"I've always had a knack for gabbing, and I was a little cocky, but when I started rapping, it showed."
Aitch talks about the last five years and how he rose to the top with his punchy freestyle tunes and big personality.
"I used to write rhymes on my cell phone, but now it's totally crazy," he adds.
``When I go out toManchester, I feel sick. I feel like I am a king. 15}
Harrison Armstrong, whose real name is 22, isone of the hottest rappers in the UKwith his signature laid-back style and top hits including Taste (Make It Shake). Known for 10 hits. , rain and baby.
Today he releases his debut album Close To Home. This album is a collection of stories about growing up, loving family and why home is a place in his heart.
"I'm excited," Eichi says with a wide smile.
"I'm excited to get people to listen to it. Albums are important. Playing songs like Fuego."
Aitch takes a rehearsal break to chat, his first interview at his NQ label HQ in Manchester,Covidtests was postponed last week after testing positive for , but is now recovered, ready to release an album and return to perform on stage.
"I'm still a little kid."
"The album is definitely more personal," he says. "It's more heartfelt than any other song I've ever released.
"When I was younger, my music didn't mean much to me. I just wanted to be a sick rapper."
The youngster from Newmoston, Manchester, first appeared on YouTube in 2018 with the track Straight Rhymez and has seen a lot of growth. has achieved
"I'm 100 percent mature," he said, adding with a laugh: "Well, I'm still a little kid, so maybe a little bit. I've never been rude.
And, not realizing what I had said, I immediately raised my hand to apologize, but I was never a bad person.
was talking when Aitch made the news: Late Joy Division singer Ian Curtis's Manchester mural — a city landmark — was painted over with ads for Aitch's album.
Aitch vowed to fix the problem, he told me: "It was out of my control and I will do everything I can to fix it." I'm trying to get my hands on the original painting.
"Sorry to anyone who was offended. It's not my fault.I understand why people are mad.It's very annoying.Especially the album campaign is doing very well." He says that he came across music by chance.
That was one of the most important things he did. , to gain approval from the people you grew up with.
Aitch
"I used to write rhymes on my phone. I had a hidden talent." No doubt it was only a matter of time before we found out, and then it all happened and we got approval from the likes ofStormzy, and AJ Tracy Shows that I'm fine now.
"This was one of the most important things to gain approval from the people you grew up with."
Tracy joins on the album track R Kid with Aitch, adding: 74} "When it comes to collaborations, I feel like I'm working with people for the right reasons." Machine, and Ashanti.
He said: , and it was just crazy to get Ashanti on Baby.
"I have a song with Ashanti. I hold it close to my heart. The Big Weekend of Coventry in May atwas It was a special moment."
He revealed that he had been "knocked back" for being a white rapper in a genre of Black origin but worked hard to be accepted. made it
``Sean turned out to be a cheap date.''
``White people didn't start rapping, so I can understand the criticism.''
Aitch says the poignant track My G is his favorite on the album. It's a moving tribute toDown's Syndromesister Gracie, with Ed Sheeran singing the chorus.
"It was his father's idea to put that song in," he says Aitch. "I've always protected her.
"But it was just the right time. I sent it to Ed and he liked it. was after a guest appearance on his remixed song "Take Me Back To London". He is my sister's favorite and she hasn't heard the song yet. she gets emotional. '
Happy Monday legendShawn Ryder also makes an appearance on his 1989 track, with Aitch rapping The Stone Roses' Fools Gold.
The excuse is that I'm a United fan and he's a City fan, but I don't know. He might change his mind when my album comes out.
Aitch
Aitch said: Guinness, did.
"And he came over, drank the cans back to back, and turned on the mic. I asked him about 1,000 questions and took 4 second snippets from his answers.
Another Manchester legend Aitch couldn't get involved with was Liam Gallagher. and has contacted the former Oasis singer. "We tried, but he ended up not wanting to do anything," he says Aitch.
"The excuse is that I'm a fan of United and he's a fan of City, but I don't know. Then he might change his mind."
Aitch said he had a great deal of respect for Manchester's musical heritage, not just Oasis, Stone Roses and Happy Mondays. Bugzy Malone is also a big fan of
. But Manchester has a lot of great music.
``And then there was the Hacienda Club.
The song Close To Home is the album's standout track, about his friendship and how his life changed.
``People think I'm big-headed''
``I've left Manchester before and it seems like I'm addicted. will be,” he says Aitch.
"When I've been away, I can't wait to get home. We're a close-knit family, and when we're home, I feel the world is at peace.
}
``It can be hard with friends.
"The more you try to explain it, the more it just seems like bragging. And I'm the same with money.
Worth £1.5 million. Aitch added, "Sometimes people think I'm big-headed, but I'm not.
his beloved Manchester. What about United, if you had the money, would you want to buy a football club?
"They don't need me. They need Jesus," he smiles. say. "It's just the time when we're in the ditch for a little while and everything will be fine. We have to keep our heads high, butMarcus Rashford and PSG (Paris Saint-Germain), I might support them.”
Drugs are everywhere now, especially in my generation. You must be wise and not be easily influenced.
Aitch
Regarding drugs and sex, which are also mentioned on his albums, Aitch said: , especially in my generation. You must be wise and not be easily influenced.
``And sex. No. It happens.”
Being a role model for younger fans is something Aitch takes seriously, but he also wants to give an honest picture of his life.
He said: I'm a rapper. Everyone knows what rap is. There are no rules. I also make pop hits. I just have to find the right balance. But you will always have someone saying something negative.
"When I make a pop song, my rap fans kind of say, 'What are you doing?' But I appeal to that pop market.
"But at the same time, you have to listen. My mouth. Because I say certain things I don't necessarily want children to hear. And in the past, rap has disparaged women."
When it comes to romance, Aitch is the star of Chicken Shop Dates Amelia DiMoldenburg, 28.
Remains tight-lipped about his recent relationship with. However, fame gets in the way of meeting the right people. "Let's wait until that day and see what happens. I feel like I can meet someone in any situation. Fame is not in there." outline.
``I want a platinum album to sell out the Manchester Arena and keep doing what I do and be respected.
"There will be more music, more shows, more festivals. Take care.