MC XXX Fantazia Exclusive Interview 2005

Real name and birthplace?
Steven Jones, Stirling, Scotland.

Location now?
A little village just outside Stirling called Fallin.

What were your early music influences? Who did you look up to?
My early musical influences are all Rap and Hip Hop artists. Public Enemy, Ice-T, NWA, 2 Live Crew, Tu Pac and the generation of hip hop artists that brought this music to the masses. MC’s would not have existed if it wasn’t for these guys, even though we took it to a different level.

Why did you call yourself MC XXX?
I heard the name XXX on a Rap track and liked it, so MC XXX was born. It has nothing to do with porn like so many people think and I only wished I had copyrighted my name, before it was stolen for a Hollywood movie, haha.

How did you get into the scene? Where was your 1st gig?
I was a raver that went to all the early rave parties in Scotland, such as Awesome 101, Technodrome, Amnesia, Rezerection (not long after I became the resident mc), etc. My first gig was at Awesome 101 in Livingston in ’92 where I mc’d for the late great Tom Wilson and my partner in crime DJ Technotrance. This was also Technotrance’s first gig and we went under the banner of ‘The Dream Team’, which stuck with us for many years and eventually led to a residency at Scotland’s premier hardcore club – The Fubar. You could call me an all round entertainer, as I also danced for Q-Tex and Suburban Delay (mc as well) at that time, which helped me get noticed in the rave scene. I feel my other big step was when I got some gigs in Italy, Switzerland and Austria with DJ Jappo. I think I must am the only Scottish hardcore mc to have international gigs under his belt?

How long have you been MCing now?
Coming up for 14 years now.

Ever want to get behind the decks? Can you mix?
I also dj and hold a monthly residency at Anthem City in Falkirk and Heaven Under 18’s in Stirling. I always dj’d here and there throughout my career, but my mc’ing was always my main priority. DJ’ing is not my strongest point I have to admit, ha ha.

What do you think are your best qualities as an MC?
I am original, I do not copy other mc’s lyrics and have developed my own unique style (which many have copied).  I have won many awards throughout my career from various promoters, magazines and radio stations. Through these achievements, I was always billed as Scotland’s Number 1 MC, which is something I am very proud about.

Do you write lyrics down? What are your fav lyrics?
I can remember all my lyrics in my head and don’t need to write them down, unless it’s when I am writing a song. MC’ing comes naturally to me, probably due to my great passion for song writing and Rap music. My favourite lyrics are in tracks by Public Enemy and Ice-T’s ‘Original Gangster EP’.

Who’s your fav Dj to MC to? And is there anyone you’d like to MC for?
I would have to say that my favourite dj to mc to would be Technotrance. We have worked together for years and we were always booked together, due to our great mc/dj relationship. If I had to pick one DJ that I would like to MC for it would have to be Pablo X, who is going to be the next Carl Cox, lol.

What are your top 10 favourite tunes? And worst and why?
I couldn’t possibly name 10 tunes, as there are probably around 500 to choose from. A lot of Scott Brown’s music would appear on this list, as I think Scott is a very talented producer(Scott, you never did get back to me on ‘I am All For Loving You’ The Pumpkin Remix, haha) and he helped produce my first ever record. Gina G’s ‘Just A Little Bit’ would be my most hated, not even Scott could work any magic remixing that track.

Best event you played?
The Big Bang @ The SECC and Rezerection’s ‘The Event II’

Funniest/most embarrassing thing that ever happened at an event?
When I was mc’ing with The Bass Generator, Technotrance and XXX PA at The Fubar, my fly on my trousers burst, which I was totally unaware of until I noticed ravers pointing at me and laughing. What a red neck, haha. All the back stage antics were always very funny, especially when Bassy G lost the plot. Another time that stands out was when myself, Bassy G and Technotrance were driving to a gig up North in the snow. The car lost control and Bassy jumped on to my knee and kept on shouting ‘tree, tree, tree’ in a worried voice before we ended up down a ditch. Thankfully we all lived to do the party. You had to be there (though you probably would not want to be) as it was so funny.

