King Cai or K.C.’s music is best described as “a vibe”. “I make music to put a smile on peoples’ faces. I want people to feel better than they did prior to listening to my music,” he tells me.
For evidence of this, look no further than 2020’s You Know the Vibes ft. Phrann, dropped alongside a compilation video that sees K.C.’s family, friends and fans “vibing” during lockdown.
K.C. has always been passionate about music. He explains, “I don’t see myself doing anything other than music, my world revolves around it. I decided I would pursue it in school, we used to go to my friend’s block and just freestyle. I was always listening to UK and American music and I when started to see how powerful it could be, how it changed people’s lives, I said to myself, ‘I’m just as talented. There’s no reason I can’t do that.'”
While he grew up listening to grime, nowadays K.C. has a more eclectic taste in music. “Anything that someone puts me on to, if I like how it sounds I’m on to it straight away. I’ve recently been put on to French and Canadian music and I really like it”. He confesses his guilty pleasure is US singer-songwriter Coi Leray, and the variation extends to his own music. “I’m not deterred by any instrumental or type of music,” he tells me. “I try to make music that goes with how I’m feeling when I’m in the studio.”
Over lockdown, K.C. learned to engineer and record at home. He tells me he recorded “a shitload of songs” and we can expect to hear some this month. “I haven’t released a song in almost a year now so I’m going to drop one to explain my absence then for the rest of the year I plan to drop vibes.” When it comes to his new music, he’s not holding back “The songs I haven’t released yet are better than the songs I have out now. I’m gonna give you guys my best work.”
Much like his listening habits, King Cai’s list of influences is broad and varied. He tells me how much he would have liked to experience Michael Jackson’s recording process, especially when it comes to adlibs. But For K.C., music is about more than just the lyrics. “Take Rema for example”, he begins. “The way he rides a beat, the pockets he finds, and the harmonies he uses. I believe if you want your music to be the best, you have to take inspiration from these kinds of artists.”
“I need a Haille hook and a Wstrn summer feel-good song”, K.C. says of his ideal UK collaboration. “There’s also a new artist called Blxst, he’s cold. We share the same birthday so it would be great to work with him one day.” When it comes to collaborating on a global scale, André 3000 is at the top of the wishlist.
Outside of music, King Cai believes it’s also important to stand out with what you wear. “Everyone knows if you see me in a bomber jacket, no one else has it, but what really separates me are my hats.” For those who are unaware, K.C. designed his own logo, The Pharaoh, which he wears with Pride. “You know how Clark Kent has his Superman suit, I put on my hat and you’re getting nothing but vibes,” he enthuses.
When asked about his favourite part of his creative process K.C. responds, “It has to be actually releasing the music. I’m happiest when I’ve got music out. Other than that, it would have to be recording or writing. There’s no part of making music I don’t enjoy, and that pushes me even harder to succeed.”
“I would love to get to a point where I can tour the world,” he discloses when asked where he sees himself in five years’ time. “I’ll never be done rapping but in the future I would like to work in the industry to help artists that come after me. There’s a lot of artists out there that have the talent but not the following, myself included, so I’d like to make it easier for all of us.”
K.C’s upcoming single Raise Hell is, as usual, riddled with relatable wordplay, set to a jumpy beat and features a catchy chorus. “I’m excited to see the reactions to this one”, says K.C., and the feeling is certainly mutual.
Written By: Athalia John
Email: athaliaj11@gmail.com
Instagram: @tallytheartist_
