East London musician and spoken word artist, Kojey Radical introduces Viper to his beloved dog, Gizmo, in the latest edition of Rap Pets…

When did you and Gizmo first meet?
We first met on my balcony around this time last year. He was wrapped in a blanket in the arms of a potential crackhead. My sister was trying to negotiate the price down and my neighbours we’re trying to buy his sister. I went back in the house assuming she would never actually buy him. Lo and behold I get a message hours later from my sister with a picture of my niece holding him saying, “Welcome to the family.” I couldn’t believe it to be honest. I had always wanted a dog but my mum was scared of them. He was barely a month old when we got him.

When did you guys become friends?
When I had to look after him by myself for eight weeks, my family went on holiday shortly after we got him. Our bonding would make montage heaven – I suddenly got really maternal while still trying to remain the alpha. We’d sit and watch episodes of It’s Me or the Dog and look at him like, “Don’t even think about it,” whenever we’d see a dog do something bad on the show. He’d often come and sit by me if I was down and always wanted me to teach him something. Dogs really are man’s best friend.

What’s your favourite thing to do together?
Eat. Even though he’s a puppy I’m sure Gizmo has an appetite twice the size of mine.

Describe Gizmo in three words.
Cute Charming Lothario.

How would Gizmo describe you in three words?
Gang. Gang. Gang.

This is an extract from the Spring Summer 16 Issue of Viper Magazine. Read more from the magazine here. Buy physical and digital copies here.

@KojeyRadical
andtheartist.com

Photos by Lily Mercer