Favourite promoter?
Ricky McGowan at BTTF.

What do you do to chill out away from the music?
I like to keep fit, do martial arts and socialise with my friends.

Mad P or Robbie Dee?
Definitely Robbie Dee without a doubt!!

Fast Food or Fancy restaurant?
Fast food.

KnightRider or A-team?
A-Team

Ibiza or Bahamas?
Ibiza

North or South?
North of course, haha.

Superman or Batman?
Superman

Money or Morals?
Morals

Blondes or Brunettes?
Both

Ferrari or Porsche?
Reliant Robin

Favourite film?
Braveheart

Do you listen to any other type of music?
I am totally open-minded when it comes to music and listen to practically everything. I get my inspiration from all types of music.

Describe yourself in 5 words?
Spontaneous, committed, enthusiastic, ruthless and horny, haha.

If you could have a one to one with anyone? (Alive or Dead) who would you choose?
My late friend Michael Wood (Woody) who passed away a few years back. He was the funniest guy and was a total legend in the Scottish Rave scene, due to his outrageous nature, wittiness and sense of humour. RIP

If you could be any other person, (past present, fictional or real) who would you be?
Tu-Pac

Who did you have your 1st crush on?
A Littlewood’s catalogue model, some things never change. Lingerie rules!!! haha

What is your greatest fear?
Losing my voice!!

If you had a time machine what year would you go back to and why?
End of ’93 when the rave scene was peaking in Scotland. I had at least 3-4 gigs every weekend, which I took for granted at the time (like we all did). At this point in my life I can look back on my life and say I have definitely lived and would not change any of it for the world.

How do you see the scene 5 years from now?
Bigger And Better!!

If you could stage a rave anywhere, where would you choose?
Balado, where the T In The Park festival is held every year.

What’s all this business with the X-Factor? What happened? (Sorry I don’t watch it!)
I got through to the 4th round, but was unsuccessful. A week later I received a call to say that they felt they had made the wrong decision and wanted me to go to London for the next heat. Unfortunately I had family commitments and was unable to attend. There is always next year to try again. Simon did tell me I was a good mc, ha ha.

What have you been up to recently?
I have been in the studio with Pablo X making some tracks, that you will hear in the very near future. I am also working on various other musical projects, including a collaboration with a Spanish hardcore producer who tracked me down. Watch This Space!!

What are your memories of MCing at the Big Bang?
Amazing stage, shit hot sound, the electric atmosphere and the smile on Tom Wilson’s face all the way through his set. Words cannot describe how good that night was.

How different will it be 13 years on? Can it be as good as back in the day?
I don’t think you could ever beat how good the scene was back in the day, but it will be another momentous party for sure.

Big Bang 2, your thoughts on the new event….
I am excited about playing this event, as it’s been so long since we had a hardcore event of such a large scale in Scotland. I know what to expect from Fantazia and that is nothing but the best!! I will be on top form that night to make sure that I help in making it just that!!

What advice would you give to up and coming Dj's/MC's?
Be original, don’t copy other people, don’t bitch, practise and don’t lose faith if you are struggling to find gigs. I have got many top mc’s/dj’s their break here in Scotland and if I think someone has what it takes I would do the same for them too. There is nothing worse than someone with an attitude, thinking they are the dogs bollox wanting to run before they can walk.

How would you like to be remembered?
An entertainer that helped to bring joy and put smiles on the faces of many people. Someone that had made his mark on the music scene.

Anything else you want to say? Any shouts?
Thanks to everyone that has supported me over the years, you know who you are!!! Massive shout out to Boony, Pablo X, Big T, Bassy G, MC G, Jappo/Unexist, Smurf, Ricky McGowan @ BTTF, The West Sides Very Own Miv, My Family and all my friends in this scene that have kept faith in me through good times and bad. The biggest shout would have to go to all the ravers that make these parties what they are. Keep It Real, Hardcore Will Never Die!!! Respect !! The Best Is Still To Come - MC XXX

Interview conducted by Bex (on behalf of Fantazia).