Draft:Configa

Configa is originally from Gateshead in North East England. He developed an interest in hip hop through groups such as the Native Tongues collective and began recording music as a teenager, releasing his debut album in 2000.{{cite web |title=Interview with Configa |website=We Ear Hustling Baby Podcast |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V59T2XGC5Uc |date=17 April 2024 |access-date=1 May 2025}} He later earned a PhD in sociology from Loughborough University. His doctoral thesis, Blackness in the Absence of Blackness: White Appropriations of Rap Music and Hip-Hop Culture in Newcastle upon Tyne, examines cultural appropriation and identity in the UK hip hop scene.{{cite web |title=Blackness in the Absence of Blackness |website=Loughborough University Repository |url=https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/thesis/Blackness_in_the_absence_of_blackness_white_appropriations_of_Rap_Music_and_Hip-Hop_Culture_in_Newcastle_upon_Tyne_-_explaining_a_cultural_shift/9480077 |access-date=1 May 2025}}

Configa was raised in a musical family. His father, Steve Laidlaw, is a drummer from North East England who performed with several notable regional bands. He played with Busker, the group behind the locally famous anthem “Home Newcastle”. He also contributed live drums to Configa's tracks “Ghetto Poems” (with Jahi) and “Building from the Bottom” (on For the FKN Love)

by Arrested Development). In a 2019 interview, Laidlaw expressed pride in his son's career and noted their collaboration.{{cite web |title=Gateshead Get Rhythm with Drummer Steve Laidlaw |url=https://alikivi.com/2019/06/16/gateshead-get-rhythm-with-drummer-steve-laidlaw |website=Alikivi |date=16 June 2019 |access-date=6 May 2025}}

His grandfather, Ted Joynson, was a decorated veteran athlete and world champion runner, remembered for his long-standing dedication to competitive distance running.{{cite news |title=Tributes paid to veteran runner Ted Joynson |url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/local-news/tributes-paid-veteran-runner-ted-1351548 |work=Chronicle Live |date=20 February 2013 |access-date=6 May 2025}}

Configa began releasing music in the early 2000s, steadily building a presence in the UK underground scene. One of his early albums was listed on MTV.com's new release listings in October 2002, alongside albums by Christina Aguilera, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and Nirvana.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1458378/20021028/aguilera_christina.jhtml |website=MTV.com (archived) |date=28 October 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030207192500/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1458378/20021028/aguilera_christina.jhtml |access-date=6 May 2025|archive-date=7 February 2003 |title=MTV | Homepage - Shows & Schedules }}

He formed the group Slept On Fam in 2004 and produced its 2006 album Audio Crack, which received favorable coverage from RapReviews and Muse's Muse. RapReviews praised Configa's production, writing: "What makes Configa so good? Really, anything that ever made Premier or Large Pro so good," and highlighted his "superb" sampling and "precise, hard, and oh so dusty" drums. The review concluded that it "might be one of the strongest albums for 2006."{{cite web |url=https://www.rapreviews.com/2006/10/slept-on-fam-audio-crack/ |title=Slept On Fam – Audio Crack |website=RapReviews |date=31 October 2006 |access-date=1 May 2025}} Muse's Muse described the album as "a healthy (audio) crack epidemic that the industry can benefit from," noting that the group blended "street credible rap acts like the Wu-Tang Clan, Heltah Skeltah, De La Soul, and Mobb Deep with their own effusive style and flow," supported by "carefully integrated samples ... strategically placed in their organic production."{{cite web |url=https://www.musesmuse.com/00001223.html |title=Slept On Fam – Audio Crack |website=Muse's Muse |access-date=1 May 2025}}

The album featured collaborations with artists such as Chino XL on “Warriors March”, and tracks like “From the Bottom” and “Green Power” demonstrated Configa’s early fusion of boom bap with reggae and soul influences.

From 2006 to 2007, he hosted the Configa Radio Show on Hype Radio. Several episodes were later archived on Mixcloud.{{cite web |url=https://www.mixcloud.com/configa/configa-radio-show-2007/ |title=Configa Radio Show 2007 |website=Mixcloud |access-date=1 May 2025}}

In 2010, Configa released Pac to the Essence Volume 1, a remix project commemorating the 14th anniversary of Tupac Shakur's passing. The album received a positive review from RapReviews, which wrote that Configa was "able to make old 'Pac songs into 'new classics' without destroying the essence of what made them great in the first place", and praised it for presenting Shakur's music "in a brand new light with enough style and flair that it's a truly enjoyable experience." The remix of "Lie to Kick It", featuring Richie Rich, was described as "1970s soul meets a Dr. Dre roll."{{cite web |url=https://www.rapreviews.com/2010/10/configa-pac-to-the-essence-volume-1/ |title=Configa – Pac to the Essence Volume 1 |website=RapReviews |date=5 October 2010 |access-date=1 May 2025}}

That same year, he released Calm Before the Storm, a 20-track album produced entirely by him and featuring underground emcees from the US, UK, and Australia. The Word Is Bond described the project as "a great listen from start to finish", highlighting Configa's production and diverse line-up of collaborators.{{cite web |url=https://www.thewordisbond.com/mixtape-configa-presents-calm-before-the-storm-configaration-records/ |title=Configa – Calm Before the Storm |website=The Word Is Bond |date=23 December 2011 |access-date=21 April 2025}} RapReviews noted that "there are winners over and over again here", praising Configa's beats as "the perfect complement", with piano-driven production and "ice crystal spikes of melody", concluding that "there's too much talent here to ignore in front of and behind the boards."{{cite web |last=Juon |first=Steve 'Flash' |title=Configa :: Calm Before the Storm Mixtape |url=https://www.rapreviews.com/2011/09/configa-calm-before-the-storm-mixtape/ |website=RapReviews |date=6 September 2011 |access-date=21 April 2025}}

