When and why did you start making beats?

Around 14 years ago. 1 was listening to a lot of old black music at the time and when I heard the hip-hop tracks looping up those breaks I thought, 'I could do that'."

First piece of gear?

I don't think it was bought. All my early stuff was swapped or nicked, but it was a Boss DR550 drum machine. It was shit, but at the time 1 thought it was a NASA spaceship!

Influences?

My main influences have been the defiant nature of hip-hop and my peers - the older heads round the way that I learnt the ropes from - and all black music.

Favourite piece of gear?

My Emu E5132 sampler 'cos it's like part of my body. I know it that well I don't nave to think to press the buttons. It's kinda like a girl. It wouldn't be a really cute girl, it'd be that girl you've known years that'll always give you some no matter what... know what I mean?

Describe your sound...

Power to the people - fuck the police.

I wish I had?

...A two-inch tape machine, an SSL desk and an AK-47.

Track you're most proud of?

I gotta say 'The Lambs Blood' by Shabazz The Disciple, Even though it's old-sounding now, it was my first record and that just blew me away - having my music on wax.

Track you wished you'd produced?

'No More Mr Nice Guy' by Gang Starr 'cos you know Premo was runnin' with it. Just making a whole new sound and not looking back, that must have felt good.

Look out for?

Laurissa, Rukus, 1G.

Future plans?

To provide food, clothes and shelter for my family and to use music to spread revolutionary propaganda.

Top tip for beginners?

Trust your ears. This is your music and you know what sounds hot and what doesn't. Don't be afraid to copy other people's music to learn from. Study the music you like by copying the ideas and techniques. This helps to develop your own techniques. Whatever happens, never co-operate with the police.

BABY J PRODUCED SKINNYMAN'S SINGLE 'NO BIG TING' (LOW LIFE) AND THE A'LIKES LP 'LIVE OR DIE' (LIVE), BOTH OUT NOW