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Exclusive Interview with K.O. Da Beast

An exclusive interview with K.O. Da Beast.

Upcoming 100: How long have you been in the music industry and has music always been a part of your life?

K.O. Da Beast: I’ve been in the underground music scene since 10th grade, when I released my first solo project "What Up Now Vol. 1". This was in 2004. I can say I’m professionally in the music industry when I signed that record deal. Being independent doesn’t really last too long for a lot of people so in my world, I wanna sign my name to that record deal. And music has definitely been a part of my life every since I was 7 years old, so I’m really ready.

Upcoming 100: Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “music is what I want to do”?

K.O. Da Beast: When I dropped "What Up Now Vol. 2" in 2006, I had the whole school going crazy, everybody showing me love. I knew right then and there that music is for me. It’s in my blood. Then when I moved to Atlanta, I asked God in my prayer if music is really for me and if I’m gonna make it and that I needed a sign from Him. So he ended up putting me in the "Looking Boy" video by Young Joc, then I really knew it was on. I just had to grind hard and put in work til I make it.

Upcoming 100: What inspires you (or your music)?

K.O. Da Beast: What inspires me before I write a song is the beat. It has to be so hard to the point when I listen to it for 10 sec. I want it instantly. I already know what the topic is about and how I’m gonna deliver.

Upcoming 100:  Who’s on your iTunes playlist?’

K.O. Da Beast: It’s a mixture of a lot of rappers from old songs to new songs, including myself.

Upcoming 100: The project you are currently promoting, how did the idea for it come about?

K.O. Da Beast: Watz Hood 1.0 came from my popular adlibs "watz hood" & "I’m a beast". So I wanted to choose one and make an album out of it. Talking about what’s really going on in the gutta and the sacrifices we have to make to get to where we want to be.

Upcoming 100: There are thousands of artists trying to do what you are doing, what do you think gives you an advantage to break into mainstream America?

K.O. Da Beast: I think what gives me an advantage to break into the mainstream American music is my talent. Put me in the category of the Big Sean, Drake, Meek Mill, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar. The type of adlibs I use and my voice are unique I guarantee you have never heard anything like it. And with my work ethics as an underground artist got a lot accomplished. All I want is one shot with the pros or whoever and you won’t regret it. If you don’t like it, let me go.

Upcoming 100:  I’ve heard your latest music and it’s amazing! I can definitely tell your sound has evolved over the past few years from previous songs we’ve heard from you online. What are your thoughts on the evolution of an artist and the evolution of music today?

K.O. Da Beast: The evolution with the artist has to keep up with how music evolves, sort of. If it’s 2018 or 2019 and you and your beat still sound like 2008 or 2009, there’s a problem. I’m not saying go out there and take someone else’s style but sound like yourself with a taste of the future. Just take the time out to study the new sound and you'll be alright.

Upcoming 100: Do you have other passions in life? Do you believe passion is an essential part of success?

K.O. Da Beast: The only passion I have in life is music, music, and music. That’s all I’m focused on. Why have plan A, plan B, plan C, etc?  I just stick to plan A and let that be my main focus. If I had other plans, I probably didn’t want plan A to work. It’s imperative that having a passion is a must if I want to be successful. If I didn't have a passion, that means that I’m lazy, non-assertive and hoping that what I want just falls onto my lap. So I do believe that having a passion is the key to success.

Upcoming 100: With your current success and working with a renowned PR firm such as Starlight PR, What advice would you give to someone just starting out in his or her career who doesn't even have a studio to record but would love to do what you are doing now?

K.O. Da Beast: I would tell them that for the most part it takes time and it doesn't happen overnight for most of us but it’s still possible. INVEST IN YOURSELF even when others refuse to. Saving your money will take you a long way and it could be the best thing you ever did. Go out there and promote yourself because you will need people to do covers, making CDs, and engineering and possibly better promotion, unless you know how to do it on your own. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Put that pride to the side. Most of all, remember these two things -- “it’s better to fail than to not take action" and "rejection is better than regrets". 

Upcoming 100:  Where can potential fans find out more about you?

K.O. Da Beast: Potential fans can find out more about me on Instagram (@1kodabeast), Twitter (@K_O_DABEAST) & Snapchat (@k.odabeast).

Also, my music is on iTunes, Apple music, YouTube, Soundcloud, Spotify, Amazon, Google Play, Deezer, iHeart Radio, Napster, tTdal, Shazaam, Pandora, and Spinrilla

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