A YOUNG urban music artist is gearing up to take on America after being invited to perform in New York. The 21-year-old, from Broughton Hill in Letchworth GC, who performs under the name Steve J, has been asked by a management company called Big City Prom

A YOUNG urban music artist is gearing up to take on America after being invited to perform in New York.

The 21-year-old, from Broughton Hill in Letchworth GC, who performs under the name Steve J, has been asked by a management company called Big City Promotions to hip-hop over to the Big Apple in August.

While there he will perform four showcases and also be interviewed on Hot 97, the biggest radio station in the city.

His song One Way Road is already being played on the station.

Steve said: "I'm looking forward to it. I can't wait for that really. It's a whole different ball game, America.

"I think there's quite a big market in America for UK hip-hop so I think it's a good move for me to go there."

Back in the UK, Steve performs all over the country and runs a company which books DJs and artists for clubs.

He manages to combine his burgeoning music career with full time studies at the University of Hertfordshire where he is three-quarters of the way through a degree in European business and marketing.

"Really and truly as soon as I finish my degree I'm going to go all out with my music," he said.

Closer to home, Steve will be gracing the stage of this year's Rhythms of the World festival in Hitchin on both days.

He said: "I've been doing that for the last two years. I always enjoy doing Rhythms of the World because when I'm performing I see a lot of familiar faces."

For more information on Steve or to buy his new EP, visit www.myspace.com/steve james1