Krunkquistadors

Meet Kyle Hubbard, a MC from Houston, TX and he has a new track with Big Pooh of Little Brother. He was recently nominated "Best Underground Rapper of the Year" by The Houston Press. This past year he was signed to Space City Records to record and will release his next album "Seduction of the Innocent". Also this past year he released his debut mixtape "Who Do You Believe In?" which was hosted by DJ Vlad. Here is his latest track, New School Slang, enjoy the interview.

http://usershare.net/3e3chshbhtwk

Illuminati 2G is here with Kyle Hubbard how's it going?

What’s the deal man? I’m just at the crib currently letting some potential beats play in the background trying to see if any can work for the album I’m working on.

How did you get your start in hip-hop and who are some of your musical influences out there.

Growing up my strength always laid in the way I could use words, so even from a young age I was convinced I wanted to do something that involved me writing. This passion eventually evolved into rapping because I realized that as much as I loved it, there wasn’t the kind of glory and instant gratification that I so desperately needed in the world of straight poetry.

My passion for the written word also plays a huge part in what kind of hip-hop I absorb and I am inspired by. I think my biggest influences are Phonte from Little Brother, The Streets from the UK, and Lupe Fiasco. These guys are amazing MCs but beyond that, if you are just looking at their lyrics written out, just reading them, it’s equally amazing. That to me is the most impressive thing any rapper can do.

Finish this sentence; Kyle Hubbard brings _____ to the hip-hop game.

Kyle Hubbard brings the spirit of the everyman to the hip-hop game.

You have a new single with Big Pooh of Little Brother entitled New School Slang. Tell me about how the song came together for you.

That song right there is a dream come true, I used to jam Little Brother on the school bus. Having a song with someone of that caliber is always something you desire as an artist. I got Pooh’s email awhile back, way before the song was even possible, and I would just hit the dude up hinting at the possibility of making something happen, but nothing ever came from it. I came to the realization that I had to prove myself worthy of a 16 from this guy; I can only imagine how many aspiring rappers hit him up EVERYDAY on some "I’m the next big thing!" shit.

So every single time I added something to my resume I would hit him up again and let him know what move I had just made. I call it persistence, but I am sure he would call it annoying…but he was a hero of mine, I couldn’t just live with the fact that I let it pass. This past summer The Houston Press nominated me "Best Underground Rapper of the Year" and I believe that is what got me the song with the big homie. If you want a verse from a legend you have to prove yourself worthy, and that song right there is the greatest motivation I have ever had, and hands down the best moment of my career thus far.

Do you have any upcoming mixtapes or albums coming towards the end of the year?

Early this year I signed to the dopest local label in Houston, Space City Records. With the good folks over there I am working on my first proper studio album "Seduction of the Innocent". That is my main focus right now. I don’t know if I will ever the chance to make another project in such a great environment, so I am approaching it like it’s my only chance. I will leave no stone unturned in the creation of that album; it will define me as an artist and a person.

What are your thoughts right now on the hip hop scene in Houston right now?

The hip-hop scene in Houston is amazing, utterly amazing. The amount of talent and diversity that the current class of H-Town MCs brings to the table is undeniable. I know that it was easy to stereotype what Houston hip-hop had to offer a few years ago based on the product that was put on a national level, but that stereotype has been shattered in the city and it is only a matter of time before the rest of the country gets hip to it. I believe in Houston, TX…so many of my peers are ready to strike at the national level…as far as I am concerned Houston is the new Mecca for hip-hop.

What albums are you currently bumping right now that you are feeling?

Being a hip-hop fan was a great gig this year. So much dope shit came out, like a crazy amount. Something I have been spinning since its release on a regular basis is B.O.B’s debut album. That is beautiful music; it’s moving, quirky, creative, and impressive as all hell. Nas and Damian’s album is of course another example of expert musicianship; every single track on that album was detailed and ever evolving. Bun B’s "Trill O.G." has had a very healthy run in the CD (literally, I don’t have an ipod) player as well, but of course that should go without saying.

Do you have any upcoming shows or tour dates?

Yeah man, my camp and I have been putting in an insane amount of work on the show front. This past year has been filled with shows ranging from small gigs to some big time shit. I was just in Oklahoma assisting my main man Roosh Williams in his set opening up for XV. It was crazy I got to kick it backstage with Vizzy and was able to pick his brain a little bit. I’ll be helping Roosh open up for Chip Tha Ripper on the 17th of September back up in OK. My band, The Krunkquistadors, has an album release party in the H on September 23rd and I will be opening up that night with a solo set. Then on the 25th there is an event going down in Houston called FlyFest 2010…and it’s something special. It’s an all day festival featuring the A-list of the indie hip-hop scene down in Houston. I am featured on the bill and I am pumped to do that shit man, it’s going to be a big day in the H. Check it out online at http://flyfest.tumblr.com/

What is your website information?

