Rapper The Philosopher returns to cook on his latest single “suffice”, serving up a stove-top helping of insatiable hip-hop
As UK rapper The Philosopher releases his new single “suffice“, it waves an enduring flag for the Life Long Records-affiliated rapper, whose sustained presence in the genre continues to flourish. Since his hip-hop inception, the Manchester-based lyricist has collaborated with a cohort of talented wordsmiths, building a burgeoning reputation alongside a generation of spitters who may well become the guardians of rap’s tomorrow. Like the UK’s climate, the scene is in a severe drought, though once in a while, water droplets pierce the clouds and give us a sapling to wait on.
SLM: What was the inspiration for the name The Philosopher?
TP: I definitely was inspired by the likes of ‘The Alchemist’ but more so it comes from being somewhat philosophical about my life experiences and how I put them into my music, as well as wanting to stand out in the scene I’m in. The name originally came around in 2023 when I released an EP called ‘Philosopher’s Stone’ under the name ‘AB unoffici’.
SLM: Your style is laced with a unique boom-bap sound; who did you listen to growing up?
TP: I listened to so many different artists and genres, the kind of old-school ones like Gorillaz, MF DOOM, Supreme NTM, and IAM, which I listened to as a kid. Then as I grew up, stuff like NBA Youngboy, Tremz, XXX Tentacion, Mozzy, and Just Banco. (So many more to mention.) Honourable Mention – Stef Smith.
SLM: What non-musical influences have influenced your sound the most?
TP: Definitely growing up in Manchester, a few cold winters and smoking spliffs in stairways. I feel like getting to know the city and the contrast in it has given me a lot of inspiration, specifically the grit and perseverance.
SLM: Which one of your songs do you think hip-hop heads should listen to first?
TP: “14 Degree Weather” by The Philosopher & Bambeh.
SLM: The Manchester scene is on fire right now; how have you perceived the swing of attention from London to up north?
TP: I feel like there is more light being shone on Manchester; however, there’s nobody doing it for us. It’s our own work that speaks for itself. I know it’s different for everyone, but I can only speak for myself and my close ones. But yeah, the Manchester scene is definitely on fire right now!
SLM: Your recent album with Bambeh was well received; how long did it take to record and how did you come to collaborate?
TP: In terms of recording, it took us about a month, but 90% of it was done in about 20 hours, including the writing. I rocked up to his house on a whim, not even conscious of what we were making, and it just came together really well. We first met on a random Tuesday at about 2 a.m. at Pirate Studios in Cheetham Hill. 2024 made two tunes and just kinda went from there, ended up doing shows all over the country together, and now we’re here.
SLM: You have a new song out soon; can you tell us more about it?
TP: My next release is called – suffice – produced by Skott3ree – Releasing 31st July!! Alongside a music video by Skotty3billion. The song is about feeling like you need more in all aspects and not knowing better – Be that more material, love, more of yourself. It’s a banger.
If you’ve come to any recent shows, you would have heard it being played. Shoutouts to Paris!
SLM: You frequently release with Life Long Records – what’s it like working with them?
TP: Super chill! They’re a small independent label from the Netherlands, and I’ve built a great relationship with them over my own album and releases I have featured on through them. It’s not at all comparable to any bigger mainstream labels.
SLM: Do you have any shows coming up?
TP: 18th September, Stage and Radio, Manchester, 7-10pm. CLBRKS headline with special guests including me and Bambeh. Tickets are live now in my Instagram bio as well as via LifeLong Records. This one is looking like a sell-out so make sure you get your place!!
SLM: Spill the tea – what’s next for The Philosopher? (please take this time to pitch any new projects, news or exclusives)
TP: Off the back of organising my latest Paris show, I will definitely be planning more shows in the UK and overseas. I will be releasing an EP mid-September called ‘PHIL’ produced by Lowflizzy.
Follow my secondary page ‘whatyouseeisnot’ where I post all of my video work where I focus mainly on digital and VHS videos and imagery.
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