New teen UK hip hoppers Blazin' Squad have told worldpop that they sought advice on how to make it in the music business from their idols, So Solid Crew.

The Blazin' Squad are school mates MC Freek, Melo-D, Strider, Reepa, Krazy, Spike-e, Flava, Rocky B, Kenzie and DJ Tommy B. The crew, all aged 16, are in the process of finishing their GCSE's and are about to release their debut single, a cover of the Bone Thugz 'n' Harmony classic Crossroads, on 19 August.

When the Blazin Squad met Romeo and Harvey from So Solid, they asked for more than an autograph. Squad members Spike-e and Melo-D told worldpop: 'We met Romeo and Harvey, and they’re top geezers', says Spike-e. 'They said watch out for people who don’t like your music cos they’ll be the ones who are hatin'.

Spike-e cites the band's influences as  Pay As U Go, So Solid, Heartless, Eminem, Dre and J-Lo.  'She's my favourite lady' says Spike.

The boys are set to get their GCSE results three days after the single is released.

'It was quite hard to fit in the revision,' says Spike.  'It was all jumbled up but we worked our way around it and hopefully it’s worked out for the best. The record company made sure we did everything that had to be done. But if the music kicks off we won’t have to go to college!'