By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Last week, one of the biggest international mixtape releases came. London is a new hotbed for hip hop and is home to Kelz TBK. The TBK in his name stands for The Black Kupid, which is the name of his mixtape series. Kelz TBK released his latest mixtape this week, The Black Kupid II.
At a relatively young age, Kelz TBK has begun establishing himself as one of the leading figures in hip hop. With the European hip hop market being among the fastest growing, the path has been set for Kelz TBK with his music. Kelz TBK has become a fixture with his street releases paired with his frequent performances.
Hip Hop Vibe recently took the time out to talk to Kelz TBK, who is fresh off the release of his The Black Kupid II release. Along with the new mixtape release, Kelz TBK is preparing to hit the road with The Zoo Tour. Kelz TBK spoke on both his new mixtape and his experiences on the road.
Read the entire interview below:
What improvements do you feel you have made since the original The Black Kupid? I feel I have definitely become more of a lyricist on this mixtape, improved my metaphors, flow and punchlines. I also feel the production has improved with more tracks to offer my audience.
Of course, you changed things up with this tape, what do you think was the biggest difference? I think, with this mixtape, myself and I are starting to create a new genre and sound. Also, I was blessed to have the opportunity to work with Vince Kidd and Lady Leshurr.
How do you feel about the reaction to the mixtape, now that it has been digested by the online world? The reaction to my mixtape has been absolutely mental, I’m surprised that my audience understand the music and where I want to go with it.
Being from the United Kingdom, how do you feel about transitioning into the American market? I would love to transition into the USA, like Dizzee Rascal and Tinie Tempah, but I don’t want to have to change in order to do that. However, I do think that America will understand my music. I have been told that I do have a commercial sound.
Though it is still overlooked, what can you say about the London hip hop scene and the talent that is there? The UK hip hop scene is authentic, however I feel it lacks excitement, it’s so freaking boring and I’m going to change that (laughs), I’m kidding. The UK scene has a lot talent, it’s just coming out of its primitive stage and becoming more noticed. I think rappers like Dappy, Wreth 32, Giggs, Lady Leshurr, Lunar C, Dizzee Rascal RoxXxan and Skepta inspire very much.
Which songs did you enjoy recording the most off The Black Kupid II? I really enjoyed working on “Hold Up.” I think I want to do more songs like that, also “Can You Feel It?” We really had like a freaking house party while making those songs.
When you record a project and release it, as you just did, what is your favorite moment afterwards? My favorite moment would be when the fans react to the music, quote lyrics from songs on Twitter.
What song off the mixtape will be the next one to receive a music video? You can expect music videos to those two songs, “Hold Up” and “Can You Feel It?,” after The Zoo Tour.
How are you enjoying your time on the road with “The Zoo Tour?” The Zoo has been amazing, we’ve been promoting Vince Kidd’s single “You and Me” featuring Mmself. We’re also supporting Jennifer Lopez and Linol Richie at the Summer Festival at Hyde Park.
Where can fans connect with you online, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram? Fans can find me on Twitter at @KelzTBK, Instagram @TheBlackKupid, Facebook Kelz TBK, and www.KelzTBK.com
