Kano Launches Mixtape

Kano could have been forgiven for being p***ed off.

Widely regarded as one of the finest ever UK urban artists, he somehow finds himself without a record deal.

But the 23 year-old Londoner has dusted himself off and bounced back from another industry setback " with a new mixtape entitled MC No.1.

Speaking exclusively to MTV News backstage at the launch " in West End club Kabaret " Kano told us exactly where his heads at: Im where I need to be right now, 100% in control. Its a creative thing you know. Making the music I want to make and moving it forward. MC No.1 sees Kano spit over beats from the likes of Lil Wayne, Timbaland, and Soulja Boy (I made it my tune and I didnt even do the steps!).

We asked him why now, and why a mixtape? KA replied: Ive seen a lot of demand for my mixtapes, and its an opportunity for me to just get in the studio with no pressure, adding you havent got to worry about no radio, publishing, or whatever and its just doing music as a hobby.

Between giving shout-outs to Estelle, Wiley and Westwood (DJ for the night), Kano recited the name of his new album as if it were a mantra: 140 Grime Street. Are you listening execs..?

Watch MTV Base News from 5.30pm and hit the website mtv.co.uk/base for footage from last nights event.

Check out the MTV News Myspace blog for more on Kanos new mixtape.