As reported by Rap Ireland last month, Tallaght native ‘Nucentz’ (AKA Rob Byrne) won a competition with popular radio station SPIN 103.8 for rap superstar Lupe Fiasco to feature on one of his tracks. A worthy winner, Nucentz has been heavily involved in the Irish hiphop scene for several years and has released a variety of solo LP’s and collaborative projects with ‘Hot Property’ and Class A’z hip hop group. The 24 year old recently arrived home to Ireland following a year spent travelling abroad. Rap Ireland caught up with Nucentz to find out what’s next in store for the Dublin rapper.
Rap Ireland: In April you won the competition to duet with Lupe Fiasco, where’s that at?
Nucentz: Lupe is currently just finishing a world tour promoting his new album. After speaking with his label last week I would imagine we are a couple of weeks away from the song coming together, after that we will send it off to radio etc…
Rap Ireland: How did you choose which track to enter into the competition?
Nucentz: I didn’t actually pick it. I was away travelling and both Terawrizt and Jamie Mc Peake (who produced the track) had sent it in. I reckon the decision was made easier as I had randomly name dropped Ryan and Tracy from the show within the first 2 bars of the song! pretty happy how that worked out!
Rap Ireland: Have you had any interest from Record Labels since you won the competition?
Nucentz: Yeah there is certainly some interest from labels, I can’t really get into that at the moment as the discussions are ongoing..I imagine once the tune gets playlisted on a few stations we will be hard to ignore, so I’m just going to see how it goes. Some big gigs on the way this summer too!
Rap Ireland: There are a lot more opportunities for Irish rappers compared to when you first started out 10 years ago. Are people more open minded towards Irish hiphop nowadays? 
Nucentz: Yeah i think so, definitely. That is a credit to the rappers of my generation who helped take it to the next level through constant gigging, recording, releases etc. We didn’t wait around for acceptance we walked in and took it. There are still a lot of people who reckon its not for them but what can you do? This will be the first Irish Hiphop single which has had the backing of
mainstream radio since Collie’s releases 2005-2007 and that can only do us good. Along with that, you have the likes of The Original Rudeboys who are branching out into an alternative style and bringing back listeners. I think the internet certainly helped aswell..
Rap Ireland: Your last cd release was the ‘Sense the Terror’ mixtape with Terawrizt (Reviewed here), What’s the plan for your next release?
Nucentz: I will have a new solo coming out off the back of the Lupe Fiasco single, which should hopefully be available by early July. It will feature a couple of bands which have already made a lot of noise, some artists which have done the same & Irish production. Keep an eye on one producer Nigel Russell on facebook.
Rap Ireland: You are a member of hiphop crew Class A’z, have you any group projects in the pipe-line?
Nucentz: We are looking at doing the first Class A’z album. I would hope it could be completed by the end of the summer. We are always going to do stuff together as we are best mates aswell as a group..The lads have a video being released in late June which is going to turn youtube upside down when it comes out. There has never been a music video in Ireland as well produced as this one (or as scandelous!)
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Rap Ireland: ‘Da Fighting Irish’ Rap Battle League (DFI) has really grown over the past year. You were involved with it when it first kicked off (before travelling to Australia and Asia), are you going to enter the battles again?
Nucentz: Yeah I’m sure I will. I wasnt too happy with my performances in it even though I won both battles so I wouldn’t mind doing a couple to set things right! I think the lads are doing a great job running the league. Everytime an event is put on it seems there are an extra 100 people turning up. I am quite busy at the moment but it is definitely something I wouldn’t rule out.
Rap Ireland: Anyone in particular that you would like to battle or record with?
Nucentz: I don’t really have a preference of who to battle over here. I would like to record with Mos Def if I had the chance…Black on Both Sides was my shit!
Rap Ireland: In the past you have performed gigs across Ireland and Europe. Have you any gigs lined up for the near future? 
Nucentz: The next plan is to get the single out and put on a mini tour of Ireland off the back of it. There are some huge English/American acts coming over this summer which have not been confirmed yet so unfortunately I can’t mention anything on that front. Definitely look out for a Class A’z headline show in Dublin around late June.
Rap Ireland: Now you’re back in Ireland, what’s next?
Nucentz: Get fed, i’m sick of eating thai red curry off a cart on the side of the road!!
Check out music from Nucentz HERE !
