Leicester’s rap frontrunner Sainté has gone from strength to strength, establishing himself as a prominent leader of the 2020’s new school of rap. Across three albums and multiple EP’s Sainte carries the energy of an artist fully in motion. Since the release of his debut single “Envy Me” now more than six years ago, the artists journey has progressed forward with serious momentum. At the age of 21 he bagged his first viral hit with “Champagne Shots”. Which had all the indications of a genius at work, displaying liquid levels of lyrical composure that have been all but missing from the rap game. Over here at Knuckle we had the special opportunity to chat to Sainte in the midst of his flow to discuss creativity, local legends and the rise to the top.
1. When you first started writing and performing music, what were you listening to? And were there any local heroes in Leicester to inspire you?
Before I started making music, I would say I was kinda surrounded by music and different types, you know. My brother was a big hip-hop fan, early 2000s R&B; then my mum was very into her soul music, jazz and gospel coming out of a Christian household. So when I started making music, I felt like I didn’t have an ear capable of just hearing one genre. To be honest, it wasn’t like we had loads of big names coming out of Leicester compared to bigger cities, but that kind of made it more motivating: not following a blueprint and creating your own lane, building ground up. The people around me – my friends, some being producers and others being other types of creatives – they became my “local legends", we were all just trying to make something happen.
Outside of LC, I listened to Section Boyz, 67, Chip, Skepta and all sorts. But I was listening to a lot from America, too. I was into a lot of Larry June, Currensy - Drake, of course - Brent Faiyaz, Frank Ocean, early A$AP and Future. I can't explain the attraction I felt to the vibes.
2. Is a sense of place and location important in your music?
100% yes, I would say. I think wherever you’re from always sneaks its way into your sound. Leicester shaped how I see things — it’s a mix of different cultures, styles, and people who don’t necessarily get it unless they do. I like letting that come through naturally, not forcing it. I talk about everyday life, things you’d only really understand if you’ve lived it here. That’s what keeps my music grounded and personal, but at the same time being able to do that in whatever environment I’m in while still making it feel like the local Sainté. But it’s true, there's nothing like doing it from home.
3. From your debut single ‘Envy Me’ in 2019 to this year’s ‘4L’ project — what’s been the biggest creative evolution for you between the two releases.
I think I’ve grown a lot in the space of time that it’s been. It’s crazy, because as much as time flies, it feels like I been gliding. Naturally, I feel like I have grown in self-confidence and patience. Not that I wasn’t before, but it’s different when you’re starting up - you gotta adjust and adapt to what it is you're doing, but you get to a point where you lock in and you understand.
I definitely understand the craft more. I understand what building a sound, a world, a feeling is. Just letting things be natural - but more than anything, the biggest evolution for me is how I approach everything.
4. What music were you listening to during the creation of ‘4L’? Did anything influence the sound of the project?
It’s hard to say because I'm always listening to music. I wouldn’t say I was looking for inspiration sonically from anywhere, as with this project it kinda had to come from me. Life had to happen. I was coming off my 3rd tour all sold out, and that being the biggest one yet. I was all over hahaha. I listened to everything from Brent Faiyaz, Loe Shimmy, Sade, Larry June and a whole bunch of soul. I knew that I wanted the project to just be smooth, chilled energy and just ME. I’m always drawn to artists who make music that feels good, where you can hear the production. I don’t think I ever sit down like, “I’m gonna make this,” but hearing certain artists definitely sets a mood.
5. Your projects always have such interesting collaborations. How do you pick your features?
For me, it’s all about chemistry and energy. I can’t ever just force a collab just because of a name, numbers or trend. No hate to that approach at all - but for me, if it makes sense musically and personally, then it makes sense.
Sometimes I’ll hear a beat and instantly know who would sound perfect on it. I like bringing people into my world or blending them if the feelings are right. I’m always excited to see what happens or how it’s received, you know. That’s where the magic is.
6. As the year progresses onwards, looking ahead, do you have any big goals you’d like to tick off the list. This could be a dream collaboration or even a venue you’ve always wanted to play in?
Yeah, for sure. I’d love to do a proper hometown headline show, something special for Leicester - but in a way that will show people the levels, going against the typical blueprint but making that impact on the city. I’d also love to link up with more of my goats, man, of course! Wiz Khalifa will tell you it’s just the start. I am already taking the art and fashion to another level, continuing to work with some of my favourite brands and artists outside music to elevate the whole YS community and experience. It can’t be boxed and never will.
2025 sees the second half of the decade looming in, and for Saintè, you can guarantee the rapper will take the next few years in his stride. As he continues to cement his reputation as the ace-up-the-sleeve of the UK (and global!) rap scene.
