Who would have thought Hip Hop's 2008 saviour would be a girl? Who would have thought she'd be from Stockholm? Whoever did was totally, totally on the ball though as Mapei has been tearing the scene a new a**hole over the past months. With an impressive catalouge of 'pop political' tunage backing her up, this sister is definitely doing it for herself. We caught the elusive hip popper on a day off for a few words about stuff and nonsense.

DP: Hello Mapei.

M: Hey!

DP: You describe your music as 'pop political'.

M: Because I love pop music and that's what I want to do! I wanna make songs for people that love Rihanna and cry to Morrisey at the same time. I always have something to say or a story to display! I wish I could talk about love all day, but it just doesnt come out of me as easy! I analyse people and situations all the time so it shows in my music. In my shows I really wanna reflect on the momentum. Like I can't do a tour and do the same thing all the time! Life is beautiful and I love pop!

DP: How long have you been at the music thing?

M: Not for long! But I like this music thing so I'mma make more songs. Right now I'm working with DJ Mehdi and he is so dope - great producer, great taste in music and we also played Grace club with Jeff Buckley on the guitar! Now if you can work with someone like that who loves Jeff, Dylan and Ludacris at the same time you are definitely lucky!

DP: A lot of people are saying Hip Hop is dead (true) and the new breed of club rappers like yourself are its last chance at resurrection?

M: Nothing ever dies under the sun. It goes round and round. It's just that often people are in the same dimension. They think about the same things and have the same conversations and desires in life, so they do not create new shit. I just came from Paris with Naeem (Spankrock) and we went to all kindsa clubs and it inspired us to be around different kinds of people so automatically you think outside the box and put all sorts of perspectives in your music!

Also it depends on what kind of hiphop. Hypocrites that try to be political and underground at the same time as they're homophobic, I don't even have the time listen to. It is 2008. I wish they're was more Woodstock in hiphop, more freedom.

Up close and personal

DP: Your music seems like a mish-mash of influences from early 90's rap to artists like Peaches. Who would you put as your main influences musicwise and in general?

M: I love everything, but I'm really into energy and attitude. I also change all the time like sometimes I wish I was in a doo wop band or a black Cat Power like Tracy Chapman or something. Early 90's is really nice. Peaches is sexy... haven't had the chance to listen to her a lot lately though

DP: You live in a lot of different countries at once! Where would you say the scene is better/worse at the moment?

M: Yeah I do get around! The Swedish scene is craaaaaazy. We have characters here. Youtube 'Malin of Sweden' and you'll see (she's a blond dancehall queen). People just really go wild here. New York's getting better. I played at Hugs in Williamsburg there the other day and people went wild as opposed to back in 2006 when people were more reserved. I think there is something in the air where people just wanna be free creative and open and it's happening all over the world.Everyone is mishmashing everything and is influenced by everything.

DP: Is there an album in the pipelines?

M: Yes I'm recording now with Carli and Dj Mehdi.

DP: What is the focus?

M: I have the soul of a Lizzie (the girl gang in the movie The Warriors). I'm really inspired by the movie The Warriors!

DP: Do you have any interesting collaborations coming up/planned?

M: A lotta people wanna work with me. Switch, Lykke li Spankrock and more - they're all my friends. I like working with friends.

DP: Can we get any style advice for 08? Some people are talking about leopard print or perhaps the urban nerd thing will take over again by summer.

M: No I think the sophisticated 70's writer will be in. Like brown Manchester pants n' shit. But I wish everyone dressed like the people in the movie KIDS just t-shirts and sweats. YOU know?? I miss the summer.

DP: IT'S THE HOPE ISSUE! What does the word 'hope' mean to you? Do you feel people have much hope these days? With the wars and lies we all get fed everyday is there any reason to?

M: Who cares. Act like you have, you'll be happier. I used to be so paranoid. Meetings with people are the best. If they fuck you over then that's their loss. Cause your cool right! Have hope and trust in yourself and the rest will follow... be colourbli-i-ind and dont be so shallow!! haha. VOGUE.

Check Mapei's last fm here.