Big Up! – The Allergies big up Ugly Duckling’s Andy Cooper
Cooper guests on new Allergies album Promised Land
Roy and Adam from The Allergies wax lyrical about their favourite mic manipulator and long-time collaborator, Andy Cooper.
Roy: “Can we get a moment of appreciation for our favourite ever MC, Mr. Andy Cooper? Love that guy! Ever since hearing him rapping on Ugly Duckling’s Fresh Mode back in the late 90’s we’ve been hooked. I even have a signed poster of that album when they toured the UK! His wordplay, delivery, and hip-hop knowledge made him stand out for me. So, it was a fanboy, pinch-yourself moment when we got to work with him as The Allergies.”
Adam: “We first met at a night in Bristol when we were doing support for Ugly Duckling. We chatted to him after the show, he didn’t seem too interested at first but once we sent him a few beats his ears were ours! ‘Rock Rock’ was the first big collaboration that did the damage.”
Roy: “Ever since then he’s been down with us, like one of the crew. And we somehow convinced him to work on our next four albums (the mug!) Not only handling mic duties, but directing arrangement ideas, concepts, samples, what cuts and scratches to drop, and writing tracks for our singer, Marietta Smith. Talk about a full package artist!”
Adam: “He’s a beast alright, the man knocks out one or two solo albums a year as well as working on our stuff. Must be those big legs of his.”
Roy: “And, once again, his funky fingerprints can be found on our new album, Promised Land. He took lead on the track ‘Are You Ready’, kind of channeling all the energy and soul review vibes he brings to the live shows we now tour with him. And then he goes for solo on the heavy rap joint, ‘Utility Man’. A number which pretty much embodies his Mr. Fix It, Talent-For-Hire character to a tee.”
Adam: “A.C. we salute you sir and we hope you never get sick of us! For anybody not in the know, it’s time to get to know the lyrical genius that is Andy Cooper!”
The Allergies’ Promised Land LP is released on Jalapeno Records on October 8