Born on the west side of Chicago, K.I. was the second child to mother Tracie Shaw. With two younger sisters and one older brother, K.I. was not only looked up to, but also had someone to look up to himself. Even though his father was around, his childhood and some of his teenage life, K.I. says their relationship was never that of a father and son but more of a lack of being there when it mattered most in his life. With that being said, K.I. lived a troubled teen life from ditching school and eventually dropping out in the 11th grade, to dealing with gangs and being incarcerated at a young age. Through it all, music seems to keep him grounded and on the right path to success. With influences to the likes of Jay Z, Andre 3000, Method Man, And Eminem to name a few, K.I. has adapted his style of flow into true meaning. “I Want Every Word, Every Bar, Every Metaphor, To Have A Meaning And Make People Think About Every Possible Scenario Life Will Or May Throw At You”, says K.I. “That Way More People Can Not Only Relate But Understand Where Other People Pick Up Their Demeanor From.” K.I. has inspiration coming in from every angle. What keeps him striving to be the best every minute of everyday, is his two kids Isaiah and Avery. “Without Them I Don’t Know Where I Would Be In Life Right Now. They Keep Me Grounded And On The Right Track”. With goals in motion, K.I. is banking on music being a way to not only give back and teach, but also build an empire from nothing and reap the benefits when it all pays off.
IAA: What is your music background?
K.I. I have always enjoyed music ever since I could remember. My grandfather was a gospel singer. As a child I would listen to everything from R&B to Jazz with my parents. I have been doing music professionally for almost 2 years now. I’ve put out 1 EP titles ‘Simply Unordinary.’ I have also done two mix-tapes with MMG’s Dj Choz, and Wu-Tang’s Dj Pop Dukes. Music is my life, and I couldn’t live without it.
IAA: Why do you want to record and release your own music?
K.I. I am very passionate about music. It allows me to express myself. It is also my way of giving back and connecting with others. I want to send a message of realness and hope through my music.
IAA: What are your songs about?
K.I. My songs are about; love, pain, struggle, hustling, fear, the streets, sacrifice, revenge, and celebration. I try to touch on situations that we go through in everyday life.
IAA: Who is your fan base directed towards?
K.I. I try to make music for all ears. My fan bases consisted of people from 18-30, all different ethnicities and who enjoy hip hop and pop. My music is for you adults who can relate to struggle and how to overcome it.
IAA: Who are your musical influences?
K.I. I grew up listening to Biggie and Tupac. I am also inspired by Jay-Z, Andre 300, and Method Man. I admire them because they are all unique and successful.
IAA: How would you describe your music to people?
K.I. I would describe my music as passionately refreshing, heartfelt, and relatable.
IAA: What makes you stand out from other artist?
K.I. I’m determined and motivated by any and all means. I pride myself on quality and challenge myself to learn new crafts from photography to music production. Business wise, this allows me to cut out the middle man, shapes my budget, and make me more reliant. It also allows me to build clientele and gain fans at the same time.
IAA: What are some upcoming projects you are currently working on?
I’m currently finishing my latest mix-tape titles, ‘Its K.I.’ which will be out in April.
IAA: What are your career goals? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
K.I. I see myself signed to a lucrative record deal, and winning a few Grammys. I have so much to accomplish, but winning a Grammy is at the top of my list.
IAA: How can your fans access your music and contact you?
K.I. Facebook.com/ki2121
Twitter: @its_K_I_
Reverbnation.com/itsko
Instagram @its_K_I
Youtube.com/mrki2121
itskimusicproduction@yahoo.com
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On the waiting list for you new beats to be released.
My man K.I. Be doing his thang putting down for tha Chi . gonna get that GRAMMY my dude
I can’t wait for next mixtape. I’m still bumping that Essence of hip-hop vol. 1 and that Fresh muzik: 1980s on datpiff
My homeboy going hard yall! Show true love n give props when needed. Tilt ya hat da Chi-Town Finest. K.I
UP NEXX ENT.
Loved The Article Keep Up The Good Work Babe
Loved The Article Keep Up The ood Work Babe
it’s dope to see the CommonEdits fam chasing dreams, don’t let up on these ninjas bro
big homie K.I aint no joke listen to those punch lines and think about it the man is a beast!!!!!!!!!!! 74
Good questions,..but I love those answers!!,good solid interview.
Checked out your music…..it’s dope keep coming
HUMBLE,DETERMINED AND REAL…I R.E.S.P.E.K thiis G’s hustle!!
Keep the grind goin Big homie
beats are fire keep up great work
Great interview of a Dope ass Emcee !!!
Aye bro great work keep it up!
I’m proud of you big bro , keep up the good work
Great interview and very down to earth. Keep grindin and Im gonna get at you on a collabo…
Admired by most in the western suburbs great word play
Big ups to my homie K.I.!!! Keep doin yo thang fam.
So Proud of you….keep it up it will pay off
Love the article, keep the good music coming. You’ll make it big soon enough!
BIG things! Good shit bro
Doing the Dam thing…..
Chi-town need to hit the map again!
Appreciate The Love From Everybody! Keep The Comments Coming! #Salute
Love ur craft k.i!! Much love too u!!
This dude is for reals!!! Great guy plus great music equals most dopei
KI’s music is original. He has that flare that will without a doubt send him straight to the top. Its nothin but the stars after that. I see nothing but good things to come for u. The determination alone will get u there. I know…..I said a lot. Lol
My boy K.I Doing his thang making them hits, just like back In the day with the boys .. Keep doing what you doing my dude and ill be seeing you on tv real soon…..
I feel your music bruh, just stay focused and keep doin ya thang
The homie K.I. doing it real big. Major props to you and your hustle. See you at the top
K.I, been grindin hard with his unique music !! I Support!
KI he got potential to be like a really good rapper. In time I think he will be on Good Musics level
good article
Positivity out here ,
KI is goin innnn !!
Very cool article
Cool article. I am going to check out more of your music man!
This dude is dope! Follow him up on twitter and check out his work
Yo wassup K.I man Fuck wit me lets take over the game man AH youngin from OAKLAND and AH NIGGA from CHIRAQ Lets DO it
Kool interview and article!
Sick interview. K.I definately set to make a killing
# salute to my boy K.I
Keep doing your thing man! Overall, great music and fantastic article. Let’s get on a track again soon!
Itssss K.I.!! Shoutout one of the illest in Chicagoland! For an Exclusive Mixtape hosted by K.I. Go to Datpiff .com and search TAKEOVER 2012 – Then look for volume 3!!! Hosted BY K.I.!!!! #WEGETITAffiliates #WEGETIT #WEGETITMixtapes
Yo! be on the look out for my man k.l he dropping that heat for the streets.
KI out chea killing da game bruh bruh
The dudes dope and the musics fire keep grindin man
you are a awesome article
Yo, I checked out the tape and I was hooked after the first 2 tracks. Keep it up bruh! http://www.soundcloud.com/odanga1/sets/closer-2-my-dreams
Keep doing ya thang fam the underground needs cats like u bruh
Great article. I wish you alot of success in the future with your music
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