RAP IRELAND UNSIGNED HYPE: SUGASWEET – The Road to Success

All journeys start from humble beginnings and for Hannah Louise Morgan, aka SugaSweet, the journey is looking very promising. The sixteen year old rap sensation is a rare talent, displaying her ability to incorporate meaning behind her unique lyrics and rapping style. SugaSweet first began to record covers of other rappers songs before developing her own sound and writing her own lyrics. With a growing fanbase from a succession of successful local shows, SugaSweet is currently working on her debut mixtape titled ‘House Of Horror’ which she believes will bring something freaky, new and unique to the Irish hip hop industry.

So without further ado, let’s get right into it with one of Ireland’s top emerging talents.

RI: How Long Have You been involved in music?

SS: I have been rapping since I was 13.

RI: Have you played any gigs?

SS: Yes I have. Done nothing major so far but I have performed in local venues and clubs in my hometown and in clubs in Belfast which was organised by Audiogasm. I would love to be the opening act for a well known rapper when they come to Ireland and hopefully that opportunity will come along soon.

RI: Who are your main musical influences?

SS: My main musical influence would honestly have to be Eminem. The king of rap! He is my idol; I respect him because he speaks his mind and makes absolutely no compromise. He basically just says it how it is, keeps it realer than real. And to me that what real rap is.

RI: I understand you are releasing your debut mixtape “House of Horror” – Tell us a bit about it?

SS: Yes indeed, I’m real excited about my mixtape ‘House of Horror’ which will be released very soon. It is not your usual mixtape; it has a very unique twist and it is basically me being me – the uncut SugaSweet that I don’t think many people see day to day. So I would like to use this mixtape to let the fans know who I truly am and what inspires me. And at the end of the day… entertain!

RI: So SugaSweet, what are your views on the Hip Hop industry both in Ireland and overseas? How hard is it for new up and coming hip-hop artists to get noticed?

SS: My view on the hip hop industry today is that there are many people who hit to fame over night and don’t expect it, so they don’t have a full time plan. I have so much respect for anyone of any music genre trying to make it in the spotlight today. But I stand my ground when it comes to underground music. I have seen many other underground artists around me like G-tribe, B-Z Blaze, Croweezy and DJ Brodo etc who are working their asses off and have the plan and the hard work which I think is needed in artist today. Your music should have meaning, not just the want for money and fame.

RI: Are you currently signed to a music label? If so what label are you signed to?

SS: I am a member of the very talented rap group ‘Attention Family’ and we are signed to Pop Star Studios in Dublin which is a great place; the people are friendly and really understand the music world today.

RI: If you had to compare your self to any female hip-hop artist who would it be and why?

SS: The obvious answer most people would jump to and say is Nicki Minaj. Although I love her work and think she is amazing, I would much rather compare myself to Lauryn Hill – her music has so much meaning and her natural swag and attitude is beautiful. I’d love to think that my music would have a message of meaning like hers.

RI: And finally do you have any big plans for 2011?

SS: 2011 is going to be epic! I have big plans which I would like to keep secret to take all my fans and haters by surprise.

RI: I just want to say thank you for taking part in this interview, from all of us here at Rap Ireland we want to wish you the best of luck with your hip-hop career, keep up the great work and hopefully we will talk to you very soon.

SS: Thank you for having me.

WORDS // SCOTT MCLOUGHLIN // RAP IRELAND