Leading UK rap tastemaker, Tiffany Calver, launches No Requests record label with Polydor Records

02 February 2022 - Press release

Tiffany Calver has announced the launch of her new record label, No Requests, in partnership with Polydor Records. 

A self-described “product of the Internet”, Tiffany Calver is the UK rap tastemaker who’s established herself by bringing a welcome dose of fangirl energy to radio, clubs and stages. “It’s about supporting what I believe in, the people I’m a fan of,” she says. “I’m more of a specialist, I’m not a party DJ. I’m picky, I’m selective, I’m credible.” 

Tiffany’s mission as a champion for new UK rap talent, and a conduit for it to connect on a global context, continues with the new label. No Requests roster currently has two of the country’s most exciting artists: Bandokay and M’Way.  

Already leading the charge with the release of his highly anticipated first single of the year, ‘Praise The Lord’, Tottenham rapper Bandokay has steadily been dominating the soundwaves and has firmly made a name for himself in the UK rap scene, both in and outside of his OFB collective, with breakout tracks such as the summer smash hit ‘Slide’ – which has already racked up 3 million Spotify streams and counting, as well as 3 million video views after being premiered by GRM Daily.   

Nottingham rapper M’Way has ascended rapidly as one of the UK’s most exciting new rappers, recently being hailed as one of Complex’s’24 Rappers to Watch for 2022’ . Candidly chronicling the harsh realities of life on road through tracks like ‘Whole Lotta Guap’ and ‘Take Orders’, he was voted by the public into Tiffany’s Street Heat: Class of 2021. 

No Requests is an extension of Tiffany’s existing work collaborating on career defining moments with the UK’s most exciting artists: she’s hosted after parties with AJ Tracey in New York, invited Fredo to the 1Xtra studio for a viral ‘Tiffany Calver Freestyle’ which has racked up over 10 million views, and co-conspired with Drake to bring artists like Unknown T, NSG, Tion Wayne, and J Hus fresh from jail to surprise fans on the Assassination Vacation tour stage at the O2 Arena.  

On partnering with Polydor Records, Tiffany says: “It’s a real privilege to take a leap into this new chapter by partnering with a force like Polydor. A label that has a proven track-record for developing successful artists and careers, and that understands the power of combining their years of expertise with fresh ears. I am already learning so much about the business from working closely with Ben, Tom and Jade and I have the opportunity to adjoin my experience as a DJ, broadcaster and consumer to this new venture we are creating together. 

I’m focused on working with new and exciting talent who all bring something different to the table. I don’t want to sign records for algorithms. I’m not necessarily interested in what already “works” or is trending. I want to champion musicians who want to make music that's true to themselves. That sounds different to what else is out there. And I want to help to provide an environment for creating long-lasting careers in the process.” 

Established initially through stickers and t-shirts exclusively passed onto friends and icons like DJ Jazzy Jeff and Kenny Beats, the No Requests brand speaks to Tiffany’s integrity as a human first and a DJ second. Drawing from Tiffany’s pet peeve while DJing, No Requests appeals to like-minded supporters who live their own uncompromising truths. “At the centre it's revolved around the DJing community,” she says. “But everyone can relate to it. It’s about not conforming and staying true to your art”.

Polydor’s co-president, Ben Mortimer said: “In recent years, Tiffany has established herself as one of the UK’s most important tastemakers. She already has a great track record in identifying exciting talent, and a unique approach in how to support them. We feel very lucky that she has decided to partner with Polydor for No Requests.” 

Polydor’s co-president, Tom March added: "Tiffany is an incredible cultural force in the music industry and we’re incredibly excited and honored she's chosen Polydor to work with her on the amazing music and UK talent she has coming through No Requests.” 

Jade Bradshaw, Head of Marketing at Polydor concludes: “Over the years Tiffany has played an important role as a tastemaker and broadcaster across many of my artist campaigns, so it’s an honour to now work with her in bringing her label to life. I'm really proud of the team we have assembled for the label - full of future stars who will each play an important part in the evolution of No Requests”  

Alongside the label, Tiffany remains prolific as a DJ broadcasting from 9-11pm on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra every Saturday night, where guests have included everyone from Drake and Skepta to A-Trak and her personal hero Angie Martinez. “I’m a nerd at heart and there’s been a lack of that when it comes to radio,” she says of the show. “It’s important to me to sit down with these legends and ask them the questions that as a fan I’d want to know. No ego, no bravado, just pure appreciation and curiosity” 

Having returned to festival stages last year bringing back the popular ‘Tiffany Calver & Friends’ set to Wireless Festival stage at Crystal Palace Park on 10th September – guest performances included up and comers Arrdee, A1 x J1, ShaSimone and Trillary Banks to name a few – and not long after that she had a sold out Warehouse party at E1 London with UK favourites Headie One, Abra Cadabra, K-Trap joining her set. A testament to her position in the global hip-hop scene, Tiffany has become the go-to DJ to support live acts in London. She joined Fredo’s team as official tour DJ, and warm up for Jay-Z and Beyoncé at their London On The Run II London tour dates; and after contributing several guest mixes on Drake’s OVO Sound Radio, she was invited to join him on his 2019 Assassination Vacation tour.