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"Like all music, hip-hop is an art form. It's about spreading peace, love and unity. That's what we are about."

By 'we' Dee Dee is referring to Dangerous Minds, the five piece Birmingham hip-hop group for whom he emcees under the stage name Infinite.

The lads only formed in 2006 and have yet to release a song.

Love of hip-hop

"All of us are from Birmingham and we just came together through a mutual love of hip-hop," says Dee Dee.

"But I mean proper hip-hop; not what it has become. It's been in a slump in recent years and promoters seemingly are only backing bling-bling or pop-hop as I call it.

"You'll never hear the 'n' word in one of our songs. This is something that has unfortunately become a clichΓ© in every hip-hop track you hear. Quite frankly we have a larger vocabulary.

"Our themes are still adult - we wouldn't want our kids listening until they are mentally ready to understand - but that's due to the ideas in our tracks - not foul language or messages of disrespecting women, these are things that have a really negative influence on our children."

"Don't get me wrong, our themes are older. I wouldn't want my children listening to some of the songs purely because of the themes we touch on; they're older and more adult."

Clearly there are others who agree. Dangerous Minds' impending debut single – due out this year – is a collaboration with legendary American rapper Killah Priest of Wu-Tang Clan fame.

"The song's called Dangerous Minds too," explains Dee Dee. "I've been very lucky but also worked hard in building up contacts. Priest listened to it and loved it. Soon he was on board, offering input and tweaking the song. We recorded both here and in New York.Μύ

"Our debut album will also be out this year. It's called Prison Without Bars and also has some very special guests. It'll be mastered by the legendary engineer Tony Gillis, whose credits include Prince, Jay-Z, Nas, The Wu-Tang Clan and Ying Yang Twins."

Birmingham

The boys are releasing their debut album imminently, as well as a list of dates where you can see them live. There's one place in particular though that they're looking forward to performing in - their hometown.

"We want to educate and inspire everyone though, especially the younger generation. We have to: if we aren't careful the original message of hip-hop culture will be lost forever."

Details of the release dates of Dangerous Minds' debut album, and their touring schedule, will soon be available on their website www.myspace.com/officialdangerousminds