During this era, he also contributed music to films, including The Liability (2012), released in the United States as The Hitman's Apprentice, and The Stagg Do (2014).{{cite web |title=The Stagg Do Original Film Soundtrack |url=https://open.spotify.com/album/6VkhT6ohjzYeD1KhOELPkJ |website=Spotify |date=1 September 2014 |access-date=11 May 2025}}

From 2015 to 2016, Configa collaborated with New York emcee HaStyle on a trilogy of projects: The Calm Before HaStility, A Good Combination, and HaStility (H1). Their debut EP, The Calm Before HaStility (2015), introduced their collaborative boom bap sound and featured the tribute track "R.I.P." Upon its original release, it received airplay on Croatia's Mixtape Sessions, where Configa discussed the project's influences and production style. Nearly a decade later, the EP appeared on the top chart listings of KVRX, a student-run radio station based in Austin, Texas.{{cite web |url=https://kvrx.org/app/topless39/year/2024/week/48/ |title=Top Charts – November 30, 2024 |website=KVRX |access-date=23 April 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://www.hhunity.org/configa-hastyle-u-mixtape-sessionsu-veceras/ |title=Configa & HaStyle on Mixtape Sessions – Večeras |website=HHUnity |date=2015 |access-date=23 April 2025}}

Their second release, A Good Combination (2015), was described by Hip Hop Life and Times as "eight tracks of soul sampled boom bap", with Configa delivering "head-nodding beats" throughout and contributing a "Tupacesque rant" on the track “Rap CPR”, which included "calling out a few names which needs to be heard". The review praised his "ill production" and noted that "the duo bring that classic sounding Hip Hop back to life".{{cite web |url=https://hiphoplifeandtimes.com/2015/11/15/configa-hastyle-a-good-combination-ep-audio-dl-paved-the-way-video-confighas-configa-hastylerhymes/ |title=Configa & HaStyle – A Good Combination EP |website=Hip Hop Life and Times |date=15 November 2015 |access-date=23 April 2025}}

Their final release of the trilogy, HaStility (H1), was described by Hip Hop Life and Times as "a record that oozes the Golden Era Sound", with "neck snapping beats" and "cleverly worked samples".{{cite web |url=https://hiphoplifeandtimes.com/2016/08/28/configa-hastyle-hastility-h1-lp-out-now-review-videos-audio-dl-configa-hastylerhymes/ |title=Configa & HaStyle – HaStility (H1) |website=Hip Hop Life and Times |date=August 2016 |access-date=19 April 2025}} The album featured guest appearances from Chino XL, El Da Sensei, and Prince Po. RapReviews called it "a solid throwback" for fans of 1990s boom bap, highlighting Configa's "penchant for dusty instrumental breaks and quirky sampled dialogue reminiscent of a 1989 Prince Paul".{{cite web |url=https://www.rapreviews.com/2016/11/configa-hastyle-hastility-h1/ |title=Configa & HaStyle – HaStility (H1) |website=RapReviews |date=15 November 2016 |access-date=23 April 2025}}

In 2017, Configa released the solo album Configaration Volume 1 on Chuck D's Slamjamz Records. The project featured Chuck D, Sean Price, Craig G, Spoonie Gee, Reks, and John Vietnam, among others. BritishHipHop.co.uk described it as his "magnum opus", citing its high production quality and guest lineup.{{cite web |url=https://www.britishhiphop.co.uk/reviews/album_reviews/configa_-_configaration_volume_1_lp_slamjamz_records.html |title=Configa – Configaration Volume 1 |website=BritishHipHop.co.uk |date=2017 |access-date=1 May 2025}}

RapReviews called the album "a testament to Configa's skills on the boards", praising his blend of "hard-hitting beats" with "melody and bounce", and highlighting tracks such as "From the Soul" with Latin horns and "Pop Off" with a Dancehall feel.{{cite web |url=https://www.rapreviews.com/2017/11/configa-configaration-volume-1/ |title=Configa – Configaration Volume 1 |website=RapReviews |date=November 2017 |access-date=23 April 2025}} Bandcamp Daily featured the album in its "Best Hip-Hop of December 2017" roundup, noting that "hailing from the north-east of England, producer Configa has rounded up a crew of heavy hitters from the U.K. and the USA for his latest long-player." The review praised the record's "booming beats" and rhymes that "straddle eras", with Spoonie Gee offering "the spirit of the old school" and Craig G delivering "self-assured brags".{{cite web |title=The Best Hip-Hop on Bandcamp: December 2017 |url=https://daily.bandcamp.com/best-hip-hop/the-best-hip-hop-on-bandcamp-december-2017 |website=Bandcamp Daily |date=27 December 2017 |access-date=22 April 2025}}

Multiple music videos were released from the album, including "From the Soul", featuring Craig G, and "What's Your Story (Be Like That)", a posthumous tribute to John Vietnam that combined footage from multiple tracks.{{cite web |url=https://7thboro.com/configa-ft-craig-g-from-the-soul-video/ |title=Configa ft. Craig G – "From the Soul" (Video) |website=7th Boro |date=29 September 2018 |access-date=22 April 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://hiphoplifeandtimes.com/2018/10/17/configa-ft-john-vietnam-whats-your-story-be-like-that-video-configa-nicklight_-slamjamzrecords-jvn-johnvietnam/ |title=Configa ft. John Vietnam – What's Your Story (Be Like That) (Video) |website=Hip-Hop Life and Times |date=17 October 2018 |access-date=22 April 2025}}