Get at me on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/kylehubbardhtx and I mean that literally. I really enjoying chopping it up with people who appreciate what I do on there. My twitter is http://www.twitter.com/kylehubbardhtx and as far as the twitter thing goes, I am new as hell on there and I’m still trying to get my grasp on it so follow me on there and help me get my groove, I am sick of feeling 30 years older than I really am every time I get on there.

Appreciate your time, any last words before I let you go?

Thanks to you for the platform! Be on the look out for "Seduction of the Innocent", I am putting everything into that project and I really need you guys to jam that shit for me. I want to give a shout out to my Space City Records family, and my little bro Roosh Williams, oh and while I’m thinking about it, check that young man out at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Roosh-Williams/116154455078227?ref=ts you won’t regret it. And above all else I want to say waddup to every single person in the Houston hip-hop family! Let’s get it! - Illuminati 2g

Originally formed as a producing/performing duo by Kris Krunk and Earl Wang, the city of Houston had no idea of the monster about to be unleashed. Their first album had them thirsting for bigger things to dig into. And thus the now known Krunkquistadors were born. A group with drive and determination, matched by very few in the music world today, Krunkquistadors are ready to release their mixed bag of krunkness and rock. Mixed with grit and determination, and a splash of southern twang, they are coming in hard and heavy. Band Members Bio after the Jump!!

Kris Krunk – Vox – Born Oct 9, 1981. Raised in Spring Branch, Kris grew up around musicians his whole life. This self taught producer began his music career playing the tuba in middle and high school and has never looked back. Now able to play guitar, bass, drums, and piano, Kris has collaborated with many artists of different genres, as well as recording and mixing all tracks he produces. He lists his influences as West Coast rap, The Neptunes, Mozart, Quincy Jones, Timbaland, and Linkin Park.

Earl Wang – Vox – Born July 19, 1982. Raised in Alvin, TX., Earl Wang has long been skilled in playing the piano, harmonica, and didgeridoo, as well as writing songs as one of the founding members of the group. He lists his influences as Parliament, Rick James, Bootsy Collins, The Commodores, Tom Petty, Les Claypool, and Blood Sweat and Tears.

Kyle Hubbard – Vox – Born Sep 4, 1987. Born and raised in the ‘burbs of Houston, Kyle has been penning lyrics for over 10 years and has been active in the game for over 4. He has showcased his talent on mix tapes with the likes of Stat Quo and Chamillionaire, just to name a few. He lists his influences as The Wu Tang Clan and mostly other East Coast hip hop acts.

JK-47 – Guitar – Born June 28, 1986. While busy becoming a recent graduate of University of Houston, he has still made sure to bless the local scene with his riffs and his jovial spirit. Raised in Deer Park, he discovered punk music in the 7th grade, and began strumming at 14. You can thank bands like Blink 182, AC/DC, Arcade Fire, Why?, and Local H for helping him determine that he wanted to become a musician and play the guitar.

Mattska – Drums – Born Feb 18, 1984. He comes straight out of Pasadena, TX. He grew up around music, from classical to zydeco to metal and everything in between. He credits Questlove of the Roots as his main influence.

DJ Lizard – Master of the Turntables – Born Jan 1, 1985. Also from Pasa-getdown-dena, he names his mother as his main influence. He grew up with her spinning albums ranging from Emilio to Rick James to Salt N Pepa to Stevie B to JJ Fad, and also greats like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Mix Master Mike, and The Late DJ AM. - Visual Crack

Kris Krunk is another local legend who give props to his maternal support system. She was there when he was an all-region tuba player in school, and was an avid attendant when Krunk did solo acoustic sets at coffee houses. But what about now, when Krunk is indulging in more mature-minded material?

"When she comes to a Krunkquistadors show, I get a lil' embarrassed," said Krunk. "A lot of our songs are ok to play when she's there, not too many drug, sex and alcohol references, but when we play songs like 'Put Your Lights Out,' 'Bad Bitch,' or 'Sweet Sweet' I always try not to make eye contact with her while I do my verses and choruses.

