Having sampled their latest killer mix tape, I can proudly announce that Ruff Diamondz are far from a conventional, run-of-the-mill girl group. They’re most certainly diamonds in the rough whose fresh and funky natural talent fills a yawning gap in today’s urban music scene. Comprising three different personalities with their own styles – Chronz, aged 21, Martika 18, and Troy 21 – the powerhouse trio are busy working on their new album due for release in the middle of next year, as well as touring with The X Factor stars JLS after Christmas. Each of the girls can really sing, but Chronz adds flavour to the trio with her ostentatious lyrical skills, while Martika contributes her infectious sexy swagger. Together, they are well on their way to global stardom.
Back in 2008, Chronz (then a solo MC) met songwriter Carla-Marie Williams, and after a number of lyric-writing sessions was advised to form a girl group. Chronz takes her influences from various grime artists such as Dizzee Rascal, and the most notable Female MC-turned-actress Shystie. Chronz and Carla later discovered Lewisham-born singer Troy and Tottenham-native Martika on MySpace – leading to the birth of Ruff Diamondz.
‘The equation is simple,’ the girls tell me. ‘We’re individuals, but we fit together like a jigsaw. Take soul, add R&B, add a little bit of grime and you’ve got Ruff Diamondz…’
How did you come up with your group name in the first place?
Basically it means, we see diamonds as perfect – but, obviously, we’re not perfect. So we put the ruff in front of the diamonds, because we are perfection, but with an edge.
Which other famous girl group would you like to be as big as?
We’ve got loads of inspirations when it comes to groups. We are inspired by TLC, Destiny’s Child, and En Vogue. In terms of big girl groups, we think The Spice Girls were massive internationally, so we’re aiming to be as big as them some day.
For Chronz, who is your favourite female rapper?
I’ve been inspired by Shystie so much, so I would have to say her. She’s sick. I like to keep it UK. Martika, we hear that you’re a kickboxer.
Have you ever had to use those skills in a situation?
I do actually. I use those skills on my Dad every single day!
Troy you’re ‘the mother’ of the group. What’s the best advice you’d give to your band members?
Yes I am known as the mother of RD. I tell them to stay humble!
How’d you all spend an ideal day?
Troy: Probably if I had the money, I’d go to an airport, book myself a first-class return ticket to a nice island somewhere, sit on the beach, sip a nice cold cocktail – write and listen to music all day. I’d spend the whole day there, then get on the plane back home again!
Tika: I’d probably go to a spa for treatments and massages. My back is always hurting because we’re always jumping around the stage!
Chronz: I’d watch movies at home and order curry!
Your greatest inspiration are…
Chronz: Ghettz inspires me, he’s a rapper and Grime MC – He’s sick.
Tika: Alicia Keys. She plays keys, and she’s got an amazing voice, and I play keys as well!
Troy: Keri Hilson, I like the way she writes, and she’s got a great voice!
Are you excited about supporting JLS on tour in January 2011?
Yeah! In January we’re going to be touring with them for the third time – for the whole month! It’ll be good to get back on the road with them and get back on stage. We’ve just finished the MOBO tour, so there’s a bit of a gap. It’s gonna be exciting when that time eventually comes. We’re gonna really enjoy it and put on a massive show for our fans.
What’s the most enjoyable aspect of your job?
Troy: It might sound like a cliché, but seeing people appreciate the music when we perform together.
For the girls’ social sites, events, bios, photos and a free mix tape, visit: www.rdofficial.com
Their single Do It Like Me is released on November 15
Interview by Kemi Giwa