In 2020, he produced an official remix of Tim Burgess's track "Yours. To Be", released via Bella Union.{{cite web |url=https://open.spotify.com/album/0qfsyVuID5OAtMoMkfT2wE |title=Yours. To Be (Configa Remix) – Tim Burgess |website=Spotify |date=27 November 2020 |access-date=7 May 2025}}

In 2020, Configa collaborated with Jahi of Enemy Radio, a Public Enemy offshoot led by Chuck D, to produce the album Forward Future. Configa's signature sample-based boom bap production laid the foundation for the project, which combined socially conscious lyrics addressing systemic injustice and media influence. HipHopDX praised tracks like "Ghetto Poems," "Rock On," and "More News @10" for their powerful commentary, highlighting Configa's production as a key element in the album's impactful sound.{{cite web |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.54862/title.enemy-radios-jahi-producer-configa-spit-ghetto-poems-on-forward-future-album |title=Enemy Radio's Jahi & Configa Spit 'Ghetto Poems' |website=HipHopDX |date=June 26, 2020 |access-date=April 19, 2025}} The duo also released a video for "Mindfulness," described by HipHopDX as "a soulful visual" promoting mindfulness and self-care, and by I Am Hip Hop Magazine as a "classic, yet cosmic boom-bap groove."{{cite web |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.55162/title.jahi-configa-feed-the-soul-with-mindfulness-video |title=Jahi & Configa Feed the Soul with 'Mindfulness' Video |website=HipHopDX |date=July 1, 2020 |access-date=April 20, 2025}}{{cite web |last=Savino |first=MJ |title=Configa & Jahi "Mindfulness" |url=https://www.iamhiphopmagazine.com/new-video-configa-jahi-mindfulness/ |website=I Am Hip Hop Magazine |date=April 14, 2020 |access-date=April 20, 2025}}

A limited-edition vinyl version of the album was issued in 2021 through ’‘Mosta Records’’, an independent label based in Singapore.{{cite web |url=https://www.mostarecordslp.com/mosta |title=Mosta Records |website=Mosta Records |access-date=April 23, 2025}} The album was included in ’‘YearEndLists’’’ Best Hip Hop Albums of 2020 and also featured on ’‘HipHop Golden Age’’’s year-end roundup.{{cite web |url=https://www.yearendlists.com/artists/jahi-configa-a6223593-88e3-475e-b59a-6238a8b8c29d |title=Jahi & Configa – Forward Future |website=YearEndLists |access-date=April 23, 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://hiphopgoldenage.com/list/the-best-hip-hop-albums-of-2020/a2750610299_10/ |title=The Best Hip Hop Albums of 2020 |website=HipHopGoldenAge |access-date=April 23, 2025}}

That same year, Configa served as co-executive producer and primary music producer on Arrested Development’s album ‘’Don’t Fight Your Demons’’, contributing a significant portion of its sample-based, boom bap–influenced production and helping to return the group to their hip hop roots. ’‘HipHop Golden Age’’ credited Configa’s work on the boards for giving the album “an authentic Hip Hop vibe.”{{cite web |url=https://hiphopgoldenage.com/arrested-development-dont-fight-your-demons/ |title=Arrested Development – Don’t Fight Your Demons |website=HipHop Golden Age |access-date=8 May 2025}} A review in ’‘Cryptic Rock’’ described the album as a strong return likely to appeal to listeners nostalgic for “classic” alternative hip hop and highlighted Configa’s role in production and engineering, noting his reputation for “authentic Hip Hop beats.”{{cite web |url=https://crypticrock.com/arrested-development-dont-fight-your-demons-album-review/ |title=Arrested Development – Don’t Fight Your Demons |website=Cryptic Rock |access-date=8 May 2025}}

In a 2020 VladTV interview, Speech said he invited Configa to collaborate on the album after hearing his production work. Speech explained:

{{blockquote|There was this dude Configa, a producer out of London, who did a record with a good friend of mine from Public Enemy named Jahi, and I heard his production, and I was like “yo, I really like what you are doing”. And I asked him if we could work together […] This record, ‘‘Don’t Fight Your Demons’’, is by far our best record — maybe our best record period, but definitely our best record since ‘’3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of…’’, and I’m grateful because fans are saying that too.}}{{cite web |url=https://youtube/eqRHNwfXQV4 |title=Speech Interview on VladTV |website=YouTube (VladTV) |date=2020 |access-date=8 May 2025}}

The Configa-produced single “Becoming” was later playlisted on LL Cool J’s ‘’Rock The Bells Radio’’ on SiriusXM.{{cite web |url=https://xmplaylist.com/station/rockthebellsradio/track/2TUY-7H2T |title=Rock The Bells Radio Playlist |website=XMPlaylist |date=August 2020 |access-date=11 May 2025}}

In 2021, Configa contributed three remixes to ‘’Expansion’’, a solo album by Arrested Development frontman Speech. Bandcamp Daily praised the project’s blend of blues, funk, and hip hop, highlighting Configa’s “funk-forward loops and low-end punch.”{{cite web |title=The Best Hip-Hop on Bandcamp: February 2021 |url=https://daily.bandcamp.com/best-hip-hop/the-best-hip-hop-on-bandcamp-february-2021 |website=Bandcamp Daily |date=26 February 2021 |access-date=1 June 2025}}

