Hull rapper Chiedu Oraka on his local community, supporting Coldplay, and new EP 'Undeniable' • Interview • DIY Magazine

Emerging from Hull’s underground scene, rapper Chiedu Oraka has carved out a name for himself as one of the North’s most uncompromising and inspiring voices. And with his latest EP ‘Undeniable’, he’s proving that years of graft, grit and self-belief can turn local roots into something truly global.

“I feel like, at first, I used to get frustrated about not getting a look in, always feeling like if I was from a bigger city I would have got further with my music,” he reflects today. “Now, I see it as a super strength, a super power. It’s shaped my full career… If I can survive in a North Hull estate, I can survive in this music industry.”

That steeliness - honed in the area’s tight-knit creative scene - has become central to his artistry. “I actually love being from my city,” he continues. “It’s made me the artist I am today… I owe a lot of my success to the music community in Hull, because they gave me so many decent platforms to be able to express my talent.”

Chiedu’s breakthrough has been a long time coming: “I first started writing rhymes on paper in around 2005, 2006,” he says. “It’s been a 20-year graft… ‘Undeniable’ reflects the mood I’m in at the moment. I belong here. There’s no imposter syndrome anymore. I believe I deserve to be talked about amongst some of the greatest rappers the country has to offer.”

“If I can survive in a North Hull estate, I can survive in this music industry.”

That sense of belonging crystallised earlier this year, when he joined Coldplay on tour — a career-defining moment that still feels surreal. “It was definitely one of the best days of my life,” he recalls. “Honestly, it was like a dream come true, especially when I got to perform on stage with Chris Martin… It was a real Hull affair backstage.”

But even amid the euphoria, his focus remains sharp. “I can’t just be known as that guy who supported Coldplay,” he insists. “I’m really scared of being complacent… I’ve just got that mentality where I always want to strive. I don’t know what is bigger and better than supporting Coldplay, but I’ll find something.”

That drive extends to collaboration. Having long worked with producer DeezKid, Chiedu has begun broadening his sound with new creative partners like Shadow on the Beat and Dot Inc. “You can’t be known as being great if you don’t step out of your comfort zone,” he explains. “I wanted to test myself… and I feel like I passed.”

Beyond music, his creativity spills into other realms too - from launching The Black Yorkshireman Collection with fashion house Acra earlier this year, to preparing a forthcoming literary release. “For me, it’s really important to be multifaceted. That’s how you’ve got to be to survive in this game, and have longevity.”

For Chiedu, everything he does ties back to representation and legacy. “If I can do it - someone from a council estate in Hull - anyone can,” he says. “It’s important I pass my knowledge down. Where I come from, it’s not the norm to make a career out of the arts… but you can forge a living wherever you come from. You just need to work hard.”

‘Undeniable’ is out now.

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