Andrew John Shane[1] (born: May 13, 1994), better known online as Randolph, is an English rapper, songwriter, and YouTuber. He is a friend of the Sidemen who regularly helps film videos with them.
Early Life[]
Randolph was born on May 13, 1994, in Mansfield, England. He developed an early interest in music, especially hip-hop, which led him to start writing and recording his own tracks as a teenager. He has spoken about how his passion for music was influenced by various artists and genres growing up, ranging from British grime to American rap.
Career[]
Randolph's career began with the launch of his YouTube channel in 2010, initially focused on gaming, vlogs, and casual content. His channel, simply titled RandolphTV before retitling to Randolph. He quickly gained traction for its relaxed, humorous style, which appealed to the growing YouTube audience. During this time, he also began to share some of his early music, which featured a blend of rap and production inspired by his love for hip-hop and grime.
In addition to his solo content, Randolph started collaborating with other YouTubers in the UK, including KSI, one of the most popular figures on the platform. These collaborations helped raise his profile significantly in both the music and YouTube spaces.
Randolph's formal entry into the music industry was marked by his collaborations with KSI. He co-wrote and produced several tracks for KSI, including songs like “Beerus” and “Red Alert,” which brought attention to his lyrical abilities and production skills.
In 2018, Randolph and KSI released their collaborative EP "New Age", which was a commercial success in the UK, with tracks like "Red Alert" and "Slow Motion" gaining substantial popularity. The project allowed Randolph to showcase his rapping skills to a broader audience, and the duo embarked on a nationwide tour to promote the EP. The EP's success was largely attributed to their loyal fanbase from YouTube, but Randolph's music was also praised for its authentic sound and sharp lyricism.
Aside from his work with KSI, Randolph has also focused on his solo music career. His debut album "1st Place" (2017) features personal reflections, humor, and sharp commentary, reflecting his unique style as a rapper. The album included notable tracks like "Manchild" and "U Mad," which helped cement his position in the UK rap scene.
In addition to his debut album, Randolph has released multiple singles and EPs, including "Tension" and "Going Clear." His music often blends elements of grime, trap, and UK drill, with lyricism that explores both lighthearted and serious themes.
Randolph's music is characterized by a distinct mix of humor, wordplay, and personal insight, which resonates with fans of YouTube culture as well as UK rap aficionados.
Randolph is also co-host of the "What's Good Podcast", a popular podcast he co-hosts with Miniminter. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, including music, YouTube, pop culture, and gaming, and features interviews with various celebrities and influencers from the UK YouTube scene. The show has been praised for its candid and often humorous conversations, making it a favorite among fans of YouTube culture.[2]
Controversies[]
Randolph vs Deji[]
In a "Sidemen Sunday" video posted on 18 November 2018, Randolph was asked which YouTube channel he thought was "dead". He responded saying "Deji". This was an obvious joke.[3] Proving Randolph's point, Deji immediately made a video calling him "a slave of KSI" and doing everything for him.
After this, Randoph made a video in response saying that it was just a simple joke, and he released a diss-track Manchild aimed at Deji on 24 November 2018.[4] Deji posted a reaction video to this diss-track on the same day.[5] Deji then began work on his own diss-track RAN, which he posted on 26 November 2018. In the video (while talking about how KSI paid for Randolph's wedding) Deji leaked JJ's personal bank details.[6]
Randolph then released a second diss track on 30 November 2018, titled Victory Speech.[7] Deji's reaction to the track caused him to get in a further beef with JJ himself.[8] Randolph made a video on 7 December 2018 where he "ended it" and that he wasn't going to acknowledge Deji's "begs for attention" any longer. He admitted he only released the diss-tracks for money and attention, and did not expect it to get so out of hand.[9]
Randolph vs Crypt[]
In the same podcast where KSI called out Quadeca and Dax, Randolph made small comments about Crypt. Crypt made a "warning track" called Warning against Randolph; showing off his rap skills and making small disses.[10]
Personal Life[]
Randy married his longtime girlfriend Laura in 2017. The couple had their first child, a girl called Harper Gale Shane.[11] It was announced in December 2023 that the two have separated.[12]
Subscriber Milestones[]
- 1 million subscribers: June 19, 2021
Trivia[]
- He is a supporter of Nottingham Forest F.C..[13]
- His favourite Pokémon is Lugia.
- His and KSI song Red Alert in featured in Watch Dogs: Legion.[14]
References[]
- ↑ https://uk.linkedin.com/in/andrew-shane-32a8ba204
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/@Whatsgoodpodcast
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWPGKAAfgI8&t=23m58s
- ↑ https://youtu.be/5YgfMRfMxzY
- ↑ https://youtu.be/KAC69gIZ7Ng
- ↑ https://youtu.be/G3HhNrRTNWg
- ↑ https://youtu.be/JwMeznCLsz8
- ↑ https://youtu.be/YFrig8wyeN8
- ↑ https://youtu.be/6dLdis1P36A
- ↑ https://youtu.be/w8N23HRXCfQ
- ↑ https://twitter.com/RandolphUK/status/1537850924680486912?lang=en
- ↑ https://twitter.com/RandolphUK/status/1741432146986672302?lang=en
- ↑ RANDOLPH PICKS HIS DREAM FOREST 6-A-SIDE TEAM
- ↑ KSI IS IN THIS GAME! (Watchdogs: Legion #1)