Hus KingPinfresh off the release of his latest album The super goatfully produced by 9. Miraclesgranted an interview to the Rapologia editorial team.
The LA rapper is a standard-bearer of the American underground.
It's often the case in music that the artists who are the primary creators of a new sound don't get credit for paternity, and it's no surprise that Hu's KingPin's role in the undergrowth of the underground has probably been ignored as well. However, the Brooklyn-born artist has always had a lot to say (and it shows in his productivity, eight albums in 2023 alone).
He also said a few words to us at Rapologia: In the interview you can find below, he talked to us about the new album, the health of the underground scene, his musical influences and more.
Hus KingPin talks new album The Supergoat and more
You just released a new album, “The Supergoat,” which I congratulate you on, along with 9th Wonder. How did the project come about? And above all: How did the collaboration with a production goat like 9th Wonder come about?
You just released a new album, “The Supergoat,” which I congratulate you on, along with 9th Wonder. How did the project come about? And in particular: How did you come to work with a producer of 9th Wonder's caliber?
“My boys Khrysis and The Musalini threw me for 9th place, then 9th place hit me. As far as production goes, he sent beats tailored to my sound. It worked wonderfully.”
“My boys Khrysis and The Musalini introduced me to 9th, then 9th contacted me. As far as production goes, he sent bases that fit my style. Everything worked out perfectly”
9th Wonder did an excellent job. It is a relaxing album full of samples and enlivened by soul and jazz rhythms. These are sounds that we have often heard in your works, for example in Portishus, which was dedicated to trip-hop. What are your musical influences? And which artists have influenced you the most?
9th Wonder did an excellent job. It is a relaxing album full of samples and enlivened by soul and jazz rhythms. These are sounds that we have often heard in your works, such as in Portishus, which was dedicated to trip-hop. What are your musical influences? And which artists have influenced you the most?
«I'm into jazz, bossa nova, soul and R&B vibes from the 90s. My absolute favorite artist is Nas. My trip-hop influences come from Portishead, Tricky, Marta, Bjork, Martina Topley-Bird and Massive Attack.”
“I'm interested in 90s jazz, bossa nova, soul and R&B atmospheres.” My favorite artist of all time is Nas. My influences in trip-hop come from Portishead, Tricky, Marta, Bjork, Martina Topley-Bird and Massive Attack.”
You've always been considered an advocate of underground rap. What do you think of the current US underground scene? And who do you think deserves recognition?
You've always been considered a pioneer of underground hip-hop. How do you currently rate the underground scene in the USA? And who do you think deserves recognition?
“It's a nice scene at the moment, everyone wins. Guys like SageInfinite, Sauce Heist, Snotty, Mickey Diamond, Pro Dillinger, Mondo Slade, PURE, Kingpen, guys like that are top notch and need more recognition.”
“It's a great scene at the moment, everyone wins. Guys like SageInfinite, Sauce Heist, Snotty, Mickey Diamond, Pro Dillinger, Mondo Slade, PURE, Kingpen Slim, guys like that are top notch and deserve more recognition.”
They often supported young MCs honestly and sometimes with criticism. What don't you like about today's rap? On the other hand, what do you like best?
You often supported young MCs honestly and sometimes with criticism. What don't you like about current hip-hop? On the other hand, what do you like best?
“The following and the lack of originality is my only concern.” Otherwise, the scope of music production is astonishing, and that’s what I like best.”
“Following fashion and lack of originality are my only worries.” Otherwise, the amount of music production is incredible and that's what I like the most.”
How did you get into hip hop, especially rap?
How have you approached the hip-hop world, particularly rap?
“My older brother did a lot of this shit to me. He now works as a chemist.”
“My older brother introduced me to a lot of these things. Now he works as a chemist.”
You were born in Brooklyn but have lived in Los Angeles for years. How have your approach to writing and your inspirations changed?
You were born in Brooklyn but have lived in Los Angeles for years. How have your approach to writing and your sources of inspiration changed?
“For a poetic artist like me, the landscape changes everything.” Experiences in different places always inspire.”
“The panorama changes everything for a poetic artist like me.” Experiences in different places are always a source of inspiration.»
Were you so fascinated by the ocean waves that they inspired your pseudonym Wavo and the titles of several albums (The Wave Flex, The Coming of Wave, The Wave Riddler)?
Were you so fascinated by the ocean waves that they inspired your pseudonym Wavo and the titles of several albums (The Wave Flex, The Coming of Wave, The Wave Riddler)?
“Max B initially, but my catalog is having a wave. It’s never the same project.”
“Initially Max B, but my catalog has an undulating pace. It’s never the same project.”
You also dedicated an album to LA, Cocaine Beach. What is your relationship with LA? And what memories do you have of New York?
They also dedicated an album to Los Angeles, Cocaine Beach. What is your connection to LA? And what memories do you have of New York?
“LA is probably my favorite state to live in.” NY is the best city in America and I only have flashing memories of running the city with SmooVth.”
“Los Angeles is probably my favorite state to live in.” New York is the best city in America and I have nothing but fond memories of us ruling the city with SmooVth.”
In 2023, you released a total of 8 projects. How do you always find inspiration? It is said that art contaminates art, and artists often find their inspiration in films, books, but also on the street and in real life. Is that the case for you?
In 2023, you released a total of 8 projects. How do you always find inspiration? It is said that art contaminates art, and artists often find inspiration in films, books, but also on the street and in real life. Is that your case?
“Absolutely. Like I said, the music performance is outstanding at the moment, so I'm just playing my part.”
“Absolutely. Like I said, music production is going great at the moment, so I'm doing my part.
Can we expect a lot of music in 2024? Are you already working on new projects?
Can we expect a lot of music in 2024? Are you already working on new projects?
«Yes, I have many special pieces and projects for 2024. I am already working…»
«Yes, I have many special pieces and projects for 2024. I am already working…»
Speaking of Italy: Do you know Italian rappers? Have you ever had the opportunity to visit Italy or what is your general opinion about our country?
Speaking of Italy: Do you know Italian rappers? Have you ever had the opportunity to visit Italy or what is your general opinion about our country?
“I don’t know any Italian rappers, but tell me. I haven't touched Italy yet, but I will soon. I would imagine it's a beautiful place with some of the same worldly themes like classism etc. Greetings to Tuffkong and RRC.”
“I don’t know any Italian rappers, but let me know. I haven't touched Italy yet, but I will soon. I imagine it's a beautiful place with some of the same global themes like classicism etc. Greetings to Tuffkong and RRC.”
