In a sneak preview of the up and coming core magazine interview, MC Sharkey grabs a few moments of Robbie Dee's time for some quickfire questions; a fast and loose look into the life of one of the UK's most celebrated and long standing MCs.

When did you realise you wanted to become an MC?

Really it was back in the early Eighties when Hip-hop was in its infancy. It was the rhymes and styles of Rap artists like Afrika Bambaata , Ice -T, KRS-ONE, and Chuck D of Public Enemy fame, that motivated me into wanting to pick up a mic and spit lyrics.

Who were the first MCs to ever inspire you?

As I said, it was the Hip-hop MCs that first inspired me. At the time there wasnt such a thing as a Rave scene, so I had to go with what I knew at the time. It was a different forum for me, but the birth of the Rave scene became a perfect platform for me, as by then i had been MC'in for a number of years.

Who's your own personal favourite MC?

If you mean which Rave MCs were my favourites then I will give you two. Stevie Hyper D and Mad P from Top Buzz fame. Back in the day I had a tape of Stevie Hyper D (R.I.P.) on the mic with Lenny D at Sterns; it was a set that lives with me till today. It was the back to back set I had with him over DJ Rap's set at Dreamscape 27 NYE at Shepton Mallet that really sticks in my mind as it was the first and only time that I had the chance to perform along side him; believe it or not it worked a treat. As for Mad P I've always had the maximum respect for the content and structure of his lyrics which were more like life poems of a sort. Jason and Mad P worked it so well and still do as Topbuzz. Bless up!

The Role of the MC has changed over the years within the UK dance culture; where do you fit in this?

For me, the role of the MC has changed from 'Bubbler' to a stage act in the space of 17 years. My role in it has changed many many times, I have been the poster boy for many raves like Fantazia , Obsession and Perception. I've also been the backbone for many DJ sets over the past. I like to inject originality, humour and inspiration to my lyrics for the crowd. I'm the Raver's MC as I'm a firstly above everything a Raver then an MC.

What DJ brings out the best in you? Why?

The main DJs that come to mind are Easygroove and Ratty - for the reason we share a mindset, forward thinking and innovative. There are many other DJs that inspire me like Slipmatt and Sy, for instance, but The Groove and The Rat are the ones that I take the credit for giving me a platform to bring out the best in my ability.

Over the years what have been your favourite events?

Perception was one of my favourite events, but in May 1992 I went to a Fantazia which is the one that I will remember for all time. It's special to me because it's the event that made me into the MC I am today.

Where was your first booking and what event were you booked for? Any memories?

My first booking was MCing at Hummingbird in 1990 for Time, then run by the legendary Simon Raine. It was the first time I'd even got into a rave and I somehow managed to get on the mic by phoning a promoter t had never even heard of me. He liked my style gave me the chance so I hit it with my best shot. If you're reading this, thanks Simon!

What music do you listen to in your spare time?

I'm listening to alot of Drum and Bass as that's what I'm DJing live and on the radio.That's right, not a lot of people know this, but im an MC/DJ (like MC/DJ Ribbz.) I have been playing music nearly as long as I've been on the Mic, but in the last 3 years, I took the decision to take my mixing seriously. I've had quite a few bookings out of it, the last main one at Sanctuary Festival on the Fantazia stage spinning Old Skool. I usually like to play Upfront Drum and Bass and Jungle these days, I've got a massive respect for everyone in that scene.

What is the craziest thing that has ever happened to you in a rave?

Crazy stuff always happens at Raves; they're full of crazy people having a crazy time, and I'm usually one of 'em!

How do you wind down after a gig?

I usually wind down with a bit of Internet and Telly then I sleep for England. Get up and have a bit of food then another 40 winks.

Of all the sets you've ever played, what's your favourite?

I've played so many sets now it's hard to remember them all let alone pick a favourite. I think I'm going to leave this one up to the fans to decide.

What advice would you give to an "up and coming" MC trying to break on to the scene?

My advice to new MCs on the scene goes like this; don't ever give up, give out loads of demos. Try to be at the top of your game and never lose faith. You've got to try lots of different styles of music to spit to, and if you let your ego get the better of you then you'll never really get anywhere.

Do you think thirteen is an unlucky number? Do you have any superstitions?

I don't believe in any superstitions. I walked under a ladder the other week on my way to do the lottery and won a tenner so I refuse to believe in them any longer. Though I still wont put my hat on my bed.

If you could go back in time and MC in one era in the rave scene, what year would it be and why?

1993 was the greatest era though i think 2008 has been a brilliant year to be an MC although 1993 was the spin off from the amazing 1992 rave scene era. Back then it took the world and then some.

If you were a DJ, what music would you mix?

Hahahaha. I did just tell you that I am currently playing out as a DJ. Like I said I'm playing Drum and Bass, the heavier the better.

What hobbies do you have?

Music and computers are what I spend most of my time doing now.

We're getting near the end now, so what's your favourite home cooked dinner?

I have to say my favourite is still the Sunday Roast. I like the gravy and the roast potatoes. There's nothing like home cooking.

Nearly there, what's your favourite alcoholic tipple?

These days I'm a Vodka and Redbull man.

Last question but one, what's the biggest number of gigs you've done in a weekend?

I don't do so many now I'm a little older and I like to pick my events but in my day I've done almost 5 in one night!

This really is the final question now, so have you got any message you'd like to give to all your fans out there?

Big up to all the fans out there who have supported me over the last two decades and hopefully I'll be there MCing for you for a few decades more too!