That same year, Configa released two collaborative albums. The first, ’‘The ConfigHas Crates’’, reunited him with New York emcee HaStyle for a compilation of unreleased material from their earlier sessions. The album received positive reviews for its classic boom bap sound and featured guest appearances by Sadat X, Prince Po, Chino XL, Nine, Rah Digga, and Wordsworth. ’‘Hip Hop Golden Age’’ described it as “a must-have for all fans of that true-school, rugged, boom-bap, lyrical style Hip Hop,”{{cite web |url=https://hiphopgoldenage.com/configa-configa-presents-the-confighas-crates/ |title=Configa – The ConfigHas Crates |website=Hip Hop Golden Age |date=2021 |access-date=19 April 2025}} while ’‘The Word Is Bond’’ referred to it as “yet another timeless classic under his belt.”{{cite web |last=Savino |first=MJ |title=Configa Presents ‘The ConfigHas Crates’ Album |url=https://www.thewordisbond.com/configa-presents-the-confighas-crates-album/ |website=The Word Is Bond |date=5 February 2021 |access-date=20 April 2025}} ’‘Airdrift Signals’’ highlighted Configa’s range, from “militaristic and Wu-inspired” beats to “bright and flirtatious” compositions.{{cite web |last=Walczak |first=Stefan |title=Configa Presents: The ConfigHas Crates Review |url=https://www.airdriftsignals.com/2021/02/configa-presents-confighas-crates.html |website=Airdrift Signals |date=16 February 2021 |access-date=21 April 2025}} By 2024, the track “Lik a Shot” featuring Wordsworth and Rashan continued to receive airplay on underground hip hop radio.{{cite web |url=https://onlineradiobox.com/us/allundergroundhiphop/playlist/6?lang=fr |title=All Underground Hip Hop Radio Playlist – April 2024 |website=Online Radio Box |access-date=23 April 2025}}

Later in 2021, Configa released ’‘The Year After’’, a collaborative album featuring guest appearances from Chino XL, Ras Kass, Melle Mel, Akrobatik, Planet Asia, Pace Won, Nine, Crooked I, Termanology, Speech, Craig G, El Da Sensei, and others. ’‘Hip Hop Golden Age’’ described it as “one of the best 90s-centric boom-bap projects of the year,”{{cite web |url=https://hiphopgoldenage.com/list/april-2021-round-up-the-9-best-hip-hop-albums-of-the-month/ |title=April 2021 Round-Up – Best Albums |website=Hip Hop Golden Age |date=2021 |access-date=19 April 2025}} and ’‘Boom Bap Nation’’ highlighted its “timeless boom-bap energy.”{{cite web |url=http://boombapnation.com/mega-producer-configa-dj-views-drop-the-year-after-lp/ |title=Mega Producer Configa & DJ Views Drop The Year After LP |website=Boom Bap Nation |date=2021 |access-date=22 April 2025}} ’‘Hip Hop Nostalgia’’ noted Configa’s role as an “acclaimed producer” and praised the album’s mix of underground veterans and new talent.{{cite web |url=https://www.hiphopnostalgia.com/2021/05/configa-dj-views-year-after-album-stream.html |title=Configa & DJ Views – The Year After (Album Stream) |website=Hip Hop Nostalgia |date=May 2021 |access-date=22 April 2025}}

He continued in his role as co-executive producer alongside Speech and again handled primary music production on For the FKN Love (2021), which featured artists such as Big Daddy Kane, Masta Ace, Monie Love, Fatman Scoop, and The Sugarhill Gang. The album's lead single, "Vibe" (featuring Big Daddy Kane), reached No. 1 on CBC Music's hip-hop chart.{{cite web |url=https://creativeloafing.com/event-574138-arrested-development |title=Arrested Development Event |website=Creative Loafing |date=2024 |access-date=1 May 2025}}

Juno Records described the album as "a vital statement for the rude health of message-laden hip-hop in 2022," praising Configa's production and noting contributions from both legendary and emerging artists. The album also appeared on Juno's Hip Hop/R&B chart in August 2022.{{cite web |url=https://www.juno.co.uk/products/arrested-development-for-the-fkn-love/911258-01/ |title=Arrested Development – For the FKN Love |website=Juno Records |access-date=8 May 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://www.juno.co.uk/charts/juno-recommends/629888-Juno_Recommends_Hip_Hop_R_amp_B/7725094-Chart/ |title=Juno Recommends Hip Hop R&B Chart |website=Juno Records |access-date=8 May 2025}}

In two 2022 articles for The Riff, music journalist Rob Janicke wrote that For the FKN Love “just might be [Arrested Development’s] best,”{{cite web |title=Music for Insight, Regard, but Mostly For the FKN Love |url=https://medium.com/the-riff/music-for-insight-regard-but-mostly-for-the-fkn-love-6ecf7a82cfc1 |website=The Riff |date=August 10, 2022 |access-date=8 May 2025}} highlighting Configa’s role in its production, and later noting that Configa had “left his mark” on hip hop.{{cite web |title=Brains, Beats and Bars |url=https://medium.com/the-riff/brains-beats-and-bars-c24c0ab56bee |website=The Riff |date=November 14, 2022 |access-date=8 May 2025}}

