JR: How long have you been an artist and what got you started in the game?
KB: I've been in the music industry for a year, but I've been making music for about 11 years now. I've been writing songs for 15 years. What got me started was listening to my older cousin rap. I also loved performers like Michael Jackson, James Brown, I started as a dancer lol. I was a fat kid, but I could keep up with my dance partner who was more fit. I was always a good writer, but not a speaker. Once I became more comfortable I was able to rap at school talent shows. I'm from Gloucester, Va. It's a really small town. Everybody knows everybody lol.
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| "Love Roger Troutman" |
KB: Well again I have to say Michael Jackson and James Brown. Prince, of course. Love Roger Troutman. Love Marvin Gaye. Adore Janis Joplin. A huge Beatle fan. Hendrix, come on. Pac was the greatest. So many great artists that influenced me. Artists who I credit for my work? My cousin played a big part. 3 cousins. Alvin, Vic and Terrence. They really pushed me. If I'm any good it's because of those guys.
JR: Which artists are you currently listening to and which of these artists would you like to collaborate with?
KB: I'm an old soul lol. I love J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Killer Mike, David Banner. Aside from Hip-Hop, Adele is amazing. I want to work with all of them.
JR: Which ingredient would you say defines Dre K.B. as unique?
KB: Ignorance. Lol. I don't know the rules therefore I don't follow them. It's all about feeling. That warm feeling you get when something touches your soul. I want you to feel that when you hear my music. If I make a Pop song it's going to have soul. Everything I do comes from within. It's not to be trendy or even understood. It's to make you feel.
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| "I never thought the song would become what it's becoming. " |
KB: Well first, I've got to thank you for the honour. I truly appreciate it. "Day in the Life" is a song I did not produce. The credit goes to Ill Majestic. We were first introduced to each other by a mutual friend and clicked immediately. The music was something he had for a few years and I was looking for something laid back and nostalgic. He sent me just that one beat and I felt the essence of Hip-Hop. I wrote the lyrics in an hour. The chorus was written the day after on the bus. I recorded the demo and we both liked it. That was it really. It wasn't intended to be a single. We were just seeing what we were about. If we could work together. I never thought the song would become what it's becoming. It's mind blowing.
JR: The lyrics or the beat, which came first?
KB: The music usually comes first. Even though a lot of times I'll write without the music I'll have a beat in my head. Like a simple drum beat. Fast or slow. I write to that and build music around my lyrics. In the case of "Day in the Life" the music was already made and the track guides you so it was really easy to write.
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| "The fans make us or break us" |
KB: Listeners can expect some new music really soon. It's done we're just trying to figure what to put out next. All the songs I almost guarantee any fan of music will like. 95% guarantee. That's pretty good. As for touring, if the fans want it then I have to give it to them. The fans make us or break us. We have to be good to them. Of course, sometimes for what ever reason you can't tour or release new music or be available to the public, but as long as they want me and I'm able we're gonna have a real good time!
JR: Any Shout-outs?
KB: Yes, of course. Greg Beasley and the whole C-Town Records family. The lovely, Eunice Hagens who has been a huge support. Cloudy Vision, an incredible group. CCnB. Mr. 8o4. Yung Casher. Ill Majestic, of course. Illuxtrious, a dope producer. Willz Williams. Everyone from the 804. And last, but certainly not least, all of my fans and supporters. Without you none of this would be possible. And Jamsterdam Radio, always.
"Day in the Life" by DRE K.B. from Gregory Beasley on Vimeo.
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