Thanks for taking some time to be interviewed. Can you please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a bit about what you do?
Thanks for having me here! My names King Kaiju, and I love making music. I’m a rapper from Newport News, Virginia, and I moved to Richmond a year ago. Honestly, if I’m not writing raps, or coming up with new ideas or concepts for a project, I try to take every chance I get to go cruise a skatepark or a street spot.
What’s your local scene like? How often do you get to play shows out there?
The beach music scene is super supportive and tight knit. There’s something for everyone there, all year round. I usually play shows with the homies every few weeks out there. The Richmond scene is just as cool and diverse. The rap scene out here definitely shines on its own though. They’re really about the lyrics and keeping your writing sharp. I’ve joined some of the cyphers out here to really focus on the art and get better at what I do. The artists out here will definitely keep you on your toes, and let you know what you could work on to be better and shine.
What are some of the cons when it comes to pros and cons. Where is there room for improvement?
Honestly I feel like no matter what you’re doing, there’s always room for improvement in yourself. Every artist should be pushing to be better than their last move. Challenge yourself. Without that mindset, you’ll just keep doing the same thing over and wonder why you’re in the same spot. As far as scenes, make sure to support the locals you like, because if you want them to be great, telling other people about them can only help. The scene is what makes artists grow!
True! What are your plans for the rest of the year? Music videos? New albums? Milestones?
I’m working on a project with one of my close homies right now, and that’s all I can say about it. As far as just me though, I’m planning on releasing my next project around fall/winter. The last one (1998) got some local radio play, and a super nice visual, so i’m planning the next one have more tracks, more spins on the radio, and maybe a couple videos.
What’s your dream tour? If you could go on tour with anyone in the world, who would you choose?
That’s tough. Probably Lil Ugly Mane & Denzel Curry. I could listen to either of their music pretty much all day and I guess that’s a good thing to have if you gotta play shows with the same people everyday. Plus if they tour together, they’d have to make another song and that’s something a lot of people want.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What about 10 years?
5 years, still writing for sure. I don’t think that’ll ever stop though. Probably still going out and being active when i can, the only time I’ll quit skateboarding is when I physically can’t anymore. 10 years from now though I’ll probably be more chilled out and doing stuff like working on cars in my spare time. Something I’ve wanted to get into for a while, but I definitely have too much going on to afford a car build now.
Who are the biggest Influences behind your music?
I listen to so much music in different pockets that I confuse myself sometimes. I guess my lyrics and flow come from a lot of the classic Memphis rap. People like Three 6 Mafia and Tommy Wright III. I used to go to a lot of hardcore shows though so it’s always in the back of my mind to have at least one current song that brings that sort of reaction when I play live. Weird enough though, those two music styles mesh really easily.
What’s your favorite album of all time?
Madvillainy. That’s one of those albums that has a feel like they knew they had a classic while they were making it. Madlib’s production mixed with DOOM’s wild ass rhymes is something I’ll never be able to get over. Perfect album, no skips.
Where can our readers find your music? whats the best method to look you up and follow?
You can find all my projects and songs I made with my homies in CrossJoint on SoundCloud: CrossJoint official YouTube: CrossJoint Bandcamp & Spotify: King Kaiju CrossJoint Instagram: @rich_homie_rheese
As we wrap this up, is there anything else you would like to add?
Not much besides thanks for the chat, and thanks to anyone who checks out the music!
