K-Prez Talks Inspiration Behind ‘Some’n Light Vol. 1’, Growing Up In Asbury Park + More | Interview
“Remember that feeling, just how Hip-Hop used to make you feel? Especially back then, it was like air”, said Taye Diggs in the 2002 film Brown Sugar. That feeling is like no other.
Many people might argue that originality is significantly lacking from this new generation of hip-hop. But the New Jersey emcee K-Prez wants to put out the kind of music that made him fall in love with the culture in the first place.
“I grew up off of those G-Unit/ Papoose mixtapes and that molded me into the artist I am today”, says K-Prez.
Check out the full interview below.
Who is K-Prez?
What’s good y'all? First of all, shoutout to Jaz for inviting me on her platform. But to get back on track, I'm an artist/ emcee from Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Of course, no problem! So let’s take it back, what was your upbringing like in New Jersey and how do you think it impacted your sound?
There's a lot that goes down in my city. A lot of violence in one square block, it's been that way since I was a kid! Growing up in Asbury Park has impacted my music in many ways. I get inspired the moment I walk down any block in my ‘hood.
What is your earliest memory of music?
My earliest memory of music is hearing Momma Prez blast KRS One, Slick Rick & Dougie Fresh through the house.
Shoutout to Momma Prez for putting you on to those legendary artists. Seeing that music was introduced to you so early, was pursuing a career in rap something you’ve always wanted to do?
No. I knew I was always good with words as a kid, but being a rapper never was a thought. I actually wanted to be a graphic designer or do photography before all of this.
What do you think of the music scene in your city at the moment?
My city has a lot of talent, we just need the right ears to tap into us.
What does Hip-Hop mean to you?
Hip Hop is life! I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Hip-Hop. The culture itself is amazing. "You never thought that Hip Hop would take it this far”...word to B.I.G.!
I’m curious to know, what was the first Hip-Hop album you bought?
The first Hip-Hop album I bought was J. Cole's "Cole World: The Side Line Story".
Speaking of Cole, his music is what connected us in the first place a few years back. I’m curious to know, what would you say is your favourite Cole song?
My favourite Cole song is "Hold You Down" only because he's talking about these life moments he's experienced. I relate to it a lot.
Are you signed? If not, would you ever sign to a label?
No, I am not signed to any label. However, I am affiliated with the Goon Musick team who are based out of Germany. Shoutout to Snowgoons, La famila! Would I ever sign to a label? My mind changes everyday about it, but I can see myself being on Griselda or TDE.
[Photo Credit: @kpreztho]
What is “Prezidential Camp”?
You ever told yaself you felt like a million bucks even when you didn't? That feeling is everything. I felt that same way when I started Prezidential Camp...I want all my loved ones feeling Prezidential. I also wanted to have something my homies can believe in. Shout out to my homies Eddie and Rico for assisting in the startup.
On his creative process, the K-Prez explains, “I have to isolate myself to really tap in and get that creativeness flowing. I like to let whatever instrumental I'm writing to talk to me first before I even write anything. It's vital”.
You shout “Some’n Light Thoo” in many of your songs. Where did that come from?
It's some'n light thoo! So boom, when I first started rapping in the booth my engineer at the time would always be like it was “fire”. I would come out the booth every time and just tell him that it was something light, knowing damn well I just laid the craziest verse [ha]. It was kind of me playing it off to not get too big headed of myself and keep myself grounded. I can always do better, so I viewed it as light work to me. In my older songs, I used to say it at the end of the song until this engineer told me it would sound better at the start of a song, like an introduction every time. Fast forward now, I love it and my fans love it! It's got a nice to ring to it [ha].
Let’s get into your latest mixtape “Some’n Light Vol 1”. What was the inspiration behind it?
I wanted to bring that classic mixtape feel back with "Some'n Light Vol.1". I grew up off of those G-Unit/ Papoose mixtapes and that molded me into the artist I am today. Also, I wanted to use it as a thank you for my fans because they love when I do freestyles. "Some'n Light" will be a mixtape I drop every year around Winter/Spring, with that being said, Vol.2 on the way!
After listening to your project, I can definitely say that it has that classic mixtape feel that you were aiming for. Who would you say are some of your musical inspirations?
In no order, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Z , Nas, Big L, AZ, & Benny the Butcher are the ones who've influenced me the most.
Who are 3 current artists you would most like to collaborate with?
Top 3 artists I'd like to collaborate with would definitely be Benny The Butcher, Nas, Sy Ari Da Kid.
What is your favourite song at the moment?
My favourite song at the moment is actually my song. The song is called "Green Light" and that can be found on all platforms. I'm activated!
*You can also stream the song on: Apple Music | Tidal
What keeps you going?
My situation keeps me going..the fact that Momma Prez still works double shifts keep me going. We up soon though ! Also my fans keep me motivated, shoutout to y'all!
I love that. One thing I can say about your fanbase is that they go hard for you. What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
Don't wait on NOBODY! & “Keep ya head leveled and keep firing through it all”.
What is next for K-Prez?
I got a few big projects brewing, new merch and visuals as well. The grind don't stop!
