Describe yourself using a lyric from a song/rap.
I’m the furthest thing from perfect, but I do know what my worth is, wouldn’t sell myself below, even if you made a mass-purchase.How did you get your start in music?
I started off with poetry in my young years….but rapping – I started when I was about 14, got more serious with 16, after a month of artist development in Miami. Basically, a relative in Atlanta had heard my music I had uploaded to youtube and sent it around in the states and suddenly I get an email from a producer/songwriter: Blizzy Baxter. He then mentored me a lot during that time. Upon return I started taking the whole rapping more seriously and realized that no mater where I came from, if I worked hard enough, the right people would hear my music through the internet. I saw that it doesn’t matter where I come from, as long as I head in the right direction, I’ll get where I want to go/where I’m supposed to be. We are connected and alike seek each-other – the fact that I am saying this and you are reading this and may be on the other side of the earth – in that lays our generation’s power.
Best gig you’ve ever done/been to?
I’d say Ghetts was the most amazing Gig I’ve ever been to. I believe many people, especially outside of the UK don’t understand Grime, because they’ve never seen/heard it live. The energy is unreal. I think the best way for Grime to become more international is through live shows, I’ve never been to a concert with that much energy and crowd interaction. I must say I didn’t really get Grime at first when I came to the UK. But Ghetts show was like an epiphany for me.
Have you got any exciting projects coming up?
I just graduated from university a few days ago. So now that the degree is out the way, as I had promised my parents, I can focus on doing music -however, I did enjoy studying at the end. Studying business enterprise taught me a lot about how to run and start my own company (record label). So now I just want to get fully dedicated in exploring the music scene here, collaborating, producing with people and releasing my first EP/Mixtape.
Favourite holiday destination?
I have a very nerdy side to me and I don’t like “doing nothing“ – I’m very result/productivity driven. My dream Holiday would be to one day stand on the moon and look at earth. I’m a massive KidCudi fan, so anyone who’s familiar with that whole movement will understand why. #DreamOn #ManOnTheMoon
Favourite spot in London?
I haven’t explored London too much yet but am looking forward to when finally moving here early next year. So am looking forward to anyone willing to show me around, hola at me!
I however do love Camden, especially the market, as well as Brixton. Both areas are mad creative and great sources of inspiration and creativity. Also a lot of entrepreneurship and diversity of cultures there. Also, when it comes to architecture, Canary Wharf is great, it has a feeling like Coruscant in StarWars (but thats again the Nerd in me).
If you weren’t doing music what would you be doing instead?
I’d probably be working in international relations/affairs or consultancy. I believe that if you want to have influence or change something for the better, like e.g. fighting the corruption between the Western Hemisphere and leaders in the emerging/developing countries, you first have to become part of the system, do everything to not let it corrupt you and work from the inside, fighting for your cause. Prove that you understand and are capable, only then people will pay attention when you criticize or insist on change.
Which musician would you most like to work with?
If Johnny J was still alive then him, he used to be 2pac’s producer and obviously, Pac or Dr. Dre. Further, Sade, Femi or Fela Kuti, Eminem, Kanye West and Rick Rubin – him and Kanye always tend to get the greatness out of people. Finally, anyone from the whole Soulection clan, they create crazy vibes. Ohh and Little Simz, she’s very inspirational! Also, in Germany there’s an incredible rapper, Megaloh, check him out!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I pray and work on to be in the position where I can work with anyone in any country, from music to business, art, finance, fashion and just create, develop. Make something meaningful, with society at it’s heart as beneficiary. And I want to be in the position to discover and help other talented acts and entrepreneurs, without trying to create a box/image that’s necessary to market them or robbing them off of their ideas, as it is often common practice today. I want to support/help and educate…that is the plan. I know it is a lot but I think it’s better to dream high and give your best – so that if you fail the end goal, you’ll still achieve a substantial amount. If you dream small and you fail the end goal, you’ll achieve nothing!
Favourite piece from the Serge DeNimes AW15 collection?
I love the jumpers with the camo prints on the side, the necklaces and the tracksuit, it’s super comfy – thats like something I’d probably live in when I create an album or record the EP!
Instagram: kelvyncolt
Twitter: @TheForeignerBYS