What do you get when you take a dream, water it with ambition, feed it with passion and tend to it with constant faith? Introducing Kris Kiss, the hottest new urban artist to emerge out of the UK this year. His story is a true “ if you hustle hard good things will come “ tale , and his focus and determination to create his own foray in the music industry, allows Kris Kiss to create a path uniquely his own. Discovering his musical journey from a young age with his first inspiration spired from Michael Jackson, Kris continued to search for his own path in London’s music community. It wasn’t until the year 2000 that Kris discovered his hip hop calling when he listened to an Eminem album and was hooked. Perfecting his writing and lyrical skills quickly saw Kiss reach the Grand Finals of both the Open Mic UK 2009 and Live & Unsigned 2010 competitions, with each performance gaining him serious industry interest. Joining the Infinite Future UK Management roster has not only secured Kris future as an arist  but has provided him the segway to completing his debut mix tape ‘Imagine Reality’ out in January 2013. In his first Australian interview, Ms Hennessey is excited to speak to this ‘must watch’ artist  Kris Kiss and watch him put  his mark on the Hip Hop map!

 

Hailing from the St Albans district in London, how could you best describe the environment you were raised in and how it eventually shaped your music destiny?

I was raised in quite a rich area. Everyone around me seemed to live in huge houses and have loads of money. Most people who are born into money don’t feel the need to achieve their dreams. I grew up in a small flat so seeing wealthy people made me want to achieve mine.

What was the turning point for you when you decided that ‘’MUSIC’’ was what you wanted to live and make with your life?

Watching the MTV Music Video Awards in the year 2000. This was the first time I heard of Eminem properly and he won three awards including Video of the year with ‘The Real Slim Shady’. He was different to all the rest of artists/rappers I had heard previously and once I discovered his lyrical ability, it made me want to be that good!

How would you best describe your sound? How do you ensure that what you are creating is unique to your style?

I pride myself on being a versatile songwriter as well as an Artist. I’d say my sound is melodical rap. As long as people who hear me know I’m from the UK that’s good enough for me.

Your hustle eventually got you to the finals of the National Grand Finals of both the Open Mic UK 2009 & Live & Unsigned 2010 – how did those experiences change you and what opportunities came your way because of this?

They made me realise that talent shows are not always the best option for an aspiring artist. The experience was good and I did gain a few contacts but that route was not for me.

Your favourite MC / DJ / Producer and why?

There are so many talented people in the industry that it’s hard to have favourites. If I had to choose one then I would have to say Eminem because if it weren’t for him I wouldn’t have started writing in the beginning.

LYLA Freestyle

 

You are currently completing your debut mix tape – Imagine Reality, which you have worked on with Joe 90 and Guy Robin! Can you share with me what this experience has been like for you and what people can expect from this mix tape?

It’s been really exciting. It’s my first real release so I can’t wait to say it’s finished. You can expect a lot of catchy hooks, lyrical acrobatics and banging beats!

What do you think gives UK ‘’MUSIC’’ an edge over the rest of the world when it comes to its artists and sound?

The fact that we are not afraid to push the boundaries of musical fusion. Also I think lyrically we are one of, if not the best in the industry as a whole. Music is rapidly growing in the UK and Artists are becoming better and better so I just want to be a part of it.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?

I see number one singles and albums, worldwide tours and I’m going to have my own publishing company writing for other artists.

Your favourite hip hop album and why?

Marshall Mather’s LP because it changed my life and opened the door for white rappers.

If you weren’t in hip hop what do you think you would be doing with your life?

I’d be dead or in prison. Music is my life.

 

For more info on Kris Kiss visit:

www.kriskiss.co.uk

www.twitter.com/kriskissofficial

www.soundcloud.com/kriskissofficial

 

Always Hip Hop,

Ms Hennessey