A year out from being considered an adult in this world, Kay Roze moved to North Carolina and it was there the dreams began. He started working on making a career for himself as a rapper and soon enough, an EP was dropped. That was back in 2017. Since then Kay Roze has grown immensely – and we talked about not only that but his 2022 release, ‘The Postlude,’ which is out now. 

Kendra: When did your dreams of being a rapper start, was it before or after the move to North Carolina as a kid? 

Kay Roze: My dreams of being a rapper started when I was about 17, which was after my move to North Carolina.

Kendra: From a dream to a reality, you dropped your debut, ‘The Prelude,’ back in 2017 exclusively on Soundcloud. Looking back at that record and comparing it to ‘The Postlude,’ how do you think you’ve grown as a lyricist? 

Kay Roze: I’ve matured lyrically as an artist. Life gave me so many trials and tribulations, but it helped sharpen my lyricism and the way I see life. ‘The Postlude’ was a statement on how I grew as an artist, not just a rapper or lyricist.

Kendra: Also, going back to the Soundcloud aspect. We always hear about Soundcloud rappers, but what do you think their biggest contribution to hip-hop has been? 

Kay Roze: Soundcloud rappers are an influence on the industry. They inspire many upcoming artists by showing them since they can make it off of Soundcloud, other people can as well.

Kendra: Now let’s focus on your latest single, “Drought,” which is a song that will move many as it’s about that hurling life, and staying focused. That’s something we really had to all do these past few years. What inspired this song for you though? Was it a culmination of things, or one particular instance? 

Kay Roze: “Drought” was a period where survival was really put to the test for me. When I heard the beat, it made me tap into that hunger aspect in myself and I felt that people need to feel that hunger to push them to want to do more. I know some people will listen to the song and get motivated. Then there will be some that listen and talk down upon me but I think the main perspective should be to get you amped for whatever challenge you’re about to face.

Kendra: I gravitated toward “Not a Regular Artist” which closed out ‘The Prelude.’ It showcased another side of your artistry to me and felt more like something we’d hear on a Common record. When you were starting out, was there anything you remember doing or telling yourself to do to make you stand out from the crowd? 

Kay Roze: “Not A Regular Artist” was a statement to differentiate myself from other artists that make music just to get on/blow up. I actually make music for impact and legacy; from how I formed the structure to the content of my lyrics.

Kendra: Now with the holidays right around the corner, I’d love to know if you could be gifted with tickets to see any artist, living or not, live in concert – who would it be and why? 

Kay Roze: Jay-Z because of his impact on the culture and my life. He was a huge inspiration to me growing up so as a student of the game, it would be an honor.

Kendra: Lastly, with ‘The Prelude’ out now, what are your plans heading into the new year?

Kay Roze: Definitely more music and more motion! More videos, more interviews, new businesses and brands coming soon. 2023 should be a big year.