11.06.14
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There are two things which we know about Shaggy with complete and utter certainty. One: he is a boombastic, fantastic, romantic lover. Two: it wasn’t him, so stop fucking asking. Real talk. But did you know what his favourite vegetable is? Or – no less important – did you know what track he uses to seduce any of the vast numbers of ladies he coaxes back to his luxurious abode? Ahead of his Main Stage appearance at this year’s Boomtown Fair, we worked to the bottom of the things that matter with a musical figure known by everyone, young and old. And we laughed, a lot.

Who’s your favourite Wu Tang Clan member?

Probably Ol’ Dirty Bastard, mainly because of that time he walked up on stage and interrupted the Grammys. That’s my favourite. That was classic ODB.

What’s the most overrated album of all time?

Well, there are certain albums that aren’t to my taste but other people like so it’s hard for me to say. I’m not trying to be PC, but if something sucks I’d say it fucking sucks. I’m just not calling out.

What’s the worst hotel you’ve ever stayed in?

Jesus, I’ve been to some really bad ones. I think in 1993 when I was touring Oh Caro- lina, Austria was one the places on the tour. They had this policy that after midnight they wouldn’t let you in, you had to call security. I was stuck outside in the cold for ages, and that coupled with the fact it was so small my feet were falling off the bed. I get nicer hotels these days.

Favourite vegetable?

Asparagus. Just because of the fact that when you piss it makes everywhere stink! [laughs]

Have you ever taken acid?

No. I’m more of a marijuana guy.

If you could pick a surrogate grandparent, who would it be?

Hugh Hefner.

Have you ever been arrested?

Yes, I have.

What for?

I knew that was coming! [laughs] I’ve been arrested for … assault, and …. OK, you only asked for one, that’s all you’re getting!

When is the last time you sprinted as fast as you can?

This morning in the gym. I did a big sprint.

Wayne’s World or Bill & Ted?

Wayne’s World. What is Bill and Ted? I’m Jamaican, dude. Come on.

If it wasn’t you, then who was it?

Well it’s my story and I’m sticking to it. It still wasn’t me. That’s all you need to know. You figure the rest out.

Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met?

I think that would have to be Michael Jackson. He invited me to play for his 30th Anniversary Show at Madison Square Garden. He was a big Shaggy fan.

Favourite board game?

Ludi. It’s a Jamaican game.

Do you support a sports team?

I’m a basketball guy so it’s the Brooklyn Nets. They’re pretty good now, y’know. They are a work in progress. [Head coach] Jason Kidd is doing his thing!

If you were trying to seduce a potential lover, what music would you play?

It would probably be any [Vybz] Cartel record. Any Cartel joint would probably work. Women just go nuts any time they hear a Cartel record.

Is there a piece of advice you wish you’d give to yourself ten years ago?

Just don’t trust as much. I’m a little bit too trusting.

Who is your favourite ever wrestler and why?

It would definitely be Andre The Giant. He never used to wrestle, he’d just throw his weight around. People tried to body slam him for years and they just couldn’t.

What’s your worst habit?

Music is my best and worst habit.

Are you a good dancer?

I’m a good ‘winer’. It’s very different. I’m very good at moving my pelvis. If the spine don’t jerk nothing else works.

Describe yourself in three words.

Funny, driven and emotional.

If you were trying to seduce a potential lover, what music would you play?

It would probably be any [Vybz] Cartel record. Any Cartel joint would probably work. Women just go nuts any time they hear a Cartel record.

Is there a piece of advice you wish you’d give to yourself ten years ago?

Just don’t trust as much. I’m a little bit too trusting.

Who is your favourite ever wrestler and why?

It would definitely be Andre The Giant. He never used to wrestle, he’d just throw his weight around. People tried to body slam him for years and they just couldn’t.

What’s your worst habit?

Music is my best and worst habit.

Are you a good dancer?

I’m a good ‘winer’. It’s very different. I’m very good at moving my pelvis. If the spine don’t jerk nothing else works.

Describe yourself in three words.

Funny, driven and emotional.