Wordplay (born Tao Rogers-Wright, 11 November 1984) is a musician and actor of mixed British and Black African descent.[1]
Wordplay | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Tao Rogers-Wright |
| Born | 11 November 1984 |
| Origin | South London, England |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, hip hop artist |
| Years active | 1998–present |
Early life
editWordplay was born Tao Rogers-Wright in the south of London, where he grew up with his mother until their eventual move to the west of the city in the mid-90s. He appeared in advertising campaigns for Going Live! and Mr Blobby, television shows like Blue Peter and international films such as Dandi Dust.[2]
In mid-2002, he met Lowkey, the UK rapper responsible for underground classics such as "The Mad World Remix" and the Key to the Game trilogy. With Lowkey's influence, Wordplay began taking a more professional approach to the music industry.[1]
Career
editActing
editWordplay gained worldwide exposure as an actor in 1998 through the Austrian Obscuro Gothic science fiction film Dandy Dust directed by Hans Scheirl.[2]
Wordplay is a member of the National Youth Theatre (associated actors include Sir Ben Kingsley, Sir Derek Jacobi, and Dame Helen Mirren). He has appeared in productions including The Deptford Tales.[3]
Music
editWordplay has been a recording artist since 2006, described by britishhiphop.co.uk as being "...among the absolute zenith of British MCs that are carrying more than their fair weight of intellect and integrity that keeps this scene rolling. Well recognised for his work with rapper Lowkey; Wordplay matches lyrical flow with mental faculty, conscious content with brilliant beats. A favourite all over the scene, and a reminder of the essence of hip hop for many."[1]
It was not until 7 March 2009 that Wordplay appeared on an official release in the form of "Alphabet Assassins",[4] the 10th track from the debut Mongrel album Better Than Heavy, released through the label Wall of Sound.[5]
Wordplay has toured with, opened for and appeared on stage with Mongrel and Reverend and the Makers at various festivals and concerts including Glastonbury, T in the Park and Oxegen.[6]
In 2010 Wordplay released his latest project, An Emotional Victory.[7] There was confusion as to whather this was a mixtape or an album, having been dubbed "The Fixtape" and being an entrant into the mixtape awards, then cited as being an album by blogs like Hip Hop Kings. Wordplay called it "a street album" on Twitter, which was supported by other official blogs. The album had an unofficial release on 2 March 2010 when 200 limited copies were sold out directly from Wordplay through his blog.[8]
Discography
edit- An Emotional Victory (2010) (with Nutty P overseeing production, alongside collaborations with Pariz 1, Raw Smilez, Cobane, Mr 13 and Kidz (YBM))
- Words of Advice (2007)
Collaborations:
- Alphabet Assassins (2008) (with Mongrel alongside Wretch, Stylah, Tony D, Skinnyman, Purple, No.Lay, III Mill, Mic Righteous, Logic, Kyza, Skirmish, Smife, Franrtic Frank, Doc Brown and Deadly Hunta)
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c "Wordplay interview by Nino". British Hip Hop. 3 February 2009. Retrieved 3 February 2009.
- ^ a b "Full cast and crew for Dandy Dust". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 27 March 2009.
- ^ "National Youth Theatre's dramatic approach to question of identity". Socialist Worker. 25 August 2007. Retrieved 27 March 2009.
- ^ "Play.com (UK)". Play.com. Archived from the original on 24 May 2011. Retrieved 27 March 2009.
- ^ "Wall of Sound / Home". Wall of Sound. Archived from the original on 8 March 2009. Retrieved 27 March 2009.
- ^ "Wordplay Interview". ukhh. Archived from the original on 5 March 2009. Retrieved 27 March 2009.
- ^ "iTunes (UK)". iTunes. Retrieved 27 March 2009.
- ^ "amoderndaypanther.com (UK)". amoderndaypanther.com. Archived from the original on 21 July 2010. Retrieved 27 March 2009.