Hello K-Way, how are you?
Hey, I’m great. Thanks for asking.
First off, congratulations on your success thus far. I’ve watched your career grow over the past few years. You went from being a local rapper here in Jackson to becoming one of your state’s biggest stars. Tell us about yourself. Who is K-Way?
Well, first off, I wanna say I really appreciate the support thus far and everyone who has watched me grow, continue to grow, and have supported the movement. K-Wayy is basically what it sounds like. It’s the K-Wayy.
K-Wayy originally comes from my first name, which is Kenya. And K-Wayy is basically a statement. I am exactly who I think I am, and everything I do, I do it the K-Wayy. No matter what the situation is, or how it’s being presented, or what’s expected to be done, I will always leave a mark to let you know I’ve been there. It’s basically K-Wayy or no way!
What was life like for you, growing up?
Life for being growing up was decent. I lived in a two-parent household until I was about 11 or 12. My mom and dad were together for the first part of my life. They both worked hard at two jobs, just making sure we had everything we needed. I didn’t necessarily have everything I wanted growing up. A lot of stuff I had to go get myself. I started working pretty early because my whole life I’ve always knew I wanted more. I was never satisfied with basic. And pretty much what I had was a basic life roof over my head, clean clothes, a washer and dryer, TV with cable….the things that seem small, but others didn’t have, so I was grateful. Christmas was always good up until a certain point. I had a big family, so I’m big on that, so life for me growing up was ok–it wasn’t bad, it wasn’t great.
How did you get into rapping?
Well, I feel like I come from a music-filled family. I grew up all my life listening to it. My dad loves music, and so does my mom. My mom can also sing, and I feel like I got my talent from her. My grandfather is also big on music, so it’s something that kind of came naturally. Like that’s all I’ve ever heard, and rapping is not even something that I wanted to do. It just came natural. Like I was so good at reciting other people’s music, word for word. I used to freestyle off the top of my head, and just be saying stuff that could’ve potentially been a record, but I always played with it. But when I seen how the girls of the rap game were continuing to elevate and prosper, I said, “Why hide my talent.” I’ve always loved music; it’s always been a passion of mine, so let’s try to get rich off something I do effortlessly. And I’ve always been told when you’re doing something you’re passionate about, it doesn’t feel like a job, and that’s what it is for me.
What’s the current rap scene in Jacktown like?
The current rap scene in Jackson is a hot commodity. Like everyone wants to do it. Everyone is doing their thing, and I see a lot of people putting in work, getting noticed [for being] on their grind [and] getting their music out there. Like I feel we’re all working towards the same thing, tryna be the one that represents for the city. And, in my opinion, I don’t see any competition. It’s enough for all us to eat, just find your lane and your people, and work from there. Not everybody’s not gonna support you; you show up for the ones that do and make the other ones believers.
Who are some of your influences, and why do you like them?
Some of the people that I have watched and been influenced by are people like Aaliyah, because I loved her style. I loved how she made people love her just from being herself, working hard, and showing up, and killing everything she did. I’ve always wanted to show up and give 100%, and people notice how hard I’m really working. Others like Tupac and Biggie. I watched their stories about coming from nothing and music being their outlet. Making a plan for a way out and executing it. Hard work pays off, and just because your current situation may not be ideal that’s not your final destination. It’s your job to make life what you want it to be. I also like Glorilla because she literally was a regular girl just like me. And look at her now; [she’s] the biggest, the largest–a small girl with a big dream. Monaleo, Big Boss Vette, and Lady London, their deliverance just does it for me. When you drop something and I feel your music I think that’s what everyone wants.
As a female rapper what are some of the obstacles that you’ve faced in the rap game, and how have you overcome them?
Some obstacles I have faced thus far are just tryna find my place out here. Trying not to sound like anyone else; tryna not to get compared to anyone else; tryna finding your lane. What makes me stand out from the rest is I realized long as I do it the K-Wayy I’ve already won. So that’s kind of where I’m at with it, building my brand and my name and letting these people know I’m just getting started. I’m here and I’m not going anywhere.
Traditionally, there have only been a handful of female rappers. Today, there are many of them and they are dominating the charts. Why do you think that is happening? What separates today’s female rappers from the ones in the 90s and 2000s?
I think the females are on top because, even though they were showing out back in the day, far as standing up to these men, demanding respect and standing on business, the new age is a whole different ball game. These females showing out, out! They’re built different. The girls are dominant, and they’re not asking for respect; they’re demanding it. These females are literally on a fuck-a-nigga-run. A lot of these women are dependable, but most are in the lead. The girls back in the day were familiar with men being in front, and in charge, and the women follow. These girls are taking over, walking ahead, and making real moves. They’re flourishing and not looking for validation. They’re saying what they wanna say and being who they wanna be in the male-dominated game. The girls are taking over. Shout out to the queens.
Tell us about your rap style and how it is different from other females or males out there?
I feel as though I’m very versatile with my music. I make music for the girls, the guys, the gays, the real nigga & females, the saditty, and the hood. I want to reach all genres. I wanna know no matter what kind of day you’re having, you wanna cut on that K-Wayy for some inspo. I like all types of music. My fav being r&b, but I don’t sing. What makes me different and stand out from any and every genres, male or female, [is] I do this the K-Wayy, and I do mean effortlessly. So no matter the topic, the narrative, or the plot twist, your gonna always know when K-Wayy touched something. I’m gonna leave my mark because it’s K-Wayy or no way in real life.
Your debut single, “Gimme Dat” is currently making major headway throughout the South. Tell us about it? How did it come together?
“Gimme Dat” literally came from me having a session. It wasn’t last minute, but I definitely didn’t put a whole lot into it. I found the beat first. When I first heard it, I was like, “Okay, this hard.” Then I think I said a line, and I just went from there. I always try to make every record different and stand out from last one. And I had only been rapping like a year and only had like 4 songs, before. So I wanted this to be different, to stand out. I wanted something for the girls, something catchy, something real, because all I did was talk about everything I wanted, so it wasn’t hard.
Who are the producers that you are working with? And what do you feel you bring to the table that enhances what you do lyrically?
I’ve actually been working with a few producers. Shout out to my label and management, Global One Records. They’ve been a big support, and they’re behind the movement I currently have going on. And they’ve really had me around some amazing producers and engineers outta Tennessee. I’ve been getting my sound produced from there for a minute now, and I’m loving how everything’s been turning out.
Far as lyrically, I feel like all I need is a beat and a topic, and my mind runs from there. Right now, I’m still in the process of figuring out my sound and working to build it. So honestly, a beat can definitely inspire me to know where to go with it. Because sometimes, all you need is a beat, and everything else is already there. All I gotta do is figure out how to make it work for me and how I can make it the K-Wayy.
What can we expect from you in the future?
A whole lotta K-Wayy shit. Once again, shout out to my label. They’ve been doing a lot behind the scenes, and you all can expect to see me way more, so hold on to your seats. I’m Just getting started. Expect me to be on your screens, in your algorithm, on your radios, and in your face, doing it the K-Wayy. So, look out, I’m here!
Any last words?
God is the leader of my life. All my plans align with his. So with that being said, yall can’t stop me. So get ready. It’s K-Wayy or no way!
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