For the younger generation of music lovers, Tippa Irie is best known for his 2003 Hey Mamma hit with chart-topping band Black Eyed Peas.

But scratching the surface reveals this reggae artist has been at the forefront of the British reggae scene for the best part of 20 years.

Emerging from England's Saxon Sound International Sound System, Tippa went on to create 15 albums including hit songs Hello Darling and Shouting for the Gunners.

Skip to 2005, and it's a year that sees a nomination at the Grammys for best rap song and the release of his latest album Hello Darling The Best Of Tippa Irie.

The Croydon Guardian caught up with Tippa, who lives in Thornton Heath, to find out what it feels like to be nominated at the world's most prestigious music awards and life post-Black Eyed Peas.

What are you up to at the moment?
I've been busy promoting my new album. I've been on the road every weekend, touring all over Europe and the west coast of America.

I've just got back from Serbia where I did a show with Fat Boy Slim and Carl Cox at a dance festival, headlining the reggae stage.

Attending the Grammys must have been a career highlight?
Hey Mama was nominated for the best rap song category. It was definitely an eye opener, getting to tread the green carpet.

I sat next to Ludicrous, who was a really nice guy, and I performed live along with soul legend James Brown.

My song didn't win but it was great receiving a Grammy medallion for being nominated.

What was it like working with the Black Eyed Peas?

It was a very interesting experience. I got on well with Fergie I thought she was a really nice person.

It was an interesting time and I got to see a lot of places and do a lot of shows.

Headlining Britney Spears was fun and getting to the Grammys was a fantastic experience.

What advice would you give artists trying to crack the music industry?
You need a lot of patience and determination and you must be able to take criticism.

You also have to push yourself as hard as you can but at the same time it's really important to be honest with yourself.

Listen to what's out there because it's important to be aware of what's popular and to know your stuff stands up against the rest.