Brixton-born rapper Cristale’s debut mixtape ‘Clear Intentions’ just dropped, and it’s her most intimate project yet. Even better than that, it’s come straight from within.
Back in 2020, Cristale was rapping over other artists’ instrumentals. Since then, she’s gone on to earn a MOBO nomination, starred in the final series of Top Boy, and is now one of UK rap’s most exciting voices.
Finally dropping her most intimate project to date, ‘Clear Intentions’, and making her COLORS debut where she performed new track ‘H2O’, things are only just kicking off for Cristale. Trust, she has even bigger plans pending.
We sat down with Cristale to find out the inspirations behind her first mixtape, and where she’s taking her sound next. Keep reading to find out.
XO: Your debut mixtape, ‘Clear Intentions’ is out now - congrats! How are you feeling about finally having the full project out in the world?
C: “I feel relieved! Now that my project is out, I can have fun with how I’m going to show it to everyone. From lip sync videos to vlogs, showing everyone what really goes into being an artist, I’m grateful that everyone can listen to the music whenever they feel like.”
XO: You’ve called ‘Clear Intentions’ a “personal” project. Which track would you say delves the deepest?
C: “I would say ‘H2O’ is the deepest track, it reflects on my childhood and the struggles I have in present day. It was also the most intentional track made which resulted in the title of the project, with references to my family being made and my nan’s voice playing in the song, I hold ‘H2O’ very close to my heart.”
XO: This is your first full body of work since going independent. How did having full control change your approach?
C: “Having full control over the making of this project was very freeing. I felt like the world was my oyster and I went on a very personal journey during the making of it. I had the safe space to learn things about myself along the way - but I’d be lying if I said I did this all by myself. My mum helped me realise that this was even a project and came up with the other half of the title. So big up Mum!”
“I think next time, I still need the freedom to create, but I’ll work with my team to challenge me a bit more in terms of throwing me an odd concept and telling me to write a song about it, kinda like a game. That really helps when I’m creating because it opens up my mind to things that’s going on in the world opposed to what’s going on in my world.”
XO: You’ve said the mixtape is about knowing your “reason why.” So, has it helped you find yours?
C: “I have found my reason why. I have a responsibility to show people that they aren’t alone in their struggles and to remind them that even when they feel alone, God is with them. Life is about perspective, look for togetherness in the loneliness, like Dave said, “We’re All Alone In This Together”. But finding your reason why is the first step. Keeping it and nurturing it are the steps that come after, and that’s where I am right now.”
XO: Which artists would you say inspired Clear Intentions the most?
C: “I really looked within for this project. I didn’t look at other artists for any of the layers to my mixtape. I just felt like I needed to be able to tell the story, my way.”
XO: I read that you were winning rap battles in primary school with bars you’d write with your uncle. When did music first stop being a hobby, and start looking like it could be your career?
C: “Writing was a hobby from age 3 right up until I was 19/20. That's when my dad said that the next 4 freestyles I write, I shouldn’t post on Insta - then he took me to the studio and we recorded the videos for them and put them on YouTube. After that it was freestyle platforms, cyphers, singles and a collar with Temz from Leeds which resulted in me getting a dm from a record label that wanted to sign me.”
“I remember having the EP ready. 'What it’s Like to be Young' - I still didn’t really think anything of it. It was when I was at my video shoot for 'Morgan' - bigger budget, everyone showed up for me, it was crazy, and that's when I looked at the situation and realised this might not be a hobby anymore. But the making of 'Clear Intentions' has made me realise that I definitely have a long career ahead of me, so every decision needs to count if I want to be as big as I believe I can be.”
XO: You’re not only into music, though, as a lot of fans know you from your acting roles. How did acting in Top Boy, The Kitchen, and Queenie compare to being in the booth?
C: “Acting is a lot more structured for me, which I like - there’s a lot more routine which is helpful because the life of an artist/musician can be very sporadic at times which takes a toll on the discipline I try to have. But I always have those memories of my acting schedule as a point of reference whenever I need to kick it into gear.”
XO: Right now, music’s where your head’s at, but do you have plans to continue in the acting world?
C: “I would love to go back into acting, it’s a breath of fresh air! Just waiting for the right role to call.”
XO: What would be the best piece of advice you could give your younger self?
C: “Cris, try not to let your emotions get the best of you, you’re going to be okay. Keep putting your feelings into the art, you’re gonna turn out alright. (Might take that advice now too!).”
XO: Lastly, can you share what’s coming after the mixtape? Any plans for a tour?
C: “Hopefully a tour. But definitely more music!”
