A RAPPER from Bolton is hoping to hit the big time ahead of an exciting year.
Kaspa, real name Khalid Ismail, from Daubhill, has attracted thousands of followers and countless views since picking up a mic just 11 months ago.
The 21-year-old has even attracted the attention of a rap legend - Busta Rhymes - who has messaged the young rapper with advice and praise.
He has regularly appeared on Bolton FM, as well as on the BBC and Unity Radio.
Khalid said he is aiming for success so that people can see “you can make it no matter where you come from”.
He said: “It has been going amazing. I only started doing this 11 months ago and since then I’ve already done a lot of radio shows and filmed some stuff.
“It is mad - I didn’t expect it to go as well as it has but I’ve already got so many views and people listening to my stuff.”

Kaspa in some of his rap videos

Kaspa in some of his rap videos

Grammy-nominated rapper Busta Rhymes has also dropped Khalid a message to praise his work and provide some mentoring to the budding Bolton star.
The American musician’s chart-topping hits include Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check, Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See and Dangerous.
Khalid said: “He has been giving me advice and has given me a lot of tips of what I can do and how to go about things.
“He’s a good guy and I appreciate that he has been sending me messages. I’ve got a lot of big things coming up - performances and a few features as well, with artists from London to Birmingham.
“Nobody expects a rapper to come from outside of London - it’s all different places usually. Manchester has a great scene but there is nothing like that in Bolton at the minute.”

Kaspa in some of his rap videos

Kaspa in some of his rap videos

The young artist added that he hopes to inspire others.
He said: “My goal is to make people proud and to show that you can make it no matter where you come from. I have done this myself by putting in the time and work. The number of people that have come to hear my story, I have come so far and just want to excel myself.”

For Khalid’s music, see kaspaofficial on Instagram.