Craig David: Ask Me Anything

Craig David Celebrates 25 Years of ‘born to Do it,’ pivoting to New Album ‘Commitment’

by Archyde Staff Writer

July 16, 2024

Archyde

Twenty-five years ago,Craig David burst onto teh music scene with his groundbreaking debut album,”Born to Do It.” This classic of British garage and R&B established David as a pivotal figure in the genre.

The Southampton-born artist remains a passionate ambassador for garage music. His recent single, “Wake Up,” is a testament to this, reflecting his commitment to honoring his genre roots and preserving cultural legacies for future generations.

David, known for his enduring presence in pop music, is set to release his ninth studio album, “Commitment,” next month. The album features an extraordinary lineup of collaborators, including Toddla T, Wretch 32, Jojo, and Tiwa Savage.

“Making music still turns me into that giggly, excited little kid who wants to feel the magic of it all,” David shared about his ongoing passion for creating music.

David’s illustrious career spans a quarter-century, marked by meaningful milestones.These include his collaborations with the Artful Dodger, his prosperous foray into the American market, obtaining permission from David Bowie to sample “Let’s Dance,” performing at the Queen’s platinum jubilee, and advocating for increased social housing with Shelter.

The Guardian is inviting readers to pose questions to Craig David about his extensive career. Submissions are open until July 22, with the best questions to be featured in an upcoming edition of Film & Music.

Frequently Asked Questions About Craig David’s Career

What was Craig David’s debut album?

“Born to Do It” was Craig David’s debut album, released 25 years ago.

What genre is Craig David associated with?

Craig David is primarily associated with British garage and R&B music.

What is the name of Craig David’s upcoming album?

Craig David’s upcoming album is titled “Commitment.”

Who are some collaborators on Craig David’s new album?

Collaborators on “Commitment” include Toddla T, Wretch 32, jojo, and Tiwa Savage.

What does craig david say about his latest single “Wake Up”?

Craig David stated that “Wake Up” is about respecting his garage roots and preserving genres for future generations.

How long has Craig David been in the music industry?

Craig David has been in the music industry for 25 years.

What are your thoughts on Craig David’s enduring career and his latest work? Share your opinions and questions in the comments below!

What role did your father’s reggae collection play in shaping your early musical tastes and eventual career?

the Rise of a UK Garage Icon

Craig David, a name synonymous with UK garage, R&B, and a string of chart-topping hits, has maintained a remarkable career spanning over two decades. From his breakthrough album Born to Do it to his continued success today, fans are consistently curious about the man behind the music. This “Ask Me Anything” dives into the frequently asked questions surrounding his life, career, and future projects. We’ll cover everything from his early influences to his recent musical ventures and even address some persistent rumors. Expect insights into his songwriting process, collaborations, and what keeps him motivated.

Early Life & Musical Influences: Where Did It All Begin?

Many fans wonder about Craig David’s formative years and the artists who shaped his sound. Born in Southampton, England, in 1981, David’s musical journey began early.

Early exposure: He was immersed in music from a young age,influenced by his father’s reggae collection and the burgeoning UK garage scene.

Key Influences: Artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Wyclef Jean played a notable role in developing his vocal style and songwriting sensibilities.

DJing & MCing: before becoming a recording artist, David honed his skills as a DJ and MC, performing at local clubs and events. This experience was crucial in understanding crowd dynamics and developing his stage presence.

Early Garage Scene: The vibrant UK garage scene of the late 90s provided the perfect breeding ground for his talent, allowing him to experiment with different sounds and build a loyal following.

Born to Do it & The Breakthrough Years (2000-2005)

David’s debut album, Born to do It (2000), catapulted him to stardom. It remains a landmark album in UK garage history.

Chart Success: The album spawned several hit singles, including “Re-Rewind (The Crowd Say Bo Selecta),” “Fill Me In,” and “7 Days,” dominating the UK charts.

Unique Sound: Born to Do it blended R&B vocals with the energetic beats of UK garage, creating a sound that was both innovative and commercially appealing.

The Bo Selecta Effect: His appearances on Leigh Francis’s Bo’ selecta! TV show, while controversial in retrospect, substantially boosted his public profile.

Follow-Up Albums: Slightly Bent (2002) and Together (2004) continued his success, showcasing his versatility and willingness to experiment with different musical styles.

Navigating Career Challenges & Reinvention (2005-2016)

The mid-2000s presented challenges for David as musical tastes evolved. He faced a period of relative quiet before a remarkable comeback.

shifting Musical Landscape: The decline of UK garage and the rise of grime and hip-hop impacted his chart performance.

Experimentation & Diversification: He explored different genres, including pop and dance, but struggled to recapture his initial success.

autonomous Releases: David released music independently, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to his craft.

TS5: A Turning point: The launch of his TS5 (Totally Stripped 5) club night and accompanying livestream in 2014 proved to be a pivotal moment, reigniting his fanbase and showcasing his djing skills.

The TS5 Phenomenon & Continued Success (2016-Present)

TS5 became more than just a club night; it became a brand and a platform for David’s continued success.

Global Expansion of TS5: TS5 expanded beyond the UK, with residencies in Las Vegas, Ibiza, and other international destinations.

Return to Chart Dominance: The success of TS5 led to a resurgence in his recording career, with singles like “Ain’t Giving Up” and collaborations with artists like Jonas Blue.

Album Following My Intuition (2016): This album marked a significant comeback, reaching number six on the UK Albums Chart.

Recent Projects: david continues to tour extensively with TS5, release new music, and collaborate with other artists, solidifying his status as a music industry icon. His latest album 22 (202