"IAR" Interview: Key Nyata

Imitation is a fairly often practice in hip-hop.  Lyricism and production  have a tendency to become recycled and reused, not because of an artists lack of motivation or originality, but more so that most MCs recognize others talents and grind, thus sharing similar qualities that have made the aforementioned artists successful.  However, Key Nyata is imitating NO ONE!  While the Seattle MC is directly paying homage to 90's hip-hop, his music, and movement alike, are not only resurrecting antiquated methods of the rap game, but concocting original paradigms for a relevant and expanding generation.  The young Rvdxr Klvn (Raider Klan) member is a lyricist, MC, producer, visionary, and a trailblazer for myriad new rhymers.  Key Nyata is combining a swag and lyrical approach of veteran MC's, with the foresight and intricacy of modern day artists, that is systematically making him unique, which in hip-hop, can be hard to come by.  It's A Rap had the opportunity to interview Rvdxr Klvn's up and comer and while his persona is unmistakably reminiscent of the 90's, his time is now, his music is the future, and soon he'll be making hip-hop history of his own.


IAR: When did you start rapping and want to make hip-hop a career?
KN: "I wrote my first rap when I was nine and it wasn't even a rap, it was a poem.  After that I started writing raps." (Laughs)


IAR: Who is Rvdxr Klvn?
KN: "A lot of people, I can't list that sh*t cuz they gon' be mad if I miss ni**as, cuz' I don't know if you mean rappers or just members."


IAR: Describe your sound.
KN: "My sound?  PHONK, with a spacey twist!" (Laughs)


IAR: Why is the 90's such a significant influence on you?
KN: "Because that's when I was born and it was the best era for music."


IAR: Artist you want to work with?
KN: "Damn.. Pharell, Snoop, Eazy- E, Dre, uhm.. Bootsie Collins. A lot man, too many, (Laughs) I can't think."


IAR: Producers you want to work with?
KN: "I already work with all of em, besides The Neptunes, 90's Timbo, and Dre."


IAR: Future Plans/Projects?
KN: "To be wealthy before 23 and a project with Blue Sky Black Death dropping before "Two Phonkey."


IAR: Is "Underground" hip-hop the new "Mainstream?"
KN: "F*CK NO..but low key, yeah."


IAR: Influences?
KN: "Mac Dre, Totally Insane, Three 6 Mafia, Frayser Click, Tommy Wright, Snoop, DJ Quik, DPG, Pac, Curren$y, like 300 more!  Pinetop Perkins, George Benson.."


IAR: Best year for hip-hop?
KN: "1996."


Follow on Twitter @KlvnKeyNyata