In the latest episode of “Drink Champs,” hosts NORE and DJ EFN met with rapper turned screenwriter and director Rapman.

In Deptford, London, Rapman – real name Andrew Onwubolu – began his career as a musician, although he wasted no time in making a name for himself across the UK. In 2018, he released Shiro’s storya YouTube trilogy that follows the title character through love and betrayal, complete with actors performing Rapman’s lyrics as he slips through different roles and personas. After racking up millions of views, the British rapper caught the attention of heavyweights Jeymes Samuel and JAY-Z, who signed him to Roc Nation later that same year.

In 2019, Rapman’s first feature film was released, Blue Historywhich chronicles the rift between two former best friends. The film grossed an impressive $5.8 million despite a nationwide cinema ban. In 2024, Rapman further cemented his place in the entertainment industry with Supacell. The first six episodes of the No. 1 Netflix series depicted the lives of five black South Londoners who suddenly find themselves with powerful powers.

Below are nine takeaways from Rapman’s “Drink Champs” conversation. Watch the full episode here.

1. The concept behind “Supacell”

Rapman’s Supacell put an unusual but inviting spin on the superhero genre. While the excitement of watching the main characters discover their newfound abilities served to keep viewers hooked, the show also tackled deep issues like racism, confronting stereotypes and gang violence, all of which disproportionately affect black communities.

According to the director, the goal was to stay away from classic superhero cliches. “I liked the genre. I grew up with the Batmans and Supermans,” he said. “I always enjoyed it, but the story of a person getting powers and then getting spandex and a cape doesn’t make sense.”

2. On how Top Boy paves the way for his Netflix series

Top Boy left so Supacell could run. The former series, which debuted in 2011 and ended in 2023, was many fans’ first taste of British crime dramas. Although Rapman’s series introduced a superhero and action-adventure take on the genre, he acknowledged that it owes a lot to Ronan Bennett’s original work.

“I don’t think you would have found the voice, the language and the slang any more tolerable. I think because you’ve been watching ‘Top Boy’ for all these years, you’re a little more used to us now, even if our rappers change the others,” Rapman explained. Oddly enough, NORE admitted that he sometimes had to rewind scenes to understand what the characters were saying.

3. On gang culture in Great Britain

Britain may be a wonderful country, but it does have problems, including gang violence. When we talked about Josh Tedeku’s character Tazer and his role as a gang leader, NORE couldn’t help but ask, “Is it like that in London?”

“Yeah, pretty much. The whole bike thing was a way for the two gangs (in ‘Supacell’) to get around because there are no license plates,” Rapman replied, before mentioning the city’s massive surveillance presence. He also gave two real-life gang examples: British rapper Giggs, who was once associated with the Peckham Boys, and Digga D, whose team was blue, according to Rapman. He added, “Other gangs represent red, but when you grow up, your gang has a color… It’s not as deep as the Crips and Bloods.”

4. George Floyd’s death is felt in London

In May 2020, George Floyd was tragically murdered by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who knelt on his neck despite his pleas to breathe. The 46-year-old’s death sparked nationwide and global protests, with people demanding an end to police brutality and racial injustice. While the movement was widespread in the United States, Rapman noted that the impact of Floyd’s death also resonated in London.

“That was the last straw. Everyone felt it. Everyone was done. Everyone went to central London to protest, did what they did, just to raise awareness, just to say we’ve had enough,” he said.

5. On meeting with Jeymes Samuel and JAY-Z before signing with Roc Nation

In 2018, Rapman signed a management deal with JAY-Z’s Roc Nation, thanks in part to Jeymes Samuel. He recalled that around the time of the Shiro’s storyPress release from about the couple who wanted their contact information: “I didn’t know who Jeymes Samuel was, but I saw JAY-Z and I was like, ‘Those are lies, bro.’ I didn’t even pay attention, so I emailed back as soon as I could.”

Later, the Nigerian-British author called Rapman via FaceTime – the second time they spoke – and the New York legend happened to be there in person: “(Samuel said), ‘Wait, wait, Black God, talk to my friend first.’ I was like, ‘Bro, yo!’ And there’s Hov.”

6. Towards a predominantly black production

“I don’t think it’s enough to have only black people on camera,” Rapman said of the need for more inclusive representation while working on “Supacell.” He noted that the show was designed as a benchmark for a majority-black production, with such professionals heading costumes, make-up and other key departments.

“We worked really hard (to make that happen) and Netflix thought it was cool,” Rapman said. “They knew what I wanted to do.” According to a survey of 30,000 people by the Creative Diversity Network (CDN), less than 14% of British television writers are black or from another minority group.

7. On the desire to expand his film activities

Rapmans Blue History was released to rave reviews. Inspired by the original Blue Story TrilogyThe project gave him a big breakthrough. Now, shortly after “Supacell”, the London native expressed his desire to produce another film.

“When you think of all the great filmmakers, you don’t think of a TV series… You know you like the series, but you don’t know who created it,” Rapman explained, before explaining where directors stand in both cases. In TV, they usually take a back seat to writers and producers, while in film projects it’s often the other way around. “I have seasons of ‘Supacell’ in my head and I have another TV series I want to do, but I really want to get back to film,” he explained.

8. On his stance in the dispute between Kendrick Lamar and Drake

Even filmmakers are getting drawn into the ongoing debate over the rap feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. When pressed to choose a side, Rapman naturally leaned toward the Compton lyricist, whose “Not Like Us” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 earlier this year.

“Personally, I’m doing it for Kendrick right now,” he replied when asked which of the two he would shoot a music video for. “I love Drake too, but I’m a business person and right now I think Kendrick is the smartest business move.”

9. What viewers can expect from season 2 of “Supacell”

Netflix has a long history of canceling its popular series, but thankfully, Supacell has already been confirmed for another season. The first season was at a slower pace, mainly to introduce viewers to the main ensemble: Michael, Andre, Sabrina, Rodney and Tazer. The next chapter, however, is “pure smoke,” he claimed.

“I don’t have to introduce you (the main cast) anymore,” Rapman explained, adding, “Season 2 doesn’t start slow… The opening scene is just smoke.” Unfortunately, fans will have to wait to find out what that means, as he didn’t go into detail.