Who is Dove Award winner and Billboard Chart topper KB?

Kevin Burgess, better known now by his stage name KB (@KB_HGA), is a hip-hop artist based in Tampa, FL heading up HGA. He’s found redemption in what was once the forbidden music of his youth. KB has a history of success, his EP 100 landed No. 1 on Billboard’s Christian Album Chart and No. 4 on Billboard’s Rap Chart. Additionally, he took home his first Dove Award for the title track “100” winning “Rap/Hip-Hop Song of the Year.” His latest album, Tomorrow We Live, brought both critical acclaim and commercial success, debuting on the Billboard charts at No. 1 on Top Christian Albums, No. 4 on Top Rap Albums, and in No. 18 on the coveted Billboard 200. KB has been a Recording Academy featured artist on Grammy.com and has toured nationally with Tenth Avenue North and several Reach Records artists.

In our previous article on KB, we announced his “We Set The Tempo Tour,” his headlining tour set to kick off September 7 in Pensacola, FL. The tour spans 13 cities and KB will be joined by Blanca, Tauren Wells and Joseph Solomon for support. Tickets are on sale for the public now at whoiskb.com/tempo.

From the outside looking in, who is KB?

I think people see a leader, father, Christian thinker, missionary, and a creative wrapped into a Hip Hop artist.

What brought you to the entertainment industry, music specifically?

I feel like the music industry brought me in, as opposed to me going to it. I’ve always loved music and enjoyed making it, but I never dreamed of being a professional in that world. I was madly in love with my then fiancée, Michelle (now wife), almost 10 years ago; and I wanted to provide for her. I didn’t see the music industry as a place where I could do that, but more and more people nationwide started to request and in some cases demand that I continue to make music. Before my crew had a following, we felt responsible to lead and supply and in the midst of that Lecrae from Reach Records approached me about being the “mini-movement.” I found myself leading to a much larger stage through his record label. Shortly after signing, I had a moment when I realized this was going to be the new history for the life of KB; the music industry. I dove all the way in. I then began to discover that the gifts that I thought I needed to be here, were already in me–its been a cultivation ever since.

With the success of catching a Dove Award and charting on Billboard, are the doors finally opening for you with radio as well as mainstream media?

There has been a substantial increase in mainstream media from Sway in the Morning to Grammy.com. Even around my love for fashion and style I’ve gotten to share my thoughts on sneakers with “Nice Kicks Fav 5” and I was noted on their celebrity Stalker list. However, radio in mainstream and Christian, for that matter, haven’t been so welcoming. It seems to be a solid structure, never infiltrated without special keys. My aim has always been to change people’s lives for eternity. Like David, not needing much but a sling and stones, I feel the Goliaths of the world chaining can be slayed outside of the structures we are not easily allowed.

There are many forms of discrimination and Christian Hip Hop has faced it from all sides since the beginning. What are your thoughts on how YOU, bridged the gap with your music?

I’m big on setting expectations. If you want to change the world, expect for the world to resist you. Discrimination is the air when the revolutionary breathes. I’ve seen it as an opportunity to identify with my heroes and none more heroic than the man Christ Jesus. I’ve tried to keep my hand to the plow and work as hard as I can, and by God’s grace I’ve seen many walls come tumbling down.

What do you want people get from your music?

It’s been said that powerful art gives you a glimpse into ultimate reality. It gets you thinking about what really matters and explores the grand questions of meaning and purpose. I’m not interested in just making soothing noise or creative nothingness…I want people to leave my music full, challenged, changed.

Tell us about your current single “Tempo.”

“Tempo” is a song about being free from the expectations of others because you are bound to a Higher expectation; that of God and His priorities. I love freedom and as a Black man, very much versed in the development of minorities in America, I resonate very deeply with freedom talk. “Tempo” is a celebration of loving God without worry of anybody’s consequence.

For new listeners, what song of yours would you pick as an introduction to you as an artist?

Tempo for sure

Check out some behind the scenes photos from the recent video shoot for Tempo:

Tell us a bit about your work and passions OUTSIDE of music…

I love dating my wife. I love fathering my two boys. I love the study of God and social justice – discussing my perspective with people who disagree. I love fashion and designing with my creative merch team, Native Supply, to create merchandise that’s bold and fashion forward.

Last but not least, HYPE wants to know…What’s your CRAZIEST “Where they do that at?!” moment… (story about a crazy / surprised moment)

I had a show in Northern California where a lady stood in the front row, openly nursing her child. When security asked her if she would mind covering up and she immediately pointed him to the laws around public breast feeding that she kept on the home screen of her phone.

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About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.