Tony Cummings quizzed Birmingham-based rapper NEUMA about his past, present and future.

Neuma: I started work on 'City On A Hill' in September 2006. At the time I was at my friend Hispano's house working on his album. I was in Spain for four months as the first part of my gap year, the first month of which was dedicated to producing and recording his album. It all sounds so professional, but the truth is almost all of the songs were recorded in his bathroom with a cheap mic. I had no particular intention of starting my own album, but it ended up that I had time to record some of my own tracks. It was just a few loose songs that I figured I should lay down while I had time. When my parents heard them however, they suggested that I work on a full album, to be funded by Betel. So I did, and after a whole lot of time, effort and creativity, all of the songs were finished by December 2006. I then went to DB studios in the UK to get it mixed and sent it off to get it mastered at the Digital Audio Co, and the rest is history.

Tony: Tell me about some of the songs on the album. What inspired "Vuelve" featuring Raul Casto?

Neuma: One of my best friends abandoned his family and backslid to the street. It was hard because nobody knew where he was. He fell back into heroin addiction and was in real danger of losing his life. I prayed only one thing - 'Father protect him'. So many people have returned to their old life and not lived to tell the tale. He left with the intention of killing himself, but God protected him and wouldn't allow it. I wrote this song in his dedication and in the hopes of his restoration. Thanks to God, the prayer which is embodied in the song was answered and he is now restored and back walking with the Lord.

Tony: What about "Thanks For Yesterday"?

Neuma: I really feel a personal connection with this song because it documents some of my experiences growing up. I talk about my memories living in Spain and things about my childhood. I remember the incredibly nostalgic time I was writing in. Before moving on to a new phase of life, out of home and into University and independence, I was writing to thank God for the incredible life he has given me. I was writing to thank all of my friends and my family for their love and support. I realise that I wouldn't want to change a thing about the way that I've grown up. Otherwise, I just really love the beat. Anything with a good piano sample for me is the best and this one came together nice.

Tony: "Drowning"?

Neuma: I really love this song because I think it came together just right. I guess I was going through a period where emotions just seemed to be taking over control. Sometimes we get in a place where we just need to let go and let God deal with us. We need to let go of the reigns and give him control. Let ourselves be immersed in his love. I heard that drowning is just like breathing water, where you just let go and breathe it in. Well I was in a place where I just needed to breathe in his love and stop trying to struggle and strive. The vocals by Roz turned out nice and the track itself I regard as one of my best/favourite beats.

Tony: Rimmer's been playing the track "Good Morning" where you sample Don Covay. How did you get the idea to use that?

Neuma: Well, when I first got my Akai MPC 1000 I was in a very experimental phase. I was just listening to some music on my iPod and came across that song by Don Covay. I wanted to try out something different. I heard potential in the sample and definitely in the words of the chorus, so I decided to try it out. Everyone that heard it thought it was funny and different but none of my other friends that MC thought they could spit on it. It's a weird kind of swing, but I sat down and wrote to it. I was particularly inspired by the truth that God's mercies are new every day. It was created to be a feel-good, uplifting kind of track to remind the listener that God is smiling down on us.

Tony: Any plans for another album?

Neuma: I am always working on new stuff. Creativity can't be stopped, so I am always making new tracks and writing new songs to stay fresh. Right now I don't have specific plans for a new album. I am focused on my studies right now and I want to promote 'City On A Hill' to a fuller extent. But as I say, I am quite prolific, so there is a chance a new CD could pop up at any time.