Kanasi

    A little town in South Carolina, Dillon, is the home of Naron Young aka Kanasi. This name was derived from the acronym Keeping All New Apt Styles Intelligently. Kanasi stated, “I wanted my name to represent something, which is his South Carolina point of view. I also wanted it to be distinguishable, A name that when you heard it, made you question its origin.” when asked why he chose this name.

Kanasi not only separates himself by virtue of his name, but by his artistic talent. His ability to flow seamlessly on any track invites listeners to really pay attention. His story is a story of resiliency, and determination. “When I was younger it was easy to see that no one was checking for a rapper from South Carolina, I needed equipment, and most importantly, I needed to expand, so I joined the military.” Military service helped Kanasi to launch the first indie label from Dillon, South Carolina, Sawed Off Entertainment..

Traveling has become the norm throughout Kanasi’s time as an independent Artist. Every city and state he has had the pleasure of being in, he has a left an imprint. “There have been times I wanted to quit, in fact, it’s something that I battle constantly every day.” When asked what his most challenging times were, he replied, “I was in Iraq, and the pressure of being deployed was driving me crazy, the only thing I knew would settle my nerves was music.” “I went around the entire forward operating base collecting wood, tools, and supplies.” “I am no carpenter by any stretch of the imagination, but I built my own studio right beside where I worked.” He goes on to explain that once he was finished with work, he would go straight to the studio, and recalls a lot of close calls while recording late nights because of incoming mortar attacks.

The one thing that remains constant in speaking with Kanasi is that he is determined to garner respect for artists from South Carolina. South Carolina’s talent pool is constantly overlooked in the music industry. Kanasi is the type of artist that can break this cycle, once given the opportunity. He has the versatility to excel in any style of music, yet the lyrical content to keep listeners engaged with a want for more. Kanasi is currently working on a mixtape called “The Precedent 2.” When asked why he chose the name “The Precedent” he replied, “A Precedent is an event or action that is regarded as an example or guide.” “That’s exactly how I want to be looked at years from now, when people say who started this South Carolina movement, I want to be the one that’s looked at as not only a pioneer, but the example for Hip Hop in South Carolina.”