| Nasty P | |
| Birth Name: | Paul Rutherford |
| Origin: | Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Instrument: | Turntables, Korg, Moog, Logic |
| Genre: | Hip hop, electronica, Soul, instrumental hip hop, turntablism, beat |
| Occupation: | Producer, DJ, musician |
| Years Active: | 2000–present |
| Label: | KFM, ILL Behaviour |
| Associated Acts: | DarkSoul |
Nasty P (Paul Rutherford) is a hip hop Producer/DJ from Edinburgh, Scotland. As an artist and producer he has worked with Akil from Jurassic 5, Skinnyman and Ed O.G.
With five albums and two EPs released to date, Nasty P has a notable discography of albums and mixtapes from the acclaimed When the Smoke Clears[1] to It Sounds Nicer When It's Nasty mashup album which includes "Watchtower Problem" featuring Jay Z vs Jimi Hendrix.
As a DJ, Nasty P has supported a number of well known hip hop artists from Beyoncé and Jay-Z on their 2018 On the Run II Tour,[2] Arrested Development[3] to Ghostface Killah and KRS-One, Roots Manuva, Rakim, Talib Kweli and Earl Sweatshirt. He is also a regular feature at Croatia's Outlook festival[4] and Scotland's Kelburn Garden Festival.[5]
In March 2014, Nasty P performed at TEDx Glasgow.[6]
Aside from producing and DJing, Nasty P also co-runs Edinburgh's main hip hop club night,[7] 'I Love Hip Hop' at The Bongo Club.
His debut album When the Smoke Clears, released on KFM Records in October 2005, garnered a 4/5 review from the German edition of Rolling Stone.[8]
Following the release of his second album, It Sounds Nicer When It's Nasty, a mash up album, Nasty P was featured in Itchy Magazine. The article complimented Nasty P on his offering to the subgenre, comparing his Bill Withers/Outkast and Jay Z/Jimi Hendrix splices with that of the Danger Mouse mash up The Beatles vs Jay Z on the now iconic Grey Album.[9] With his Jay Z/Jimi Hendrix video clocking up to nearly 100,000 views on YouTube to date,[10] Skinny Mag described the album as flawlessly produced[11] with the collection displaying his skills with an MPC.[12] The album went on to receive numerous plays on Radio 1's Zane Low show.
After his remix album It Sounds Nicer When it's Nasty, Nasty P released Choosers Can't be Beggars. Showcasing it in Edinburgh's State of Mind,[13] the album brought international radio play, with the song "Signs" being played by Ally McCrae at BBC Radio One Sessions.[14] With more attention being brought to the album by Steve Lamacq at BBC Radio 6 Music picking up on Record Cassettes and playing this on his show.[15]
The EP release was held at I Love Hip Hop. It was hosted by Profisee and MC M.A.D. (Groove Armada). The event showcased his album live, with a performance set piecing together the full album through live scratching and live triggers.
A six-part video diary was created on the run up to the release of The Story So Far in March 2012, It was an introduction to Nasty P and what to expect from the album. The album brought further national radio play with Ally McCrae at BBC Radio One Sessions playing "State of Mind" feat. Akil and Profisee.[16] The Story So Far received further radio play with "Blessed Thing" feat. Profisee[17] and "Soul Biscuit" feat. Skinnyman.[18]
Released May 2017 on KFM Records the boundary pushing EP [19] provided an introduction to ‘Rich Mundi’ the alter ego of Nasty P.[20] The main single "No Tellin" featured Ed O.G., Reks, Termanology and Akrobatik all established rappers in Massachusetts’ underground scene.[21] The EP also featured collaborations with grammy nominee MC M.A.D. (Groove Armada) [22] and Edinburgh's own Jane Gilbert. Receiving airplay on Glasgow's Sunny G Radio,[23] Manchester's Rapstation [24] and the French radio station c75live.[25] The EP is an introduction to the 12-track album "Rich Mundi", set for release October 2017.[26]
A collaboration with artist Reks released August 2024 titled Undefeated EP. [27] The EP also features MC and Actor Slaine (rapper). Undefeated EP has brought international radio play, with "Tunnel Lights" being played by Statik Selektah on his radio show Shade 45[28]
Formed in September 2012, DarkSoul is an experimental soul/hip hop group with an electronic infusion featuring Nasty P and singer Naledi Herman. Having released their self-titled EP in March 2013, they have been a regular feature of the UK's festival circuit.[29] DarkSoul were handpicked by jazz singer/songwriter Jamie Cullum to support him on the 2013 Edinburgh leg of his tour.[30] [31]
Soul Biscuits is a creation of Nasty P and was a hip hop and funk night that ran once a month from 2002 to 2007 at Cabaret Voltaire. Soul Biscuits hosted breakdance events and MC battles and was a showcase for local talent such as Scottish electronic music producer Hudson Mohawke (then DJ Itchy).[32] The club night was host to some of Britain's creative hip hop figures like Roots Manuva, Skinnyman[33] MC Profisee and Killa Keller to name a few, some of which Nasty P later went on to work with.
I Love Hip Hop has been running every Tuesday since 2011 in Edinburgh's well known Bongo Club. The club is run by Nasty P alongside his business partner. I Love Hip Hop brings live hip hop performances and guest appearances.
In 2012 Nasty P was awarded the title of Global Stoli Artist of The Year,[34] not just winning in his category but winning in every category. Nasty P later showcased his skills in New York and collaborated with Nina Sky.
All album and EP artwork created by Sandy Carson.
When The Smoke Clears (October 2005)[35] [36]
It Sounds Nicer When It's Nasty Remix Album (April 2006)[37] [38]
Choosers Can't Be Beggars (March 2011)[39]
The Story Untold EP (February 2012)[40]
The Story So Far (March 2012)[41]
It Sounds Nicer When It's Nasty Part 2 Remix Album (September 2012)[42]
No Tellin E.P (May 2017)[43]
Undefeated E.P (August 2024) [44]