An Interview With: KKing Cee
The Eight-Year-Old Artist is Providing a Fresh Energy to the New York Drill Scene.
When you hear about an eight-year-old rapper breaking through into the New York drill scene, it’s easy to feel a little taken aback. After all, the two descriptors seem like a slight oxymoron. However, there is something refreshing about KKing Cee’s approach to his craft. Through aggressive lyrics layered over hard-hitting drill instrumentals, the Harlem rapper provides a new take on the style laid down by other mentors in his record label such as DD Osama and JStar Balla. However, at its core, the self-proclaimed ‘youngest drill artist in the world’ is utilising the same techniques as all others in his genre: unfiltered energy, impactful lyrics and even staple New York dance moves to round it out.
For KKing Cee, he treats his age not as a limitation but as a selling point. Literally. With a snappy catchphrase ‘Only8’ and a merchandising line to match, he is utilising his brand to create a name for himself in a New York drill scene filled with stars. After garnering over 3.5 million views on YouTube, it is fair to say his plan is working.
We caught up with KKing Cee to talk about adapting to fame, his dream features and his plans on getting a driving license.
901: What is your name and what do you do?
KKing Cee: I’m KKing Cee. I’m an eight-year-old rapper in the Bronx and I make music.
Eight years old? How does it feel being in this environment at such a young age.
I’m just enjoying all of it. A lot is new to me but I’m having a lot of fun and I’m surrounded by a lot of people who are guiding me.
How are you adapting to all the fame you’ve been getting?
I don’t take notice of a lot of it.
Surely there are some perks you’re enjoying?
Well, it helps me look after my family. That’s who I really do this for. My mom. My sister. My whole family. They look after me through all this so it’s only right I give back. Oh, and I also want a car.
Isn’t a driving license a long way away?
Don’t worry about it.
Three dream features?
DD Osama. Lil Durk. And it would’ve been Notti. Yeah, I would like to hop on a track with a lot of people.
Do you think you could hold your own with them?
Of course.
Do you have any last message for your fans?
Thank you to my fans, I love y’all. I love all my fans. Thank y’all for the support. I’ve got my merch coming out soon. Only8. I don’t think y’all ready.