"Something about saying 'Sticky Icky Icky, come and get me when you see me, I'm always flying high first class straight to Philly' or 'Ooh Girl go and gimme that Sweet Sweet, You know I need that Sweet Sweet' makes me feel awkward in front of Mom," he adds, inexplicably.

"I always hope that she is old enough not to pick up on some slang, but then again, she isn't dumb! Even though I do get red in the face, I still appreciate the fact that she comes to support me, whether she likes the music or not, because she is my world.

"I'll make it up to her when I have kids and start writing kids' songs... Yeah, I said it." - Houston Press

You didn't think Rocks Off would let you escape into the weekend without some more HPMA nominee MP3s, now did you? We certainly hope not. We may be running out of ways to write the same headline, but we're not running out of MP3s. Please send them to chris.gray@houstonpress.com. Also, those of you who have written in asking if Rocks Off still has your MP3s we previously posted, we probably don't, so please send them again.

Remember, wristbands for our HPMA showcase are on sale now for $15 right over here. We are almost ready to reveal the identity of the special guest on the Bud Light outdoor stage at Washington and Silver too, so stay tuned for that.

Today we are happy to bring you A Dream Asleep (Best Hardcore/Noise), Matt Harlan (Best Folk), Krunkquistadors (Best Mainstream Hip-Hop), The Octanes (Best Roots-Rock/Americana), Skeleton Dick (Best Punk), Spare Parts (Best Cover/Tribute Band) and Staci's Edge (Best Rock). - Houston Press

Stopped by the album release before the Wiz Khalifa show and could not stop jamming this. It reminds me of SOMETHING I just can not put my finger on it! I want to say flobots mixed some Beastie Boys, I don’t know I’ll let yall figure it out. You have to pay for this one but it’s worth it!! http://www.krunkquistadors.com/

A group with drive and determination, matched by very few in the music world today, Krunkquistadors are ready to release their mixed bag of krunkness and rock. Mixed with grit and determination, and a splash of southern twang, they are coming in hard and heavy.

DOWNLOAD:: Krunkquistadors – In H Town - TheHipHopEffect.com

Last month, seven-piece krunk/rock/rap band Krunkquistadors' label, Space City Records, which happens to have been founded by front man Kris Krunk, beat out J. Prince's Rap-A-Lot for Best Local Label at this year's HPMAs. Had Potbelly not beat out multiple winners D.R.U.M. in Best Reggae/Dub, Space City's win would have easily been the biggest upset of the night, but it's still one of the bigger HPMA upsets in years.

Rocks Off reached out to Krunk to talk about why the Krunkquistadors opted to not call themselves the Trillquistadors, fake Wangs and Salt-n-Pepa's "Whatta Man."

Rocks Off: This has officially become our default first question: For people that haven't heard of the Krunkquistadors, give them a rundown of everything they should know. Only you have to do it Hemingway-style in only six words. Go.

Kris Krunk: Rap Rock Electro Gettin' Fucked Up.


RO: We understand that "crunk" is a term used by Southern rappers (or used to be, anyway), but don't you think that, given your location, the Trillquistadors might've been a bit more appropriate?

KK: We like to say we are "krunk, but keep it trill."


?RO: Is [vocalist] Earl's last name really "Wang"? If so, that's pretty amazing. If not, that might be even more amazing.

KK: Funny story: His real name will never be found, but "Wang" actually came from Hwang Harmonicas. Earl always bust out some soulful harmonica during a set. He is a master.

RO: Given that you guys are men and all, we think it's kind of funny that you guys chose to remake that "Hot Boys" song that Missy did a ways back. Whose idea was that? And can we expect more of the Guys Remaking Songs Girls Made About Guys thing? Maybe you all could remake Destiny Child's "Soldier" or "Whatta Man" by Salt-N-Pepa?

KK: Wow, it never clicked on me what song it was. I had a bunch of instrumentals and when I was trying to find one to fit to our song "Bang, Bang" [that] one fit the best. Thank you for embarrassing me.

RO [laughs]: If someone could only listen to one song from the new album, what should it be? Why?

KK: I would say the song "After Hours." It was so good that we named our album after that. It showcases all of our different talents the best and represents our sound as a whole.

The Krunkquistadors have an release party for their new album, After Hours, Thursday, September 23, at 2016 Mainstage (2016 Main). Hear them online at www.krunkquistadors.com. - Houston Press

The host of PODiMOUTH mentions that the Krunkquistadors are the first rock/rap group to be featured. The hosts are impressed with the new single and mention how big the Krunkquistadors are getting in the underground scene in Houston. - PODiMOUTH