Configa contributed over 75% of the album's production, and the project also included a guest appearance by his father on drums. The track "Vibe" had earlier premiered on The Word Is Bond.{{cite web |url=https://www.thewordisbond.com/world-premiere-arrested-development-ft-big-daddy-kane-vibe-single/ |title=World Premiere: Arrested Development ft. Big Daddy Kane – "Vibe" |website=The Word Is Bond |date=2021 |access-date=2025-04-19}} Hip Hop Golden Age praised Configa's "masterful 90s-centric boom-bap production," drawing comparisons to his earlier work on Don't Fight Your Demons.{{cite web |url=https://hiphopgoldenage.com/list/the-best-hip-hop-albums-of-2021/ |title=The Best Hip Hop Albums of 2021 |website=Hip Hop Golden Age |date=2021 |access-date=8 May 2025}} Nevah Black Down called the album a "masterpiece," highlighting Configa's leadership in shaping its nostalgic yet progressive sound.{{cite web |url=https://nevahblackdown.org/2022/03/06/arrested-development-for-the-fkn-love-music-review-by-epiphany-castro/ |title=Arrested Development – For the FKN Love (Review) |website=Nevah Black Down |date=6 March 2022 |access-date=8 May 2025}} Underground Hip Hop Blog described him as a "British production maestro" and the album as "a true hip-hop tour de force," calling it the group's "biggest release EVER" due to its lineup of legendary collaborators.{{cite web |url=https://undergroundhiphopblog.com/albums/arrested-development-is-back-with-a-new-album-for-the-fkn-love/ |title=Arrested Development Is Back with a New Album |website=Underground Hip Hop Blog |date=2021 |access-date=8 May 2025}}

In interviews, Speech and Configa discussed their collaboration on the album’s direction, song selection, and sequencing.{{cite web |title=The Speech and Configa Interview |website=The Supernova Earth Show |url=https://www.supernovaearthshow.com/p/the-speech-and-configa-interview |access-date=22 April 2025}}{{cite podcast |title=Interview With Arrested Development and Configa |website=From Da Ground Up Productions |date=29 November 2021 |url=https://fromdagroundupproductions.podbean.com/e/interview-with-arrested-development/ |access-date=22 April 2025}}{{cite video |title=Speech and Configa Discuss Creative Process |url=https://youtube/Ital0gPzdHA |website=YouTube |date=2021 |access-date=22 April 2025}}

In 2023, Configa collaborated with Los Angeles–based R&B singer Sulpacio Jones on the EP Up & Away. Several tracks from the project received airplay on ‘’BBC Music Introducing in the North East’’, including “Up & Away,” “Blown,” and “Hot Like Me”.{{cite web |title=BBC Music Introducing in the North East – "Up & Away" |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0gj3kgl |website=BBC |date=7 October 2023 |access-date=11 May 2025}}{{cite web |title=BBC Music Introducing in the North East – "Hot Like Me" |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0gffrpg |website=BBC |date=30 September 2023 |access-date=11 May 2025}}{{cite web |title=BBC Music Introducing in the North East – "Blown" |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0gt0ls5 |website=BBC |date=21 October 2023 |access-date=11 May 2025}}

The song "U Make My Day" was praised by Hip Hop Life and Times as "a little gem of a track," with Jones' vocals "beautifully gliding over Configa's uplifting keys and resonant double bass," evoking "dusty, warm, late summer evenings playing B-Ball on the courts".{{cite web |title=Configa & Sulpacio Jones – U Make My Day |url=https://hiphoplifeandtimes.com/configa-sulpacio-jones-u-make-my-day/ |website=Hip Hop Life and Times |date=October 2023 |access-date=22 April 2025}}

In 2024, Configa again served as co-executive producer and primary music producer on Bullets in the Chamber by Arrested Development, which featured guest appearances by Chuck D, Canibus, Ras Kass, Skyzoo, Diana King, and others. The album was included on The Source’s list of the best hip hop albums of the year.{{cite web |url=https://thesource.com/2024/09/18/best-hip-hop-2024-albums-you-might-have-unjustly-missed/ |title=Best Hip Hop 2024 Albums You Might Have Missed |website=The Source |date=18 September 2024 |access-date=1 May 2025}} The track "For Free," featuring Configa, April So Lyrical, and Speech, was also included on the album and highlighted in DJ General Strike's "Top 40 Protest Songs of Winter 2024" list.{{cite web |url=https://shoutsmusic.blog/dj-general-strikes-top-40-protest-songs-of-winter-2024/ |title=DJ General Strike's Top 40 Protest Songs of Winter 2024 |website=Shouts Music |date=2024 |access-date=22 April 2025}}

