DIZZEE Rascal was catapulted into the spotlight in 2003 with Mercury Prize-winner Boy In Da Corner and has since been capturing hearts and setting dancefloors ablaze worldwide with his infectious electro-house hip-hop dance anthems.

In 2008 Dance Wiv Me, featuring Calvin Harris and Chrome, shot straight to number one in the UK charts, obliterating everything in its path, and heralded a new era for the hip-hop impresario in spectacular style.

Dizzee’s style has evolved and recent collaborations with artists as diverse as Arctic Monkeys, Lily Allen and Fatboy Slim demonstrate his vision and musical inspiration.

His music has appeared on film scores for The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Adulthood.

Citing influences which range from old skool hip-hop to jungle and heavy metal, Dizzee boats a pioneering approach. Fusing his musical knowledge with an array of invaluable experiences in the corporate world, Dizzee’s independent record label Dirtee Stank Recordings is setting a new precedent not only for the UK urban scene but for the global music industry.

We spoke to the man himself, fresh from playing the main stage at Creamfields ahead of his UK tour.

You once said you want to master MCing like Bruce Lee has with martial arts. How do you remain disciplined?

I'm open-minded and listen to different types of music and see it all as one. At the moment I'm listening to a lot of '90s hip-hop and drum and bass and whatever's on the radio.

What other genres do you want to explore?

Whatever. Right now I'm into house and electro but I'm pretty much broad-minded. I'll dip into whatever tickles my fancy. I'd love to work with the Prodigy and Andre 3000 in the future.

You’ve crossed the boundaries from grime to mainstream number one pop bangers. Do you feel under pressure to continue to produce more number ones?

I try to reach as many people as I can and be as big as I can. I work as hard as I can and want to keep it that way. I'm trying to do everything and all the press and festivals I can. I want to make sure people are feeling it and that Holiday goes number one. I want to make the right moves and make people feel positive. The album is naughty, it's still hardcore but it's fun. There may be beef about it not being thought-provoking or melancholy but I went for a bubbly album. We're in a recession but it's no time to be glum. The album is about just having a party.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I might hear a beat or piece of music I like and start rapping over it. I draw from my experiences, make sense of something and create hooks and verses.

What do you think of the hip-hop scene in the UK?

The kids today have more rappers than I ever saw. The UK hip-hop scene is great. I was at Party in the Park and surrounded by JLS, N Dubz, Tinchy Stryder, Alesha Dixon, Booty Luv, Ironik and it was great. We're all here and it's so peaceful.

Can UK hip-hop make a positive move away from glamorising violence to a political and positive message?

I dunno. There's different types of rap and messages. I guess there'll always be a positive and negative side. I think it's evolving now and moving towards the positive.

Is the US next on your 'hit list?'

I've been out in the States since 2002. I’ve got my single Holiday dropping, then the album and I want it to be my biggest album to date and take it round the world. I think other people are more concerned with "cracking America" than me. It's more important to me to crack the world and make people dance.

Do you get the chance to sit back, 'be jolly with a cuppa and watch EastEnders or Corrie?' (track 'Wanna Be' with Lily Allen) 'Enders is standard whenever I can. It's best when I hear my music in the cafe. EastEnders means a lot to me. I'm from the East.

Do you fancy a cameo?

I've thought about it a couple of times. It's the natural progression to go into acting. It's another creative thing to do. I'm so embedded in my album and getting people to feel it, there's so much positive energy that's going into this project.

What's your best dance move?

The Running Man. You'll probably catch me doing that onstage.

Got any showtime rituals?

I treat each performance like a race or a fight. I have a little stretch. Honey and lemon for the vocals. I don't like being disturbed 20 minutes before I go on. I need to get in the zone on my own.

Your new single Holiday is out now — what's your idea of perfect Holiday?

Sun, sea, jet skiing, good seafood, good scenery, it's all about relaxation. I've had a few good holidays over the years. It's good to take time out to chill.

l Dizzee Rascal performs at Manchester Apollo on October 7 and 53 degrees Preston on October 31.