KK [2nd II None]: So KKompton
Let’s hop right into this debut solo LP, DediKKated — Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?
For me, DediKKated represents my like or love and expression of good music from my childhood, to my young manhood to adulthood. To me, DediKKated represents the writer, entertainer and artist that I am and have been for over 32 years surviving in this crazy thing we call the Rap and Hip Hop industry, still blessed to be here doing it.
How then does DediKKated either differ and / or compare to what your fans and followers already both know and love you for?
Me on my 1st solo album doesn’t differ too much from what the fans or followers today know me from. My voice, delivery and what I write about from me being in the group 2nd II None to a solo artist, you get the same KK.
DediKKated is a Kreative Kontrol, LLC release — What are your future plans and / or goals for the imprint? And who all else, besides yourself of course, currently makes up its artist roster?
My plan for Kreative Kontrol is to use this music platform to get out my ideas of good West Coast music from my perspective, along with my son Boomer’s production and his musical ideas.
As an emcee, when you sit down to pen your rhymes where do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw my writing inspiration from my real life experiences, and future ideas of how I can help somewhere in the urban communities with the mental state of mind these days, to change somethings possibly through the music.
Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Kelton L. McDonald?
My inception to music was through my family, growing up in a singing, dancing, joking and church going family from Compton. My interest and beginnings came through my moms playing Earth, Wind & Fire a lot, then seeing Natalie Cole, Minnie Riperton and Chaka Khan sing live on TV.
Now you’re a native of Compton, CA, correct? So growing up in Hub City, who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
Definitely a Compton native. Strongest music influences: Captain Rapp, Mixmaster Spade, Toddy Tee, Egyptian Lover, Rodney-O & DJ Joe Cooley, King Tee, Greg Mack and the 1580 AM KDAY MixMasters, L.A. Dream Team, Lonzo – The PentHouse, The Eve After Dark and World Class Wreckin’ Cru – N.W.A..
In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?
My sound is West Coast Rap music; no disrespect to Hip Hop, but it’s not Hip Hop! My style is a upfront, unsugarcoated and vocally vibrant. A “voice” journalist about life and streets, reported from a West Coast culture’s perspective.
What prompted you and your cousin, Gangsta D, to team up in order to form 2nd II None?
Me and Dee are 1st cousins, both growing up with love of music young and being told we can sing, Rap hit us both at same time, so singing carried over to rapping. What better way, two cousins tighter than most rapping back…then just needed a name to match the skill…So I figured, two of us, GOD 1st, second to no man, why not 2nd II None.
How did you all even catch the attention of Mr. DJ Quik?
I moved from Eastside Compton to the Westside, met Quik in Jr. High, had a love of music, became friends behind music. Deejaying was the thing back then, we all had music stuff, here comes Dee a year later to Jr. High. We were doing tapes, Quik was doing tapes…Liked each other’s’ creations, and hooked up as individual entities but not a group like N.W.A.. Rest is 32 years of music history.
Switching gears here…
What has been the key to your longevity?And, what will continue to sustain you in music?
My longevity key is I never did drugs, never smoked cigarettes, didn’t drink too much liquor and I drank water…still do, plus my weed.
What do you want people to get from your music?
A good feeling just listening to the music first. Hopefully putting the listener in a place they can remember that LIFE moment, whether it was at home, in the club, a house party or in the car…and then if my raps and harmonies can get’cha…we cookin’, well done! 🙂
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
The state of Hip Hop is on New York. The state of West Coast Rap / Music is where I can say anything on…and that is, everybody wants to be a rapper or singer or entertainer of some sort. What happened to wanting to be a lawyer, doctor, fireman, judge, architect (and / or) teacher, instead of just ballin’, flossin’ and trying to be a “G” in the streets? That’s 50/50, ladies and fellas.
Do you have any other outside / additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
Of course, I grew up doing construction work installing ceramic tile thanks to my father and deceased Uncle Leon, his brother. I like putting things together, so building things are on my list.
To date, what has been your greatest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?
Greatest career moment: going to a different continent in early ‘90’s where they barely spoke English, but knew all the words to 2nd II None songs and singing our hooks…WOW!!
What’s an average day like for you?
After waking up – then being thankful – hot tea or coffee, some food and if no out of town or shows…trying to relax or shoot some hoop.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
I talk with most of our / my fans as much as I can to get real time feedback on music or whatever they might want to know. Pictures and all that stuff, nothing but love and respect for anyone appreciating your art and ideas.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
My favorite part of this line of work is the love and genuine appreciation of how people feel about our / my music ideas and such. The least favorite part would be being away from the youngest kids, loved ones and laying in my own bed.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Advice: from my experiences I would say, research the business before you jump into any type of real business, not street business.
What’s up with 2nd II None?
2nd II None is all good! Music still crackin’, my album is out, Dee’s will be coming and in between 2nd II None singles possibly.
Lastly, what’s next for you, KK?
Hopefully, tour, a movie or TV role. I can do some voiceovers for some animation, commercials, TV…maybe somewhere in the real media world where my voice can be heard with music or without. Appreciate you Guys and Gals for having patience. Let me know your feedback.
Connect w/Blakk Azz KK Online:
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