musical landscapes I go for. But I spend a lot of time online discovering and reading about types of genres I’m not familiar with so when I get to inhabit these places it feels kinda normal. Music really be for everyone but I try stay informed.

How did you hook up with Kaytranada, Amine and Joey Bada$$? What do you think you learnt from their style of music-making?

I know Kay & Joey from the internet. Just like pen pals who respect each other’s crafts and then when the time is right we worked on some songs. Same with Amine, I don’t know him too well, that verse off the last record came in last minute but they’re all great humans and legends. I like how Kaytranada's beats make me feel.

What has been your favourite place to tour so far?

Asia.

We don’t hear much about the Irish hip hop scene here in Australia – can you tell us a bit about it? Is it really strong? Are there Irish nuances that don’t exist in hip hop elsewhere?

I feel that if stuff ain’t mainstream or you’re not looking for it, I guess you’ll never find it. It’s definitely alive and there's some great acts doing their thing. It’s thriving well. The Irish language is really rich in literacy so you’ll find some odd expressions and inflections in the ways people express their stuff, it’s cool.

Are you vibing any Australian acts, either in hip-hop or otherwise, who you’re keen to meet up with when you’re in town?

I gotta check out some people but I be keeping to myself. Musicians always disappoint me when I meet them. Wanna meet some crazy locals though!

Where do you get ideas for music videos like Charlie Brown?

My brain!

You’ve done a bit of modelling now, does that come naturally to you or is it something you’re interested in but had to feel more comfortable with?

I love that shit especially being a fan of early '90s runway. Fashion is weird now, but I’m happy to be involved in the scene when I can and also working on designs myself has been fun. Growing out of my prototype into a new form.

Groovin The Moo hits regional towns from Friday 26th April until Saturday 11th May, and Rejjie Snow plays headline shows from 30th April until 9th May.