Million Stylez is most definitely one of the hottest hip hop/dancehall artists coming out of Europe today. With the international club banger Miss Fatty, there are very few urban music lovers in the world that could´ve missed him. A big song like that might be hard to follow up and one might want to label him as a one hit wonder, like that’s a bad thing? We wanted to know more about the dude and since he is based out of Sweden and so is HIE, we got a chance to grab a quick exclusive. Million took some time out to sit with us at a coffee shop in Stockholm to talk about his music, the music game in Europe and spirituality.

While Million orders a sandwich, the conversation kind of falls into place naturally. We pick a corner in the far back of the shop…

Million Stylez, that’s big man, how did you end up with that name?

-It came to me when I was looking for a name that would stick and fit everything I was doing, I think I was about 16 or 17 years old at the time, producing, rapping and singing on all types of beats. The name stood out and described me well so I ran with it.

The name suits perfectly for a dude with a very versatile background. Born to Japanese and French parents and growing up in a predominantly multicultural suburb called Sollentuna outside of Stockholm, Million took inspiration from all the different cultures he encountered before even leaving his hood.

-I had never been to Jamaica before I chose to sing and toast in Jamaican Patois but the influences were there in my hood.

Million began his urban musical journey at a young age messing around with rap but soon fell in love with roots reggae and dancehall. He soon joined KBC Music, a local Swedish sound system that turned into a record label in 2000. His real breakthrough came in 2005 when he became the first non Jamaican to enter the Irie FM, Red Stripe competition “Big Break” and make it to the finals. The following year “Miss Fatty” was released and blew Million Stylez up to major status. The club banger was followed up by a full length debut album called “From a far” which was pretty much given away for free on the Internet. After extensive touring all over the world due to “Miss Fatty” Million has now released his second album titled “Everyday”.

So now that the dreaded sophomore album is out on Universal Music, what is your situation as we speak?

-I’m focused on the album which I’m very proud of. I got Gentleman on it, Joey Fever, Don Carlos, Busy Signal and others. I’m doing a US tour in July, Uppsala Reggae festival in Sweden on the 7th of August and a concert in Gambia, Africa later this year. Those are just some of the highlights but we have tons of shows everywhere. I’m also constantly recording with different artists and producers all over the world so I have music being released all the time all over.

How does it feel to have realized the dream of so many youth out there in the world? The dream of becoming an international star.

-I could only thank God. My attitude is to stay hungry even though I’m successful. Once you feel like your belly is full and you don’t have to fight for your daily food anymore, it will reflect in your music. I try to lead a simple, spiritual life.

Give us three words that describe you well!

-Versatile, generous and thankful.

Those three are really some of the necessities needed for a successful music career. What else do you think you need to be successful?

-Well, I need my family, my voice and my producers but first and foremost I need God.

How do people react to your spirituality since you´re a very spiritual person?

-I´ve been spiritual from a young age so I’m not going to contradict myself just to fit in with the mainstream. I know that God is there for me and for us. People just need to be positive and treat each other well.

What is your motto in life?

-My motto is to always follow my inner voice. Some call it the conscious but I call it Gods voice and if I follow it then everything will work out. I also try to be positive. Think positive and positive things will happen.

What would you do if you lost your voice?

-I would probably produce and DJ, make music in that way because that’s all I know and its all I want to do…no wait..bump that, take that back. I would do that for work and then probably travel a lot but only if I knew I would get my voice back..haha. I love traveling though, I love seeing new places and things. It’s the most satisfying thing for me.

What do you rather write about in your music?

-It’s hard to say but I always let the beat speak to me and I go with the feeling I get from that particular melody. It could be love I feel or I could get a club vibe. But the bottom line for me is always a positive message.

Who or what inspires you the most?

-God. But also everything else I see and hear, people I meet all over the world and the conversations we have. I get a lot of inspiration from my family and close friends as well.

What are the most important political topics for you today?

-I’m not much for politics because I don’t think there´s a political party or president that can unite us through politics because people will always think apart. But the two most important issues should be world peace and ending world hunger, we can make it happen if we want to, if it wasn’t for the people on top who just want profits. They promise a lot but in the end it’s all about money. I heard somewhere that with one percent of the world’s money we could end world hunger. Imagine that!

What do you think is lacking on the music scene in Sweden and what Swedish artist would you like to big up?

-I would like to see more unity. More collaborations between artists, a situation where you could work with anyone and everyone, whenever. I think Robyn is the hottest artist here though, she´s original, she does her own thing and she got a really nice voice. I also like Salem Al Fakir and neither of them are reggae artists, so you know…haha!

Where do you have most of your fans?

-I have fans all over the world but I think most are in Europe and particularly in Germany. I´ve had about 70 shows there in the last three years. France is also a place where I have a solid fan base. I have a good 40 shows under the belt there. I’ve had good fortune because everywhere I go the shows have been sold out, but no doubt that Europe is my strongest hold.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

-I see myself doing the same thing but on a higher level. The more I get to do music the more people I’m going to reach, the more I will get to tour the world and discover new things. Australia is the only continent I haven’t been to so I look forward to doing a tour there. I might not live in Sweden five years from now. I will probably be wherever the music takes me, no doubt.

Who are the five hottest artists in Europe according to you?

-That’s easy. Its Gentleman, Alborosie, Ziggy, Michael X and of course Milli!…haha.

Million Styles was interviewed  by Louise Lamotte for HIE
Original Photography by Mikael Ohlsson for HIE

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