DJ / MC Ribbs Interview 1993

What is your real name and age?
Shaun,  25.

How did you get the name Ribbs?
That came about years ago,  I'm from London originally and the lads I used to hang around with called me Ribbs because I was skinny.

How long have you been MC'ing?
On a large Rave scale about a year and half but I've been Mc'ing for about 4-5 years now but that was in a partnership where we both DJ'd and MC'd and changed around for each other.    I have been DJing about 9 years in total.

Who with?
DJ Simon Debruin (Hurry), we were called the SAS based in Plymouth.   We broke up when I moved to Bristol.

Why did you start MCing?
I was highly influenced from the beginning really, it was from day one of going to a Rave, Grooverider and Fabio had come down to the Academy at Plymouth and it was just the Bollocks really.  MC's on the night were Cool & Deadly.

So where was your first event?
My first event was at Fantazia on New Years Eve 1991 at Westpoint - all hell broke loose after that.

What the largest event you have done?
Fantazia One Step Beyond at Donnington Park and Vision.

And what's the best?
They have all been good but Universe must be the best.   I have played at the all.

Which is your favourite promoter?
I think Gideon from Obsession and Paul from Universe must be my favourite promoters they are always thinking and looking fro something new to market.

Is there any DJ's you particularly like to work with?
I like working with Easygroove because his mixing capabilities are just 'top' and so is the variety of music he plays - you don't just get one kind of music, he covers  a whole spectrum.   DJ Lisa is my favourite female DJ.

So can you MC to any kind of music?
Yeh, all kinds of music, I don't tamper with Jungle to much if your a Jungle MC your expected to be a lyrical MC but I'm not one of them.

What kind of MC are you then?
I'm there for the crowd, crowd hype, to get as much of a reaction as I can from them for myself and the DJ, so the DJ knows he is doing fine and people are having a good time.

What makes a good MC do you think?
Well I never MC when a DJ is mixing and never MC over vocals, a good MC is one who doesn't go on all night long because at the end of the day people are there to see the DJ and listen to the music the MC is there to just give an extra bit of UMPH! I don't understand some MC's, I'm not into the ones who come and force there way into your act if you get my meaning, if your MC'ing with a DJ, they should wait until you have finished then take the next DJ.

Have you got a favourite MC?
I've got a lot of respect for Robbie Dee,  his latest tape with Easygroove at Quest is wicked - there are a lot of good MC's out there as long as they are in the right environment, its pretty pointless putting a Ragga-muffin MC in a hardcore rave cause it just isn't going to happen.

Do you have any lyrics particular to you?
No not really, I've been using 'Lets go' and 'Come on' for about 5 years now and sometimes I go off on a weird one and weird things come out. So everything I say just happens on the night, nothing really planned.

Have you thought about teaming up with any DJ's, maybe Easygroove as he's your favourite?
No, I just go with everyone and anyone, the promoter books me and either tells me who I'm on with through the night or just lets me wheel for the night going on when I like.  I MC for Sublove, Jody, Sue & Grant.

What kind of music do you like to MC to best?
I like Techno, Jungle, anything as long as its hard, all forms of hardcore!

Are you resident anywhere?
No, it just get boring after a while.

How do you feel the scene is going at present?
Well I thought I had it sorted but its going back into Techno and everyone's thinking that's brand new' but its been there for years and they don't seen to realise.  Everyone is just waiting around for something to happen, I haven't got a clue - just go with the flow.  I'm always listening out for something new but I really don't know what direction its going to go.

So what are you plans for the future as a MC?
I'd like to got to Scotland, I've been booked a few time in the Midlands, I did Dreamscape at the Edge, that was good and I did Pandemonium at the club but it was quiet because it was the same night as Dance Planet.   My plans are to do more work in the Midlands but my aim is to get to Scotland - I wouldn't mind going abroad, I've had a few offers but nothing has turned up out of it yet.

Is there anything you'd like to say?
I'd like to give a big shout to Universe, Fantazia, Obsession, Perception and all the MC out there on the circuit who are all doing a good job at the moment, you know who you are...........

Words by MC Ribbs

Famous worlds from MC RIBBS (Fantazia Summertime 92):

"Respect the silence, respect the silence.  Silence. Respect the silence.  Alright guys, we ask one favour of you ok? When your leaving tonight, ooppss, I'll just read off the cardboard. Have you had a brilliant time? Have you had a good time? Make some noise if you've had a good time. I'd like to thank the authorities and the promoters for putting this one on.  When you're leaving, don't go any where near Bournemouth,  ok? Don't go any where near Bournemouth.  Don't go looking for any free parties, just go home, alright?  Please, just for us just go home. Save us all the grief, alright? "

So what you say? HAHAHA, yer right Ribbsy... Needless to say that Bournemouth beach has never seen so many people on it before, especially guys sweating their cods off in puffa jackets . Is it still a record attendance for the beach?   Kik.

Links to Fantazia

Ribbz has played at many Fantazia events and appears on many of our mix tape.

Many of these can be purchased here