K Prime Keeps the Bass Up

First hearing his music blasting on the speakers of Smash Studios in New York City, an artist by the name K Prime, held a certain confidence about him or what he calls a certain Khan-fi-dence about him. Not knowing who he was before, I was pulled in by his sound, lyrical delivery, and most importantly the visual presentation of his art. He premiered his video for Pick Your Vice to a small, intimate, and select crowd of music lovers and close friends. Here’s my interview with him after the video premiere party a few weeks back. Check out the online premiere of Bass Up below. Let us know your thoughts on emerging hip hop artist, K Prime.

KILLER BOOMBOX: For those who haven’t heard of your music, how would you describe it to others?

K PRIME: I really couldn’t describe my music at all. I think doing that is what puts certain things in certain boxes. I make whatever is honest and most importantly, what feels good and if the feeling isn’t there, than I’m not either.

KBB: You’re originally from Bangladesh but grew up in New York. How did your upbringing shape your music?

KP: My upbringing had a big influence on my music, the culture that I was brought up with merged with the culture I got introduced to, bringing you what you hear now. Musically I think you can definitely hear the South East Asian influences through my melodies, but at the same token you can hear Queens and everything in between through my lyrics.

KBB: You have a very polished sound. How long have you been pursuing music?

KP: Why thank you love. I have been pursuing music seriously for about four years.

KBB: When we spoke, you mentioned obtaining a degree from Full Sail University, which is well known for their music industry programs. What did you study and how has that helped you with your own music?

KP: That I did, shout out to all my Full Sail Alumni! I graduated with a degree in Recording Arts Engineering that taught me how to mix and master my own records, which helps with time and especially money.

KBB: In one of your videos, you did an ode to Amy Winehouse, citing her as a major influence in your life. What inspires you most about Amy Winehouse? How did she become such a big influence musically?

KP: Well first and foremost I was introduced to Amy Winehouse through pop culture. She caught my attention to where it made me research everything she had to offer. I’ve always been a fan of jazz since my best friend introduced it to me during my high school years. I mean, I wasn’t oblivious to the genre before that. I just didn’t partake in it, nor did I give it a chance until he really sat me down and opened my ears (thanks Serg). Everything about her inspires me, from her song selection, to her lyrics, and even her daily lifestyle. It takes quite a strong person to go through what she did, not to mention being able to deal with it publicly. I really couldn’t tell you how she became such a big influence. I just fell in love with everything that she did. I loved the way she approached her records and how dynamic her voice was. Her album “Frank” affected me in every way possible. I love her to death.

KBB: Saw your video in full at your video premiere party a couple weeks back at Smash Studios in New York City. Thought the visuals were very great, especially that being my first time seeing your or hearing of your music. Where did you come up with the concept?

KP: To be honest, I thought it would be really cool to ride on the back of a pickup truck with my band, around my old hood and see how people react. I just wanted to make sure I filmed the whole experience. In my opinion it was a classy record, so I wanted to make sure the imagery was portrayed the same.

KBB: Are you releasing an EP soon?

KP: Not an EP, but in time, you can definitely expect a ravishing body of work that I’m going to label as a mixtape.

KBB: Is music a full time job for you? 

KP: Absolutely, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I jump a lot of trains and eat a bunch of Ramen for a living but I’m okay with that – for now.

KBB: You have a bit of a following.  What are your words of wisdom for those building their buzz in such a saturated industry?

KP: Ha ha, I’m usually not the type to give any advice since I feel like I have so much to learn. All I can say is to really treat this music like it’s the only thing you know and do it your way. The lane you choose doesn’t matter, just make sure you can drive exceptionally well on it.