Hip Hop Golden Age praised the beats, “predominantly crafted by British producer Configa,” as “consistently top-notch,” providing “a dope backdrop for the inspiring lyrical content.”{{cite web |url=https://hiphopgoldenage.com/list/the-best-hip-hop-albums-of-2024/ |title=The Best Hip Hop Albums of 2024 |website=Hip Hop Golden Age |access-date=8 May 2025}} Bullets in the Chamber was described by Shatter the Standards as a “delightful resurgence” for the group, with Configa’s production “infusing the calming vibes of soul” and “uplifting melodies” that reflect Speech’s hopeful tone. The track “Hip Hop Saves Lives,” featuring Chuck D, was noted as a standout, with the Public Enemy frontman echoing themes of growth and resilience.{{cite web |url=https://www.shatterthestandards.com/p/the-40-best-albums-of-2024-so-far |title=The 40 Best Albums of 2024 (So Far) |website=Shatter the Standards |access-date=8 May 2025 |last=O'Sullivan |first=Brandon}} Cryptic Rock described it as "a bold exclamation point" in the group's catalogue,{{cite web |url=https://crypticrock.com/arrested-development-bullets-in-the-chamber-album-review/ |title=Arrested Development – Bullets in the Chamber |website=Cryptic Rock |access-date=8 May 2025}} while Bad Magics called it "a triumph for the group and a testament to the enduring power of conscious hip-hop".{{cite web |url=https://www.badmagics.com/arrested-development-bullets-in-the-chamber/ |title=Arrested Development – Bullets in the Chamber |website=Bad Magics |access-date=8 May 2025}} In a 2024 interview with Cambs Edition, Speech acknowledged Configa's central role, stating: "We've been relying heavily on producers from around the world. One in particular is Configa out of the UK."{{cite web |url=https://cambsedition.co.uk/arts-culture/interview-arrested-development/ |title=Interview: Arrested Development |website=Cambs Edition |date=22 February 2024 |access-date=22 April 2025}}

Also in 2024, Configa collaborated with UK rapper Tommy Evans on the concept album Jolicoeur, a tribute to the late Trugoy the Dove of De La Soul. Configa produced the entire project, which explored themes of self-love, nature, resistance, and personal growth through boom-bap-influenced production and introspective lyricism. Urban Vault described the collaboration as the “world’s first producer-rapper-PhD combo”.{{cite web |url=https://urbanvault.co.uk/2024/07/24/configa-x-tommy-evans-jolicoeur-album-audio-itunes-spotify/ |title=Configa x Tommy Evans – Jolicoeur |website=Urban Vault UK |date=July 24, 2024 |access-date=22 April 2025}} Digiwaxx called the album “tailor made for the summertime,” praising Configa’s production for “making listeners dance” and highlighting its sonic homage to the Native Tongues era.{{cite web |url=https://digiwaxx.com/rewindreview-configa-tommy-evans-jolicoeur-2024/ |title=Configa & Tommy Evans – Jolicoeur |website=Digiwaxx |date=2024 |access-date=19 April 2025}}

Both “Summertime” (featuring Matthew Allman) and “The Water” (featuring Glorynade) received airplay on BBC Music Introducing in the North East,{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0g7hdk5 |title=BBC Introducing North East – “Summertime” |website=BBC |date=September 2023 |access-date=19 April 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0jqtw35 |title=BBC Introducing North East – “The Water” |website=BBC |date=October 2024 |access-date=19 April 2025}} and were later featured in the UKHH.com Summer Heaters 2024 playlist.{{cite web |url=https://ukhh.com/ukhh-com-summer-heaters-2024/ |title=UKHH.com: Summer Heaters 2024 |website=UKHH.com |date=13 July 2024 |access-date=22 April 2025}} British Hip-Hop also highlighted both tracks with accompanying music videos.{{cite web |url=https://www.britishhiphop.co.uk/downloads/video/configa-x-tommy-evans-ft-matthew-allman-summertime-video.html |title=Summertime [Video] |website=British Hip-Hop |date=11 August 2023 |access-date=22 April 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://www.britishhiphop.co.uk/downloads/video/configa-x-tommy-evans-ft-glorynade-the-water-video.html |title=The Water [Video] |website=British Hip-Hop |date=11 August 2023 |access-date=22 April 2025}} The track "They Are Not Expecting Us to Fight," featuring Speech of Arrested Development, was included in DJ General Strike's "Top 40 Protest Songs of Winter 2024".{{cite web |url=https://shoutsmusic.blog/dj-general-strikes-top-40-protest-songs-of-winter-2024/ |title=DJ General Strike's Top 40 Protest Songs of Winter 2024 |website=Shouts Music |date=2024 |access-date=22 April 2025}}

In February 2025, Configa produced a remix of "All I See Is Melanin" by Arrested Development, released as part of a five-track EP for Black History Month. The release included instrumental and a cappella versions and was recognised for its celebration of Black culture and identity.{{cite web |url=https://insomniacmagazine.com/arrested-development-celebrate-black-history-month-with-all-i-see-is-melanin-video-prod-dr-configa/ |title=Arrested Development Celebrate Black History Month with "All I See Is Melanin" Video (Prod. Dr. Configa) |website=Insomniac Magazine |date=February 2025 |access-date=8 May 2025}} A profile by AllHipHop praised the group's continued relevance and spotlighted Configa's contribution to the track's updated version.{{cite web |last=Eustice |first=Kyle |title=Arrested Development Won First Best New Artist Grammy — And They're Still At It |url=https://allhiphop.com/news/arrested-development-remix-configa/ |website=AllHipHop |date=9 February 2025 |access-date=8 May 2025}} The remix was also featured in a music video on Sensimedia, a platform focused on urban and hip-hop culture.{{cite web |url=https://sensimedia.net/video/music/hiphop/video/arrested-development-all-i-see-is-melanin |title=All I See Is Melanin (Configa Remix) – Sensimedia |website=Sensimedia |access-date=8 May 2025}}

In May 2025, Configa was credited in a documentary on Marley Marl produced by the National Hip-Hop Museum and directed by Nick Light, a long-time collaborator who had previously directed several of Configa’s music videos.{{cite web |title=The History of Marley Marl and Hip-Hop Sampling |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oisNk6e5VUs |website=YouTube |publisher=National Hip-Hop Museum |date=3 May 2025 |access-date=13 May 2025}}

Configa’s production is characterized by boom bap rhythms and sample-based techniques that incorporate elements of funk, soul, and jazz fusion. His work has been recognized for its traditional hip hop approach in contemporary productions, particularly in his collaborations with Arrested Development, which critics noted marked a return to the group’s hip hop roots.{{cite web |url=https://hiphopgoldenage.com/arrested-development-dont-fight-your-demons/ |title=Arrested Development – Don’t Fight Your Demons |website=Hip Hop Golden Age |access-date=11 May 2025}} His academic background in cultural studies and social theory informs a production ethos that blends traditional hip hop sensibilities with conscious, politically aware lyricism.

