Verbal Kent Interview [Exclusive]

Hip-Hop Kings Interview with Verbal Kent

HHK: Thanks for speaking to us Verbal Kent. For the readers who may not be aware, can we have a brief introduction please?

VK: My pleasure man. I know how saturated Hip-Hop is right now, so I think an introduction is in order. I’ve been doing my thing out of Chicago IL since the late nineties. I grew up listening to quality rap music, so all I’ve ever wanted to do was follow in the footsteps of the true masters. My first album dropped in 03′, entitled “What Box”, followed by “Move With the Walls” in 06′, “Fist Shaking” in 08′, and “Brave New Rap” in 09′. I’ve shared the stage with many of my Hip-Hop heroes like Krs-1, Redman, GZA, and Sean Price, and I’ve collaborated on joints with characters such as Ill Bill, Masta Ace, Wordsworth, EDO G, and Sadat X. I’ve toured in the states, in the UK and in Europe a few times a year for the past 4 years. My rap “style” is Lyricism at it’s best, sharp and dry, quit witted and always on beat. True to the art. No B.S. I’m really into the math of writing. I’m on some Sudoku shit! Basically I love Hip-Hop music, and I’ve been trying to help carry the burden of the torch since I started making it.

Verbal Kent

HHK: We’re being prepared for the single release of “Now” which will be available from 21st June. What factors made you decide that “Now” would be a suitable single to kick off the new campaign?

VK: “Now” to me represents where I’m at in Hip-Hop. My attitude is, screw the past. This is it, right now. All my time and hard work has led up to me throwing everything into the fire, and really going for broke. I feel like if you are crazy enough to make Hip-Hop music now’days, this is the attitude you MUST have. So that’s how I’mlooking at 2010 and beyond. Aside from all that..My homie Kelakovski MURDERED the track! It was a “must rock this” now track the second I heard it!

HHK: Save Yourself is the name of the new album. What’s the release date and are there any confirmed guest appearances or producers you can reveal?

VK: Yeah for sure. The album is set to be released in the fall of 2010..with guest Appearances form Sadat X, Masta Ace, EDO G, One Be Lo, and Pete Rock. Also the project will feature production from Illmind, Marco Polo, and M-Phazes. So a bunch of Killers on the record!

Verbal Kent

HHK: You’ve visited the U.K before and performed in the major Hip-Hop cities. Should we expect to see you return in 2010 to promote the new album? And has anything been confirmed yet?

VK:Yeah man, I can’t wait to get back to the UK and Europe in 2010. Nothing confirmed yet, but in near future Ill have some exact dates to share. Nothing is more rewarding than touring to support your hard work.

HHK: You’ve had a history with working under various different record labels. For the aspiring artists watching, would you encourage them to stay independent? And what major differences did you encounter between the two?

VK: It’s complicated. If you have the means to treat yourself as a “business”, then I would highly recommend doing so. I say this because it is very rewarding to be in control of your music and what happens to it. On the other hand, help is wonderful. Gravel Records and Molemen Inc are two of the labels I’ve worked with, and both of them provided amazing help and support through the years. They are both smaller companies, so an artist can really learn all about the behind the scenes element of the actual selling and working of the record. I’ve chosen these sort of slower, more hands on routes toward my goals because I have been against becoming just another target market selling point for a big ugly company. That doesn’t mean I’m against getting BIGGER help one day from a larger company. With that said, the most important thing is to be on top of your own shit, regardless of the level of help you have. In the end, it’s your name and your business that you have to be responsible for.

Verbal Kent

HHK: You’re another great rapper coming from Chicago as we’ve seen plenty in recent years. Who else should we be looking out for in 2010?

VK: Some artists that come to mind, who are really working hard to do it big in 2010 out of Chicago would be Mass Hysteria, 1773, Pugslee Atomz, Matlok, and Diverse. All really talented and very different. Mass Hysteria just murders tracks, Pugz tours with DJ Vadim in Europe almost non-stop. 1773 really represents Chicago in a similar way to how Common used to when he first started. Matlok is a master wordsmith, with a killer instinct for pouncing tracks. And Diverse is a all around lyricist with an amazing sense of rhythm and has a unique identity on cuts.

HHK: Aside from promoting the upcoming single and album, what are your other plans for 2010?

VK: I plan on touring as much as I can, and continuing to just evolve as I writer. I have many new projects in the works…the one I am eager to tackle is a Illmind + Verbal Kent album…this is going to abuse speakers everywhere. Illmind is a BEAST, when I write to his music I grow as an artist. That’s when you know you are working with the right people.

HHK: is there anything else you’d like to add to the interview?

VK: Check out my new website.. www.verbalkent.com I have all my own music/merchandise for sale at great prices through the site. Support real Hip-Hop and real Hip-Hop will live on! Thanks for your time, big ups to Hip-Hop Kings!

HHK: Thanks again for speaking to Hip-Hop Kings. Good luck and keep in touch!

Tags: Hip-Hop Kings, interview, verbal kent

Category: Exclusive