RETURNING from battle on the mean streets of New York, a young Lewisham MC is forging a business career in hip-hop.

Richard Price, aka Mic Assassin, recently flew stateside to take part a series of freestyle rap battles.

From housing estates in Coney Island, to Brooklyn Bridge and Madison Square Gardens, Mic Assassin pitted his quick-witted, fast-talking improvisations against America's finest.

"It was an amazing experience, connecting with other artists out there," he says. "But they had trouble understanding my London accent some of the people had never met a black English person before."

Was he daunted by facing up to some of US hip-hop's toughest MCs?

"Its always intimidating battling. I get nervous beforehand, but I just try to stay focused.

"It's nerve-wracking but the adrenalin helps you stay sharp and alert.".

Richard started writing lyrics at nine years old.

"There was nothing else to do," he reflects.

He would listen to original pioneers such as Run DMC, and later Snoop Doggy Dogg and Dr Dre.

By the age of 15 he was performing at open mic sessions around London.

His lyrics are a heady fast-lane mix of London life, politics, sex, love, aspirations, struggle, pain and humour.

What does he think about negative images of hip-hop, often critisized for glorifying guns and drugs?

"Rap should reflect life, telling it like it is, highlighting the negative and the positive. But I don't support glamourising the negative things."

Richard is completing a business studies course at Lewisham College. He has set up a recording label, Elite Team Entertainment.

He says: "We're just trying to thrive. In the future we want to expand. But for now we want to keep on making good music and build on what we've got."

To hear Mic Assassin and for details of gigs and releases, visit eliteteament.com