ArrDee reflects on the story behind Oliver Twist, Body and his rise as one of the UK’s most recognisable young rappers. He opens up about growing up in Brighton, being raised by his mum, and the complicated relationship with his father that shaped his need for attention, fame and approval. ArrDee shares how music became his way of expressing pain, why he first hid behind the “cheeky” persona, and what really happened when his career exploded during lockdown.
He also speaks candidly about the darker side of early fame, from spending his first major advance to partying, addiction, ketamine, alcohol and the moments where he was trying to numb himself behind the success. ArrDee reflects on the guilt he carries around his brother’s psychosis, the pressure of being labelled an industry plant, and how becoming a father has changed the way he sees himself.
From music and addiction to fame, family and fatherhood, this is ArrDee on the boy behind the bravado, and the man he is trying to become.
ArrDee, We Need To Talk
This conversation includes discussion of addiction and mental health. Please watch with care. Support resources are linked below:
CALM: https://linkly.link/2dx8H
MIND: https://linkly.link/2dx8b
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(00:00) Intro
(03:33) How ArrDee’s Name Was Born
(04:46) Growing Up in Brighton
(06:12) ArrDee’s Relationship With His Mum
(07:59) Growing Up Without His Father
(14:52) The First Song ArrDee Wrote
(17:43) The Song That Changed Everything
(20:36) How ArrDee Signed His First Record Deal
(26:09) What ArrDee Did With His First Record Deal Money
(28:02) The Story Behind ArrDee’s Feature on “Body”
(33:24) How ArrDee Wrote “Oliver Twist”
(35:08) ArrDee Reads a Letter From His Mum
(39:53) ID Mobile Ad
(41:03) How Fame at 19 Changed ArrDee
(44:57) Making “Oliver Twist” Music Video
(50:34) Did ArrDee Struggle With Addiction?
(52:19) ArrDee Addresses Industry Plant Accusations
(54:35) Being a White Rapper in the Music Industry
(01:01:58) ID Mobile Ad
(01:04:26) ArrDee’s First Time Meeting His Dad
(01:24:32) Why ArrDee Became an Independent Artist
(01:34:09) ArrDee’s Relationship With His Brother
(01:40:16) Fatherhood and Relationship With Ocean
(01:46:05) Fatherhood and Sobriety
(01:49:38) ArrDee Receives Letter From Ocean
(01:53:31) Most Memorable Conversation
(01:57:05) Paul’s Takeaways
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