Updated 24 May 2002, 10.28

No, I couldn't stand garage.

I've grown up listening to my mum and dad's music like revival and reggae.

Even though there are elements of those types of music in garage, I didn't like it at first.

I was quickly transformed and I love it now.

How did you get your name?

When I decided I really wanted to be an MC and take it seriously I said to my friends "I need a name".

We put names into a hat and Miss Dynamite was what came out.

It was lucky because some of the other names were terrible.

Do you write all your own stuff?

Yeah - everything.

Your new single It Takes More - it's more R'n'B than Garage - why have you changed style - is it because it's more commercial?

Not at all - it was never a conscious decision for me to start singing - I never thought I could sing.

I've always loved singing in the shower but never in front of an audience.

It just happened - I started working with producers in America.

Once I accepted that my voice isn't as terrible as I thought it was everything's looked up for me, it's been really positive - I've come a long way.

You are quite critical of yourself aren't you and you said that your voice sounds like a cat that's been thrown off a building!

At the time that's how I felt - I felt uncomfortable singing in front of other people.

I didn't like my voice but since the start of the album I've had a lot of time to get used to it.

I don't think I sound like a cat falling off a building anymore - maybe a dog!

I think I'm more willing to let go and try new things - I feel a lot more comfortable with it now.

I am my own worst critic but that's what keeps me grounded so it's not a bad thing.

Do you see yourself as a positive role model?

I don't see myself as a role model at all.

To me a role model is someone who people look up to and aspire to be like.

I don't think anyone should be like me - there's nothing about that's worthy of having someone change there whole character to be like me.

What's the point of living your life to try to be like someone else.

I'd tell anyone to be themselves - be who you are, be all you can be.

I'm aware that now I'm in the public eye that I have a responsibilty to young people who look up to me and listen to the words in my songs.

I'll continue to be conscious and as positive as I can be. That's the least I can do.

What do your friends and family think about it all?

They're really excited and supportive and very proud of me - they never stop telling how proud they are - it drives me crazy!

So you haven't come across any jealousy?

Of course - that's life but I just take that stuff on the chin.

I won't let it get me down. That's their problem not mine.

At the end of the day with something like this you learn who your true friends are.

What have you got coming up in the near future?

I've got my album coming out on 10 June and I've got a lot more garage tunes coming out and possibly a garage album.

I'll be touring the country soon too.