Image via London Live
Having been in the game for over a decade, D Double E is no stranger to grime fans. But now the Newham Generals MC is trying something new — he’s acting in the British crime movie Brash Young Turks, which debuts on London Live this Saturday (May 21). He’s not moving completely out of his comfort zone, though, as he also provides the film’s theme track.
We caught up with D Double E for a quick chat about the film, and we also ended up talking about Street Fighter.
So, how did you get involved in this movie?
It came about from a couple of mates from my school, who happened to know the director: Naeem Mahmood. I think Naeem approached them about making a theme track for the movie, and then they approached me about being on the track. Then I met Naeem, and that turned into me doing the theme, then I ended up in the movie. It came from the music side and I ended up playing a role. I just play like one of them behind-the-scenes characters, not one of the main characters. And they’re doing a lot in the background.
This isn’t the first film you’ve been in — you were also in Shank. But that was just you as yourself appearing on stage doing music. Was it different playing an actual character in this film?
It was still kind of the same as it was still role play. It was a normal job for me. It still felt different from what I normally do because it was more a group effort kind of thing. But Brash Young Turks was definitely more long days, more takes. It gets more like “I need to take breaks!” when you’re doing a normal role, I guess! There wasn’t a lot of time to relax; it was kinda like straight on pressure, man. There wasn’t any obvious lunch breaks — it was always a quick thing.
So are you looking to do more acting then?
Acting is something I definitely want to do more of, definitely. I wanna do more of those professional roles where it’s not anything to do with my real character. In this movie I’m playing a normal guy sort of thing, so more stuff like that, definitely.
What would be your dream role?
That’s a good question. That’s a bit of a hard one! Something like that film Falling Down, where he’s got a bit of a mental health problem. Something like that, something weird, a bit off key.
Tell us about the theme track.
The track is called "Empire". It’s made by myself featuring Havva on the hook. The beat is produced by a Dutch producer called Ganz, and it’s just a sick track. It’s just about empowering yourself, aiming for bigger things in life and being professional at it. It's about looking at the bigger picture and not staying in the same circles.
Obviously, we all know "Street Fighter Riddim", so I’ve gotta ask: are you playing Street Fighter V yet?
You know what, man, I haven’t played it yet. I've been playing the old Street Fighter Turbo, and all the old Street Fighters. I’ve gone back in time, actually! My mate’s got an arcade machine, and he’s got all the old arcade games. But yeah, I need to get number five. My favourite character is Sagat, but I’m also using Ken and Ryu. I like using Balrog, but he’s kind of my weakness. I’m trying to get better with Balrog. Once you can beat them up with Balrog, you can beat them with anyone.
How good are you at it? Are you tournament level, or just mucking about on it?
Boyyy! It’s definitely not a mucking about ting [laughs]. I’m not gonna be the best in the world but I can definitely take guys out! I could definitely do some miniature ones before I get to the big tournaments.
Finally, why should we see Brash Young Turks?
It’s bigger than what you think it is. It’s a different kind of movie; it’s not like the normal UK movies like Adulthood. It’s not what you expect. It’s funny, but there’s emotional parts to it as well — it can touch you. And there’s other parts that can shock you. It’s like it’s pulling you left and right.
The UK premiere of Brash Young Turks will air on 21st May at 10pm as part of London Live’s Independent Film Season.
