A RISING star from Droitwich is set to take on the musical might of The So Solid Crew when he travels to Radio One's studios today.

Rolento won an MC competition run on DJ Dave Pearce's early evening slot which saw him having to put his own rap to the So Solid Crew's number one hit 21 Seconds.

The judges - who included Pearce and So Solid members Mega Man and G Man - decided Rolento and Plymouth MC Danny P were the most original entrants and the pair will re-mix the hit at Radio One in London today.

"When I had to come up with a flex (rap) for 21 Seconds I was saying how good I think I am and how I wanted people to really feel the music," said Rolento, aged 20.

"When I first contacted Radio 1 I didn't believe I'd even get through to a person. I though it'd be a recording and I'd have to leave a message. I had to do a bit of MCing for the lady on the phone and I was so shocked at getting through I didn't really have the chance to feel nervous.

"On the day I had to travel to Radio One for the next round of the competition it was a bit of a nightmare.

"I was on a training course for work and I couldn't leave Birmingham till 3.30pm. Luckily the trains ran really smoothly that day and I managed to get to London for 6.30pm - I came up with my flex while I was sat on the train.

"I didn't get back till after 1am the next day and then I had to knock someone up to get the day's course notes so I could sit an exam!"

Rolento - who works in sales - will today produce a remix of 21 Seconds which he will then be able to issue to promoters interested in booking him and his crew members for gigs.

The rest of The Chosen Cru come from Droitwich, Drakes Broughton and Warndon and have appeared at The Factory in Milton Keynes and Subway City in Birmingham.

"The judges were looking for originality and I really want people to feel they're not just getting the same old commercial stuff with my work," added Rolento.

Anyone interested in the crew can contact Rolento by e-mailing thechosencru@breathe.com.