In this episode, I sit down with Red Venom—Manchester rapper, producer, and hip-hop historian—for a wide-ranging conversation that spans decades of music, stories, and unforgettable moments.
Red Venom first made waves in the 90s with his track Yeah Yeah (Let’s Get It On), which just missed the UK Top 40 but ended up on major soundtracks like Miss Congeniality and Sex and the City. He recalls the surreal experience of Sandra Bullock picking the track herself, even shouting him out during a conference call with William Shatner.
Born in Dublin, raised in Salford, and adopted into a musical family, Mickey shares how his early life shaped his artistry. His father taught Tony Wilson, and his mother taught drama—both strong influences. Mickey was chosen by his adoptive sister, renamed Michael after Michael Collins, and eventually discovered hip-hop through graffiti, breakdancing, and Manchester’s underground scene.
We explore his connection with Donald D of the B-Boys and Rhyme Syndicate, who introduced him to Ice-T and Public Enemy. Red Venom even signed to Chuck D’s Spit Slam label, working with legends like Sammy B from Jungle Brothers and DJ Lord from PE. He opens up about nearly signing a $5 million deal in the U.S.—a life-changing moment that sadly collapsed due to label politics.
He takes us through hip-hop’s heyday in Manchester: nights at Spin Inn, Sankeys, the Roadhouse, and Alaska. Red Venom was there through the evolution—freestyling, battling, and building a scene before it turned more commercial or student-focused. He talks about performing at Street Sounds’ 25th anniversary alongside Man Parrish, Mantronix, and Shannon, and shares stories of late-night drinks with Davy DMX and others from the electro era.
From early freestyles with Kenzie and Pressure to teaching the next generation about hip-hop’s roots, Red Venom reflects on the divide between old-school and new-school rap, the influence of skater culture, and the ongoing need to preserve hip-hop history.
He shares insights into his production work, the struggles of being an independent artist, and the deep connections that keep him going. We end, as always, with Red Venom picking a track we all need to hear—one that captures the essence of what hip-hop truly means.
Whether you’re a longtime head or discovering the scene for the first time, this is a rich and personal journey through the beats, breaks, and voices that shaped Manchester hip-hop.
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