Haastattelussa Bay Area -räppäri King Cydal.
- What’s up, King Cydal? How are you today?
I’m good and looking forward to a big and productive 2020.
- Where are you from and where are you now?
I was born and raised in the Bay Area, which is located in Northern California, in a city called Menlo Park. Menlo Park is neighbors with East Palo Alto (the murder capital of the USA in 1992), California, and I still reside in the Bay Area to this day.
- Have your surroundings shaped you in a creative sense, and in what ways?
Very much so, because I was able to witness the impact of many great songs that shifted the people around Menlo and E.P.A. all my life. By growing up with the people of the community, I had a front-row seat to what moved them, and I often revert to those times as I create a lot of my music in the present. Growing up, my area was a very rough community, so the music that moved the people in my community was a strong sound that I try to embody in my music today. From the melodies to the content to the reactions, all inspire the music I create today. For example, when I make a hot song, I imagine what people from my area think first before I think of what the world would think, and in most cases, if my area loves it, the rest of the world does too.
- Who were some of the artists that inspired you growing up?
I was a big Michael Jackson fan overall, but my first recollections of my hip-hop inspirations came from watching RUN-DMC and LL Cool J. My most immediate inspiration came from watching my older brother Cool Breeze in a group he was a part of called Rated X. Since my brother and I grew up in the same household, I was able to see him pursue his dreams and let me know that it could be done one day. 2Pac was also a big inspiration because of how diverse his song topics were.
- When did you decide to pursue a career as an artist?
My original passion was in basketball, and around my 8th-grade year, I used to record myself on tape reciting my brother Cool Breeze’s rhymes from his previously recorded albums until I became confident enough to write my own raps, but only for fun. After I was kicked out of two high schools during my freshman year, I had to sit out from basketball my sophomore year. It was during that time I became more available for music and linked up with a good friend I met during one of my freshman-year schools by the name of Dontae “Tae The Unexpected” Smith. We started a group called “The Gamespittaz,” and we recorded some of my first songs and began work on my debut solo album “Ya Block’s Host” at the end of my senior year.
- How did you get the name “King Cydal”?
Around 8th or 9th grade, I called myself “J-Swift,” which became Mr. Swiftacydal when I was with “The Gamespittaz.” Then when I went solo, I shortened Swiftacydal into King Cydal, which is when I began my debut album from that point on.
- Do you have anyone that you consider your mentor? How has their help or advice shaped you?
Early on, it was my brother who taught me how to rap, and he introduced me to Sean T, who showed me how to enhance my production. My brother Cool Breeze also introduced me to Mac Pacino, who taught me how the industry is run and what to expect in the business. In present times, I get lots of wisdom from Bay Area icon B-Legit. All of these legends I listed showed me how to conduct myself, from business to personal lessons that I apply to my craft daily.
- You just released your new album “Tacos & Pupusas” with Young Chop. Can you tell us a little bit about that?
I had just met Young Chop not too long before through a few events we were at, and we knew a few mutual people. One day, I met up with him at a Pop-Up he was having, and it was there where I jokingly said, “We should just do an album called Tacos & Pupusas.” From that point, we started linking up consistently until the album was completed.
- How did the connection with Young Chop happen?
Though we met a few times prior, one day I was hosting an event in Sacramento he attended. After that day, we locked in and began work on what eventually became Tacos & Pupusas, as well as a few other songs that are on iTunes and a few unreleased tracks.
- In terms of your control over your music – are you signed or independent?
I’m independent, and my brand is called Ruler Squad, but I recently joined forces with B-Legit under his Block Movement imprint as well.
- What kind of producers are you working with right now?
Right now, I’ve been getting production from Sean T, Cyda Lean from Wichita, Kansas, Golden Eye 95 from Akron, Ohio, YungRichMusik from Stockton, CA, and B-Jada aka Jadasnax from East Palo Alto, as well as my own personal production.
- How would you describe rappers today?
Rappers today are more dependent on social media only and don’t physically interact with their fans or each other. The ones who do connect with their fans gain loyalty among their fans forever because people have to know you’re truly a dope person as much as you are a dope rapper. People respect those who can relate to them. Build bonds to last a lifetime, not just for opportunity or personal gain. This way, others would want to see you win because you’re true to yourself as much as you are towards your craft, so build bridges and never burn them to enjoy a long, healthy career.
- What do you do to relax?
Beach views, city or scenic drives during my travels, with some good food and good herbs, to name a few.
- What is next for King Cydal?
More music, including my next official solo album since my debut, and more visual releases because my fans have been anticipating music from me for quite some time. Also, expect me in a few upcoming films and guest production and appearances on many upcoming projects.
- Any last words to our readers?
Follow me @King_Cydal on all social media, add me on all digital platforms, and stay tuned, as I have plenty in store for the fans. Royal salute to all, and thank you for your continued support.
Haastattelu: J-P / Fileerausveitsi
