Interview by Tim Brown
When and why did you start doing music?
I started doing music when I was a teenager “writing poems and raps” to deal with my anger. It was basically like a coping skill.
Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?
“I admire Tupac” because I can relate to his music. WE LIVE the life he rapped about everyday growing up in poverty and living in the ghetto, so it was more of being able to relate more than just admiring him. I currently still listen to his music to this day.
Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?
I was influenced by a few tapes like “Changes” by Tupac and “Dear Mama” because that’s what I grew up around. My parents and grandparents listened to Tupac & loved Tupac. I mean, we grew up living that way hoping for change. As I got older, it made me wanna rap cause I could say how I felt without being judged.
Who are your favorite musicians? Groups? CD’s?
My favorite musicians are 2 Pac, Nikki Minaj, B2k, TLC, Quando Rondo, NBA YOUNGBOY, I actually like a few mixtapes and cd’s like Pink Print by Nikki, 38 Baby NBA, From the Hood To the Stage by Quando Rondo and old tapes from TLC and B2K. Groups back in my era were Lil Bow Wow and Lil Romeo.
Have you been in competitions? Any prizes?
I have been in a lot of competitions growing up and even as an adult, I did bikini boxing & won every fight. I am the champ of the ring in Louisville by having lots of people that came to see me fight. I also did SLAP NIGHT and won $300-$600 a night, up until other opponents wouldn’t show up to do the slapnight. I PLAYED BASKETBALL JUNIOR VARSITY IN HIGH SCHOOL. I did poetry contests in group homes for young teens and won awards for best poems & also do talent shows.
Do you perform in public? Describe those occasions? Concerts, radio, TV?
I have never performed on stage in front of a lot of people but I did a show with a nice crowd on a featured song with a local artist from my hometown. It was fun I loved it but I was nervous & still performed well. I have performed in front of people during open mic, also have footage of it.
What makes this kind of music “good” to you?
Rap is good to me because it’s a good way to release your feelings and it’s a way to cope with everyday life changes and struggles, I mean, what would we do if we couldn’t talk about our problems or how we feel.
Why did you choose this kind of music?
I chose this kind of music cause I like to rap & I want to hear other people singing my songs.
Let’s Talk about your music and your last work…
My music is made for the younger generations and older folks. If I find a beat I like, I rap to it, I write to it, & mainly getting crowd control. I feel the music I make is something you see people bobbing their heads too I mean I have a whole E.P called “KO-KO SLUGGA” to let the world know who I am. I come from a small city and a lot of folks don’t make good music like me. There is some good artists with great talent, but we have no foundation. I’m currently working on a mixtape and I have a feature with Willie Taylor from Day 26 which hasn’t dropped yet!
How do you feel about the internet in the music business?
The internet could be a good thing or it could be a bad thing because some things may be put out there that might be false and sometimes people get things twisted and confused. The internet is fake to me and anything without physical proof is BS to me period. Most people go off word of mouth then actually being there to see it.
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What are the plans for the future?
My plans for the future is to be stable in my life, hopefully rich owning my own brand and my music, also doing more shows letting the world know who KO-KO SLUGGA is. I HAVE PLANS IF BECOMING RICH AND GETTING MY FAMILY OUT OF POVERTY. I plan on working hard by doing whatever it takes to be successful and I plan to make more music, connect with more people in the industry and get it poppin before I’m 30.
How has your music evolved since you first began rapping?
My music has evolved because I have worked and met with wonderful people, kept a positive attitude throughout my journey and it all starts with self. I can honestly say I have changed my way of thinking and it has gotten me this far. Just working hard and keeping a positive attitude means everything when it comes to music.
Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
There comes a lot with making my music. You have to find the right beat, a great producer/engineer plus have money. You have to invest in yourself because nobody’s gonna do anything for free. You just gotta find the right people to be behind you and have confidence. You have to know that your music is good and you have to work hard. Music isn’t easy but it’s not hard either, only if you make it. You have to have time on your hands to do music. It’s a business that keeps going.
Links
FB: https://www.facebook.com/teona.powell
IG: https://www.instagram.com/kobaddii502
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