Configa was quoted under his real name, Andrew Laidlaw, in tributes to rapper Chino XL published by ‘'People and NME'', both of which identified him as a longtime collaborator.{{cite web |url=https://people.com/rapper-chino-xl-dead-at-age-50-8685965 |title=Rapper Chino XL Dead at Age 50 |website=People |date=April 2, 2024 |access-date=2025-04-19}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/tributes-paid-as-rapper-chino-xl-dies-age-50-one-of-the-greatest-to-ever-touch-a-mic-3779122 |title=Tributes Paid as Rapper Chino XL Dies Aged 50 |website=NME |date=April 2, 2024 |access-date=2025-04-19}}

In 2023, he was also included in a tribute roundup by Hip Hop Golden Age following the death of De La Soul's Trugoy the Dove, with his remarks appearing alongside those of Pharrell, Chuck D, DJ Premier, Busta Rhymes, and Questlove.{{cite web |url=https://hiphopgoldenage.com/hip-hop-twitter-mourns-death-of-de-la-souls-trugoy-the-dove/ |title=Hip Hop Twitter Mourns Death of De La Soul's Trugoy the Dove |website=Hip Hop Golden Age |date=2024 |access-date=April 22, 2025}} Several artists in the piece—including Chuck D, Speech, Masta Ace, Skyzoo, and Rah Digga—have also collaborated with Configa.

Configa's production work has received international radio support across both mainstream and independent platforms. His track "Vibe," produced for Arrested Development, reached number one on CBC Music's hip hop chart in 2022, and was played on CBC's The Block, a national program highlighting hip hop and R&B music in Canada.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-479-the-block/clip/d20211214-tuesday-dec.-14-2021 |title=Tuesday 14 Dec 2021 – The Block |website=CBC |access-date=6 May 2025}}

The Configa-produced track "Becoming" was added to the playlist of ‘’Rock The Bells Radio’’, a SiriusXM channel curated by LL Cool J.{{cite web |url=https://xmplaylist.com/station/rockthebellsradio/track/2TUY-7H2T |title=Becoming – Rock The Bells Radio |website=XMPlaylist |access-date=19 April 2025}}

In the UK, Configa’s music has aired on BBC Radio 6 Music, including plays on Huey Morgan’s show for “Thank You” and “Hip Hop Saves Lives.”{{cite web |title=The Huey Show – BBC Radio 6 Music |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001vzv5 |website=BBC |access-date=28 May 2025}} In 2023, Arrested Development also performed live on The Romesh Ranganathan Show on BBC Radio 2, where they played the Configa-produced track "Do or Die the Mantra”.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001p6fv |title=The Romesh Ranganathan Show – Arrested Development Live |website=BBC |date=2023 |access-date=19 April 2025}}

His work has also aired on numerous international hip hop stations, including WEFUNK Radio (Montreal), which played his remix of Speech's "Just Too Cold,"{{cite web |url=https://www.wefunkradio.com/song/play/1209_au/speech/just+too+cold |title=Speech – Just Too Cold (Configa Remix) |website=WEFUNK Radio |access-date=24 April 2025}} and UK-based ‘’Itch FM’’, which broadcast his track "From the Soul" featuring Craig G.{{cite web |url=https://www.itch.fm/configa-from-the-soul-ft-craig-g/ |title=Configa – From the Soul ft. Craig G |website=Itch FM |date=2021 |access-date=19 April 2025}}

In 2022, Configa was named ‘’Producer of the Year’’ by UK publication B-Boy Document.{{cite web |title=B-Boy Document Magazine - Winter 2021 |url=https://rarekindrecords.co.uk/products/winter-2021 |website=Rarekind Records |access-date=9 May 2025}}

Music journalist Rob Janicke wrote that Configa “has left his mark on the world of hip-hop,” highlighting his evolution from MC to “highly sought-after producer.”{{cite web |title=Brains, Beats, and Bars |url=https://medium.com/the-riff/brains-beats-and-bars-c24c0ab56bee |website=The Riff |date=July 19, 2022 |access-date=April 23, 2025}} In a separate article, Janicke quoted Arrested Development frontman Speech as crediting Configa's production with helping the group maintain "the highest level possible" nearly three decades after their Grammy-winning debut.{{cite web |title=Music for Insight, Regard, but Mostly For the FKN Love |url=https://medium.com/the-riff/music-for-insight-regard-but-mostly-for-the-fkn-love-6ecf7a82cfc1 |website=The Riff |date=August 10, 2022 |access-date=April 23, 2025}}

Hip Hop Golden Age recognized Configa's production on both Don't Fight Your Demons and Forward Future in its "Best Hip Hop Albums of 2020" list. Regarding Don't Fight Your Demons, the site noted that "the work on the boards from British producer Configa gives this album an authentic Hip Hop vibe." It also praised Forward Future as "a blueprint for how to execute Golden Age flavored Hip Hop for the 2020s," highlighting Configa's "lush boom-bap tapestries" as a defining element of the album.{{cite web |url=https://hiphopgoldenage.com/list/the-best-hip-hop-albums-of-2020/ |title=Best Hip Hop Albums of 2020 |website=Hip Hop Golden Age |date=2020 |access-date=9 May 2025}}

