What first got you into music?

My earliest memories are dancing for my Grandmother while she played Michael Jackson's record on this old record player that we used to own, I really feel as if that really jumpstarted my mind to get involved with music in the first place.

Who inspired you to make music?

My sister Mecca was a big inspiration for me. I remember her putting her pain on paper. Her actions really inspired me to do the same.

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

Its Soul Food...I don’t always write things with the intention of sharing. Sometimes...most of the time it’s a way for me to cope with the things I hold on the inside.

What is your creative process like?

Sometimes I just force myself to write because I know it will give me some kind of relief...I let my heart hold the pen, I wouldn’t say I follow a specific formula by any means.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

Kendrick Lamar would be my personal favorite, and if I could get permission/access to his vocals, XXXTentacion (R.I.P.).

If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?

J.Cole or Kendrick Lamar.

What is one message you would give to your fans?

Always keep god close.

What is the most useless talent you have?

I’m a beast on the sticks, definitely gaming, specifically R.D.R.2, I might as well be the developer given I know every nook and cranny of it.

Do you sing in the shower? What songs?

Sometimes I find myself singing “Arsonist's Lullabye” by Hozier and “Monster” by Jacob Banks, they just resonate with me in the shower for some reason, I couldn’t really tell you why.

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

I might join the army because any other choices I’m thinking of might land me in a cage and I don’t like those.

Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?

I opened up for Wiz Khalifa in Sacramento and I’ve performed in LA at least 5 times. I can’t say I have a favorite or least favorite venue per se. I might be performing a few times this year but I’m still finding out the details so I can’t say for sure.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

The Internet has made it easier for the people to access the music...and it made it easier for the artist to be heard. That’s a small answer in the book of it...but there is no denying that the internet has changed everything and still continues to. I feel as if the internet has made it so that the artist has to be more business orientated to succeed.

What is your favorite song to perform?

If I had to choose an original song of mine right now, I might say “Long Time Ago”, its currently unreleased but I have it recorded.

Which famous musicians do you admire?

Kendrick Lamar, J.Cole, and Jessie J to name a few. They’ve been true to themselves and made positive impacts…. they’ve taught me you don’t have to leave who you are behind to be successful.

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

I would change the topic. We take music and make people feel like they have to be a certain way to create hip hop. Sometimes I feel as if people confuse the game with black culture. I would want to change the message that people are subconsciously becoming.

What’s next for you?

Wherever God puts me is where I will stand tall.

Please explain your creative process

I just listen, feel, & write about the emotion the instrumental is painting for me.

Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?

In one of my unreleased projects "Like Woah (With Sharoo)" I portray myself as an average nigga with money in what I felt like was a more of a raw depiction. The hidden message? I was hoping the listener would hear it and choose to be different...I want people to look at themselves differently and see what kind of future they are creating...I’m hoping women will respect themselves more so that when my daughters start looking up they see something worthy of growing into...and it’s not only for mine, it's for others’ as well.

Do you collaborate with others? What is that process?

They say iron sharpens iron; I try to motivate them while I allow the artist to motivate me, it’s a team effort at the end of the day. Just working off of one another from things as simple as writing to postproduction as well.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans

I want my fans to know how much they matter so I try to be responsive. Sometimes those interactions are huge to me because they motivate me and let me know that the message I sent mattered. It influenced someone or gave someone hope...and sometimes I need it too. Knowing that I’m making a difference no matter how big or small it makes me hold on a little longer. I try to do my best to let them know that they are appreciated.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? Why?

That it doesn’t feel like work, it feels like purpose. My least favorite part is trying to give people what they want because I’d rather give others what they need and sometimes my insides are dying to tell someone with my music that I understand, that I’m fighting for us, and that they can’t give up. I want to send the right message. I want to have fun too but I’m way more concerned with the shit people pretend not to see. 

Have you ever dealt with performance anxiety?

I always deal with performance anxiety. I’m still finding myself on stage...but I can feel a change coming.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Don’t follow me, rather look to god for your direction. Be better than me, don’t let your heart turn to stone. Never give up.

Connect:

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Website: http://therealkda.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3emsMkb3UngMw13913Rms4?si=lHPoskH_Q...

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/therealkda