The British rap artist will headline the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire Saturday February 18.
Originally from South London and BRIT School alumni, he recently dropped new album “Yesterday’s Gone”, with the release set to be the focus of the night.
Born Benjamin Coyle-Larner, Carner has been described by NME as ‘sensitive and eloquent’ and by The Guardian as ‘confessional hip-hop.’ His music is refreshing and insightful and provides an exciting mix of grime, hip-hop and rap.
On top of being one of London’s most highly anticipated new rappers, Carner has an incessant instinct to help others and create positive impact on the community.
Diagnosed as a child with ADHD, he found that cooking helped him control his behaviour and says ‘I was energetic and annoying and my mum would sometimes struggle to keep me in check’. By the age of 6 or 7, he could cook a whole meal on his own.
In support of this practical attitude towards controlling ADHD, he has started a new initiative called ‘Chilli Con Carner’ with the Goma Collective, a social enterprise working on creative projects, which aims to help other young people like himself.
Launched last Summer, the project allows young kids with ADHD to cook with Carner near London’s Old Street for a week before creating a meal for their parents at the end. He said “We had warnings from some of the parents that their kids might do this or that but they’ve been brilliant. Everyone is happy and learning.” Borough Market provided ingredients with support from catering company Get Stuffed.
Carner says ‘The worry is that people will think I’m just doing this for publicity, which is why I wanted to get it up and running – and hopefully able to stand on its own – before I get busy touring. I don’t want it to look like I’m some washed up guy trying to stay relevant’
We look forward to seeing what’s in store for Carner, and if his last gigs in London are anything to go by, his headline show in February will undoubtedly be memorable.
Saturday February 18, 7pm, O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, from £20, 14+
Buy tickets here
Words by Blossom Caldarone
