Music Monday: Kxng Rvlph Prevails in His Craft Despite Poverty Stricken Environment

In poverty stricken cities, music is that escape. It’s that way out and that thing that keeps people out of the streets. Camden, New Jersey artist Kxng Rvlph is using his musical craft to do just that— stay out of the streets and to make something out of himself. 

I recently interviewed Kxng Rvlph where discussed his inspiration for music and what his goals for the future are. Check out the interview below:

Huey X: Can you please tell myself and the readers about yourself?

KR: Yeah, I sure can. Hey everyone. I’m KR, short for, Kxng Rvlph. I’m a 26-year old multi-genre music artist. I was born in Camden, New Jersey. 

Growing up and still to this day, who do you consider to be an inspiration? How did they impact your life?

My biggest inspiration was my city and the things I personally experienced growing up in Camden. Musically, my inspirations were my three older cousins, my Uncle Kai and the whole 80s-90s era of music, especially the beef between Big and Pac; KRS-One and his beefs were dope to witness as well. 

All of that made me who I am today. It made me more wise and awake to what’s going on in this life, and this music was extremely relatable; all of it at that time!

You’re a young man/artist who made it to the age of 26. How proud of yourself are you doing so in such a violent, poverty stricken city without ever getting cast in the wrong light?

Fam, I get asked this question almost everyday! (chuckles) Well, in my city at the age of 20 you’re already considered an old head. I was always into trouble growing up in this poverty stricken city. I’ve even been shot recently. It almost seemed like I was programmed to be in trouble, if you understand what I’m saying. Like every thought I had was bad intentions. It’s crazy and depression played a huge role in that. 

What age did you start rapping? When did you know that you wanted to be involved in the music industry? 

I started writing music when I was 7, maybe 8-years old. I didn’t make actual music until I was 24-years old and at that moment I knew I wanted to be in the music industry. It just seemed like I was made to make music for people to relate to, have fun, make love and joy ride to. 

You’re a hip hop artist. What artists are considered your top 5, dead or alive? 

Oh, this is a hard one. I wish it was a trop ten, man! (chuckles) But man, top five, dead or alive? No real order, but I would have to say Alive: Xavier Wulf,Migos, Kevin Gates, Meek Mill and Young MA. Dead: Xxxtentacion, Pac, Biggie, Pun and Michael Jackson.

Do you feel that real hip hop is dead that feeling and vibe of the music that Lauryn Hill, Nas, Jay-Z, Biggie, Tupac, Tribe Called Quest, The roots era? 

I mean, yeah, that era is dead, but they let it be dead. Well, it’s a few people that’s still trying to kick to that era to people, but that’s it other than that it’s dead!!

What current artist do you consider to be role models and friends of yours in the industry? Who are some of the artists you would like to work with just influence and professionalism? 

Oh, that’s easy. That’s what I needed a top ten list for! (chuckled) I want to work with 50 Cent, the whole YBN Squad, Chris Brown, Xavier Wulf, Meek mill, Kevin Gates, YG, The Atlanta Culture, Kanye, J. Cole, Big Sean, the whole TDE, Casanova, Cardi B, the whole Asap Mob, Jaden Smith, Ski Mask, Lil Pump….fam, my list can go on. 

Your latest project, “What a Time to Sleep On Us,” gave us a great feel of yourself and your artistry, but what do you want us to know about you that your music can’t confess? 

That’s easy fam. I’m really an artist both in and out. I love to paint fam. I just love art period. Then sometimes I feel like I paint the perfect picture in some of my tracks that I have on my other projects. I also make beats, master and produce 95 percent of my tracks. I do all my promo myself. I’m not saying you don’t need a team, but this is just what I do. 

Writing your own songs is an amazing and sometimes a lost talent, but how do you come up with such creativity? Does your emotions play a role in the songs you write?

My creativity is hard to explain because of my emotions. I listen to each beat at least twice. If I love it, I get a great feel of what the beat wants me to say and I let my mind go to work. I freestyle 100 percent of my recent work. 

What upcoming projects, events and dates we should be on the lookout for?

I got two projects I’m working on right now. I got the names of both of them and one of the projects has just me and my brother on it. They both drop this fall. I also have four videos I’m dropping this fall; two with my fam and the the other two with just me. 

What are some words of wisdom and great advice that you can offer us fellow millennials? 

Live your greatest life, spread love, don’t let nobody take nothing from you and stay positive.

What are some expectations that you have for yourself and your music career?

I see myself touring in the next year, making people happy with my music and going Diamond with my albums.

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