MC Harvey, a founding member of the iconic UK garage collective So Solid Crew, has spoken out about the intense backlash and negative stereotyping the group faced at the height of their fame in the early 2000s. In an exclusive interview, the 46-year-old rapper reflected on being labelled as purveyors of violence and how the 30-strong group were unfairly judged.
The Weight of Public Perception and Stereotypes
So Solid Crew dominated the charts with era-defining hits like 21 Seconds and They Don't Know. However, their success was marred by accusations from figures like government minister Kim Howells, who famously branded the members 'idiots' for allegedly glorifying gun culture. Harvey expressed his deep frustration at this portrayal, stating the group were relentlessly 'stereotyped with violence'.
'When we'd walk into a building or walk into a premiere, you'd see the fear in people's faces because there's this typical stereotype of black boys from inner city areas,' Harvey explained. He recalled the constant backhanded compliments, with people expressing surprise that he was 'a really nice guy,' a sentiment he and bandmate Romeo found tiresome and reductive.
The public perception was fuelled by real-life incidents, including the tragic stabbing of a fan after a gig in Luton and a shooting at Romeo's 21st birthday party. Furthermore, member Ashley Walters was jailed for 18 months in 2002 for firearm possession. This led to their debut tour being cancelled amid safety fears. Harvey argues this narrative was part of a recycled pattern. 'It happened to N.W.A. It happened to Run DMC. It happened to Public Enemy, Wu Tang clan, in every black collective,' he said. 'We were blacklisted from the day we came out.'
Life Beyond the Crew: Family and New Ventures
Despite the controversies, Harvey looks back on his career with no regrets, crediting both the positive and negative experiences for shaping who he is today—a devoted family man. He is now happily settled with his fiancée, psychiatric nurse Mia Poole, whom he calls his 'saviour'. The couple share three young children and are planning a wedding abroad to escape the 'depressing' British weather, though they are in no rush amidst their busy family life.
Harvey's past relationships, including his brief marriage to Alesha Dixon and a subsequent marriage to Ghamzeh Mahdizadeh, were widely publicised. He is also a father to daughters from previous relationships.
Currently, he is enjoying watching I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, particularly supporting fellow rapper Aitch, who he describes as a 'good kid' with charisma. Harvey also noted his unexpected friendship with Julian Clary on Big Brother, emphasising his philosophy: 'I treat people how they treat me, I don't care from what walks of life you come from.'
Wrapping Rappers: A Festive Reinvention
Harvey is now channeling his energy into a positive and playful new venture. He has teamed up with Westfield London to launch the 'Wrapping Rappers Christmas Experience'. On two evenings in December, shoppers can have their gifts wrapped while talented musicians deliver personalised, festive rap verses inspired by the presents.
'It's a great project by Westfield. It's good to see families coming in and they're going to be entertained by a So Solid performance at the same time, which is very positive,' Harvey said. He humorously added, 'whoever thought you'd see me doing Christmas campaigns with a Christmas hat on!'
Harvey himself will take over the booth on December 9 from 6–8pm, performing a live set and wrapping gifts. This festive role marks a significant shift from the rebellious image of his youth, showcasing a veteran artist embracing community and celebration.
