_Kida

First of all, would you like to tell us where you are from and who you are for the people that don’t know you yet.

First off, I go by the name of Kida. The name Kida is actually Swahili for leader, which I very much am [laughs]. It also happens to be my government name. I hail from Inglewood, California. Although I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, I was born in Inglewood and ultimately moved back here when I was 12 and been here ever since.

When did you realize you could rhyme? Do you remember your first ever rhyme you wrote?

I knew I loved Hip Hop back in Jr. High School. I’ve been writing and performing since then. Then in High School, my marching band instructor would make me rap all the songs that were popular at the time on the field during half time [laughs]. As far as my first rhyme, I really don't remember it but I have like 4 rhyme books, I can go back to for you. But I do remember rapping Ini Kamoze's “High Stepper” during half time shows [laughs].

How would you describe your style and sound?

My sound is honest and my style is versatile. It’s one of those things you gotta hear to understand and believe. I pretend for no one, I make music for myself!

Who is your biggest fan and what makes them your biggest fan?

Truthfully? [Laughs] I honestly feel as if my biggest fans are my 2 kids. They're the ones that put up with my crazy antics when I’m vibing in the studio, asking for their opinion on some "outside the box" type stuff. And when I'm playing those records for the team, they're banging to it as if it were the best idea I could've come up with. They even pass my CD's on to the parents of their friends. I think they're dope!

You’ve worked with the likes of 9th Wonder, Busta Rhymes and Crooked I, to name just a few. Who have you most enjoyed working with and have you been influenced at all by anyone else’s work ethic?

I hope this doesn't sound typical or cliche, but working with Dr. Dre has brought more creativity out of me than I thought was humanly possible. That mans work ethic is unreal! He can go for up to 48 hours straight, without blinking. He's the most humble guy I’ve ever met. While all these so called A&Rs, affiliates and groupies act like they're the sh*t just because they know or associate with entertainers, Dr. Dre is the sh*t and doesn’t act like it! Point me to the problem!

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What projects will you be releasing in 2014?

Currently, we're working on my new LP entitled “HIStory Repeated”. We're putting a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into this project, and I know it will be something you'll enjoy and look forward to talking about with your friends. We also are simultaneously working on another LP called “Long Story Short”. We're definitely gonna make some noise this year.

You are working with Dr. Dre on his album, "Detox". How did you both link up and what is it working with such a legendary Hip-Hop icon?

Yeah, we actually linked up through my previous situation. Man, he and I hit it off from the gate. He's an incredible person to work with. He never once made me feel as if his career over shadowed my talent, although I felt it did! [Laughs] We made some great records together.

You are the CEO of your own company called a.Fam Entertainment, what is it about?

Actually, a.Fam Entertainment was an imprint I had my label on previously. That particular relationship has ended but my company is called Oso Reel Entertainment, which we're gearing up to be the biggest non industry acting label out [laughs]. I say that because everyone who ''aspires'' to be well known in this game thinks they have to act a certain way to be in this industry. And we're here to prove that you don’t, just be you!

Former Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight offered you a recording contract to the then legendary label, why did you decline?

Big shouts to Suge for being one of the first cats to recognize Kida as the star he is. To be honest about it, it just wasn't the right move for me. Money was cool, Suge was cool, everything was cool. But I didn't believe the label itself fit who Kida was nor what I represent. Nothing more and nothing less.

What’s your take on current Hip-Hop? Who are you feeling and who do you think is wack?

I honestly feel Hip Hop is in a revival state. I’m feeling a few things that are happening right now. As of lately, my playlist includes my dude J. Cole and a whole lot of Jhene Aiko. Who do I think is wack? Truthfully, what I think is wack most people like. I believe all music has its purpose and I’m sticking to mines.

What advice would you give to anyone attempting to make it in Hip-Hop?

Please grow thick skin! [Laughs] Because this industry will knock you down to your absolute lowest point. And when you're down that low, they'll kick you 2 more times. And the only way you'll bounce back is through your own love of what you do and the determination to succeed. Don’t stop!

What’s the ultimate aim for the future?

Honestly, me and my dude J. Peterson talk about bringing real music back as well as real music business. We're aiming in the opposite direction of what listeners are forced to love. And the end result will be them remembering what they loved about Hip Hop in the first place.

In the end, let people know where they can find you online.

Google me! But besides that, check for new music and updates on www.reverbnation.com/kidamusic, Twitter @akida, and on Facebook, look for Akida Warmsley. - Yo Raps! Next 2 Blow