The site also included For the FKN Love on its list of the best albums of 2021 and Bullets in the Chamber in its 2024 year-end roundup. In January 2025, Hip Hop Golden Age ranked both Don't Fight Your Demons and For the FKN Love among the "Top 150 Hip Hop Albums of the 2020s”.{{cite web |title=The Best Hip Hop Albums of 2020 |url=https://hiphopgoldenage.com/list/the-best-hip-hop-albums-of-2020/ |website=Hip Hop Golden Age |access-date=23 April 2025}}{{cite web |title=The Best Hip Hop Albums of 2021 |url=https://hiphopgoldenage.com/list/the-best-hip-hop-albums-of-2021/ |website=Hip Hop Golden Age |access-date=23 April 2025}}{{cite web |title=Top 150 Hip Hop Albums of the 2020s |url=https://hiphopgoldenage.com/list/top-150-hip-hop-albums-of-the-2020s/ |website=Hip Hop Golden Age |access-date=23 April 2025}}

• Baptizm of Fire (2000)
• The King of Linguistics (2002)
• Pac to the Essence Vol. 1 (2010; remastered 2014)
• Calm Before the Storm (2011)
• Configaration Volume 1 (2017)
• Re:Configa'd (2022)
• JVN 10 Year Tribute (EP) (2022)

• Audio Crack (with Slept On Fam) (2006)
• The Calm Before HaStility EP (with HaStyle) (2015)
• A Good Combination EP (with HaStyle) (2015)
• HaStility (H1) (with HaStyle) (2016)
• Forward Future (with Jahi) (2020)
• The ConfigHas Crates (with HaStyle) (2021)
• Topic of Discussion EP (with Ruste Juxx) (2021)
• The Year After (with DJ Views) (2021)
• Up & Away (with Sulpacio Jones) (2023)
• Jolicoeur (with Tommy Evans) (2024)

• Don't Fight Your Demons (Arrested Development, 2020, co-executive producer and primary music producer)
• For the FKN Love (Arrested Development, 2021, co-executive producer and primary music producer)
• Bullets in the Chamber (Arrested Development, 2024, co-executive producer and primary music producer)

• All I See Is Melanin (2025, Arrested Development – producer)

• "15 Minutes" (featuring Scorzayzee and Atlanta Smith) (2010)
• "Hot Off Da Press" (featuring Fdot1) (2010)
• "From the Soul" (featuring Craig G) (2018)
• "Burn This Bitch Down" (featuring Tha Realest, E.D.I. Mean, and C-Bo) (2020)
• "How Many Shots?" (featuring Fro Magnum Man, DA Donnieboy, and Mic-Audio) (2020)
• "Something I Said" (featuring HaStyle) (2021){{cite web |url=https://grownuprap.com/2021/02/11/configa-something-i-said-video/ |title=Configa – Something I Said |website=Grown Up Rap |date=11 February 2021 |access-date=19 April 2025}}
• "Summertime" (with Tommy Evans, featuring Matthew Allman) (2023)
• "Hot Like Me" (with Sulpacio Jones) (2023)

• "Yours. To Be (Configa Remix)" – Tim Burgess (2020)
• "Becoming" – Arrested Development (2020)
• "Vibe" – Arrested Development (featuring Big Daddy Kane) (2021)
• "Hip-Hop Saves Lives" – Arrested Development (featuring Chuck D) (2024)
• "Hello" – Arrested Development (featuring Ras Kass) (2024)
• "All I See Is Melanin (Configa Remix)" – Arrested Development (2025)

• The Liability (2012, soundtrack contributor)
• The Stagg Do (2014, soundtrack contributor)

Configa is the founder of ‘’Laidlaw Media’’, a digital platform and promotional agency focused on elevating independent hip hop talent.{{cite web |url=https://laidlawmedia.com/dr-configa |title=Configa Artist Biography |website=Laidlaw Media |access-date=11 May 2025}} The company supports underground artists with press, branding, and international visibility, particularly within the UK and U.S. hip hop scenes.

In 2010, Configa founded ‘’Configaration Records’’, an independent label dedicated to conscious, lyrically driven hip hop.{{cite web |url=https://laidlawmedia.com/dr-configa |title=Configa Artist Biography |website=Laidlaw Media |access-date=11 May 2025}} The label has released solo and collaborative projects from underground artists as well as veteran collaborators, including affiliates of Public Enemy.

{{Reflist}}

• [https://configa.bandcamp.com Official Bandcamp]
• [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6xOfyxWCwDr0aAXpFA5E21 Configa on Spotify]
• [https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/configa/368434354 Configa on Apple Music]
• [https://www.youtube.com/@Configa Configa on YouTube]
• [https://www.instagram.com/configa Configa on Instagram]
• [https://x.com/configa Configa on X (formerly Twitter)]
• [https://www.discogs.com/artist/4227753-Andrew-Laidlaw-2 Configa on Discogs]

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Configa}}

{{Draft categories|

Category:Living people

Category:British record producers

Category:Hip hop record producers

Category:People from Gateshead

Category:English sociologists

Category:Alumni of Loughborough University

Category:Alumni of Newcastle University

Category:Alumni of Northumbria University}}