Kano

Early Life and Family Background

Kane Brett Robinson, professionally known as Kano, was born on May 21, 1985, in East Ham, a district in the London Borough of Newham, England. Raised in a culturally rich environment, Kano’s upbringing was influenced by his Jamaican heritage. His early life in East London exposed him to a diverse array of musical genres, laying the foundation for his future in music.

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Education and Early Interests

Kano attended Langdon Secondary School in East Ham.

During his youth, he demonstrated a strong aptitude for football, representing youth teams of prominent clubs such as Chelsea, West Ham United, Norwich City, and Celtic by the age of thirteen. Despite his promising football career, Kano chose to pursue music, a decision that would define his future.

In his early teens, Kano began experimenting with music production, using software like Cubase and a keyboard. His older brother, Lee “Chopper” Robinson, an aspiring DJ, introduced him to the world of UK garage music. Together, they recorded sets on cassette tapes, which they shared with friends. This grassroots approach to music allowed Kano to hone his skills and develop a unique sound that would later contribute to the grime movement.

Musical Career and Breakthrough

Formation of N.A.S.T.Y. Crew

In the early 2000s, Kano became involved with the N.A.S.T.Y. Crew (Natural Artistic Sounds Touching You), a collective of grime artists. His connection to the crew began through his school friend Sharky Major, who was a member of the group. Kano’s affiliation with N.A.S.T.Y. Crew provided him with a platform to showcase his talents on pirate radio stations, particularly Flava FM in Canning Town, further solidifying his presence in the grime scene.

Debut Album: Home Sweet Home (2005)

Kano’s debut album, Home Sweet Home, was released on June 27, 2005, under 679 Recordings. The album featured a blend of grime, UK garage, and hip hop, with production contributions from DaVinChe, Diplo, and Mike Skinner. It included singles like “P’s & Q’s,” “Typical Me” featuring Ghetts, and “Nite Nite” featuring Leo the Lion & The Streets. The album received critical acclaim and peaked at number 36 on the UK Albums Chart, earning Kano recognition as a prominent figure in the UK urban music scene.

Subsequent Albums and Evolution

Kano’s musical journey continued with the release of several albums that showcased his growth as an artist:

• London Town (2007): This album marked a departure from his earlier grime-centric sound, incorporating elements of hip hop and R&B. It featured collaborations with artists like Craig David and Kano’s cousin, Jammer.
• 140 Grime Street (2008): Returning to his grime roots, this mixtape featured collaborations with artists such as Wiley and Skepta, reaffirming Kano’s position in the grime scene.
• Method to the Maadness (2010): This album featured production from Boys Noize, Chase & Status, and Hot Chip, showcasing Kano’s versatility and willingness to experiment with different sounds.
• Made in the Manor (2016): Released on Parlophone Records, this album received widespread acclaim and was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize. It won Best Album at the 2016 MOBO Awards and featured collaborations with Wiley, Giggs, and Damon Albarn.
• Hoodies All Summer (2019): This album continued Kano’s exploration of social and political themes, addressing issues such as youth violence and systemic inequality. It was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2020.

Acting Career

In addition to his music career, Kano has ventured into acting. In October 2011, he made his acting debut in the Channel 4 drama Top Boy, portraying the character Sully. The show, which focused on the lives of individuals involved in London’s drug trade, received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of urban life. Kano’s performance was praised for its depth and authenticity.

After the original run of Top Boy concluded in 2014, the series was revived by Netflix in 2019, with Kano reprising his role as Sully. The revival, partly due to the interest of Canadian rapper Drake, who was a fan of the original series, introduced the show to a global audience. The series continued with a fourth season in 2022 and a fifth and final series in 2023.

In October 2023, Kano starred in The Kitchen, a dystopian action drama directed by Kibwe Tavares and Daniel Kaluuya, which premiered at the 67th London Film Festival.

Awards and Recognition

Kano’s contributions to music and entertainment have been recognized through various awards and nominations:

• 2005: Home Sweet Home nominated for Best Album at the MOBO Awards.
• 2005: Won Best UK Newcomer at the MOBO Awards.
• 2006: Nominated for Best Urban Act at the Brit Awards.
• 2016: Made in the Manor shortlisted for the Mercury Prize and won Best Album at the MOBO Awards.
• 2020: Hoodies All Summer nominated for the Mercury Prize.
• 2022: Won Best Performance in a TV Show/Film at the MOBO Awards for his role in Top Boy.

Discography

1. Home Sweet Home (2005)
2. London Town (2007)
3. 140 Grime Street (2008)
4. Method to the Maadness (2010)
5. Made in the Manor (2016)
6. Hoodies All Summer (2019)

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Kano has collaborated with numerous artists across various genres, including:

• Wiley
• Ghetts
• Skepta
• Damon Albarn
• Giggs
• JME
• Craig David
• Kojo Funds

These collaborations have allowed Kano to blend different musical styles and reach a broader audience.

Personal Life and Legacy

Kano’s personal experiences growing up in East London have heavily influenced his music, with many of his songs addressing themes such as social inequality, youth violence, and the challenges faced by individuals in urban environments. His authenticity and commitment to representing his community have endeared him to fans and critics alike.