Blankbook

Richard White started writing rap poetry just before GCSE exam revision time. Joel coached him and co-rookie Sike, as rap writers and performers. Over three months Richard a.k.a. Cable, turned into the most prolific young rapper we'd ever met. His freeform style was unique, his subject matter challenging and deeply personal.

In a flurry of exuberant excitement, Joel arranged for Cable and Sike to record with a group of professional musicians. The Blankbook recording sessions were exciting. The musicians jammed. The soundscape was entrancing. But the rappers were just not ready to record their material in this context. Their nervy delivery denoted their overwhelmedness. So much for throwing people in the deep end.