People talk about triple threats. We’ve lost count with Tinie Tempah.
Rapper, fashion maven, TV presenter, record label head, food business owner – he even competes in jiu-jitsu. And he’s had as many number one singles as Elton John.
Yes, that Elton John.
Born in South-East London to Nigerian parents, he modelled his early rap career (aged 12) on the rowdy grime and garage pioneers So Solid Crew – before landing his own pass to the big time with his single Pass Out in 2010.
It’s been an upward trajectory ever since. Seven number ones, genre straddling with Swedish House Mafia and Calvin Harris, and most recently TV, fronting his own Channel 4 show and even appearing as a guest investor on Dragons’ Den.
We took him for lunch at the fabulous, Michelin-listed Erst in Ancoats and dug into his food business, festival bugbears and why he just loves an extension.
What a gent.
