Westleaf Staff
What's up Leafers? Welcome to the latest edition of On the Rise where we interview upcoming hip hop talent. Today's guest is artist, Kyng Klay. Klay reps New York and his gritty R&b trap style paints a vivid narrative of his life experiences.We can definitely see Klay performing on major stages such as Coachella or Rolling Loud. The rising MC has been making a buzz in his city so we had to tap in with him. Check out the interview below.
Westleaf Staff: What's up, Kyng? Your music is dope! When did you start making music?
Kyng Klay: I started making music about 5/6 years ago but I started really taking it serious about 3 to 4 years ago.
Westleaf Staff: That's dope! What city do you represent?
Kyng Klay: New York Babbyyyy, Brooklyn!!
Westleaf Staff: Shout out to New York! So how did you create your stage name?
Kyng Klay: I started off as Clay Smoov but that was like a childhood nickname from like dancing and shit but I ain’t really feel it after a while so when I went by Kyng Klay it sounded way better. I always felt I was a king, in a way I got crowned prom king in elementary school lol but fr though I just always felt we all kings n queens some just don’t believe.
Westleaf Staff: That's a dope name. It's super inspiring. So how did your early life shape your interest in music?
Kyng Klay: I had to grow up fast and mature early so like in my life I feel I had to be more responsible. I would say I take more initiative and a lot of the pain I went through molds my future. I'on regret much, I'd rather take lessons and turn them into better blessings.
Westleaf Staff: Cool! So who is your biggest Musical influence?
Kyng Klay: I’m really diverse so I don’t wanna sound like Wayne when I say I really listen to my self a lot trying to perfect my craft but I love to listen to XXXTentacion LLJ / Juice Wrld another fallen soldier. I fuck with That Mexican OT man dude be goin crazy, some of the greats like I said Lil Wayne da Goat, Post Malone to me amazing to say the least. Chris Brown always go crazy, the list kinda goes on but you know how that shit goes stay tuned to see the collabs because I def wanna work with my inspirations.
Westleaf Staff: Dope! I feel that. Those are legends. What's been the defining moment in your music career thus far?
Kyng Klay: I honestly feel it ain’t even happen yet lol, but like if I can pick so far, not even like the hype or anything really shows or press nun, it’s really me standing on business. I started My Own Record Label at 18 (MoneyTeamRecords LLC) and being like one of the first few young artist to get they music on all major platforms so young and independently, like back in 2019 the SoundCloud wave was crazy but I knew I wanted to be more then a SoundCloud artist so I found out n learned on my own how to get my music everywhere. I wasn’t taught, I learned all the shit I’ve done on my own man and I still wanna go to college for it.
Westleaf Staff: That's dope! Congrats on the early success. So what makes you a unique artist?
Kyng Klay: The versatility! I feel like I can really do any type of music if I really fuck with it and if I got a good artist or a good beat/ engineer or producer the vibes be easy, it’s a love for it. People be looking at me and think I’m a drill rapper, while I can make that music, it's just not all I know so when I sing people be shocked.
Westleaf Staff: Dope! You're super versatile. So what does art mean to you?
Kyng Klay: A way to express yourself without having the words or image to give with it so you interpret it in your own way. I love it, art is just beautiful to me.
Westleaf Staff: That's deep! Where do you see your music career going over the next few years?
Kyng Klay: Man god willing nothing but Up! Up! Up!
Westleaf Staff: I wish you much success! Before we go, describe music in three words.
Kyng Klay: Emotion. Life. Culture.
Follow Kyng Klay:
FB: KynG Klay
