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<\/a><\/p>\nWhen an unknown rapper like Kevin Abstract releases music videos, and over 40,000 people flock to watch him, he’s got to be doing something right. As a lyricist, the Texas-born MC appears like a rap version of Mike Tyson, using witty punchlines with a showman’s sense of timing and delivery that will tear your ears up. On his new album, MTV 1987<\/i>, he revels in the darker, more cosmic realm of hip-hop, blending songs of loss and redemption while still having fun and involuntarily getting people in the mood to move.<\/p>\n
There’s also sad and angry elements but just don’t call them “depressing.” “Maybe tomorrow I\u2019ll be happier and my music will be way more Katy Perry,” he says. His latest track \u2018Drugs\u2019 takes an unadorned approach; it demonstrates his ability to transform artistic disciplines into rich soundscapes. With plenty of surprises up his sleeve, we\u00a0dug a little deeper under the surface and tackled important topics such as \u2018Drugs,\u2019 Justin Timberlake, honesty, and how his addictive personality is driving his artistic output.<\/p>\n
Obvious questions first: Why do you rap?<\/b><\/p>\n
I rap because of Will Smith. And it\u2019s fun.<\/p>\n
What makes you different from other rappers?<\/b><\/p>\n
I don\u2019t know. My favourite people aren\u2019t rappers. My website is cool though.<\/p>\n
How much of an understanding do your parents have about what you do?<\/b><\/p>\n
My dad gets the internet a bit more than my mom. They both know what\u2019s up for the most part though.<\/p>\n
A lot of your music comes across as feeling sad. What do you think of your reputation as a rapper writing sad songs?<\/b><\/p>\n
I don\u2019t give a damn about my reputation. I\u2019m 17 and I\u2019m down on most days. Maybe tomorrow I\u2019ll be happier and my music will be way more Katy Perry. I\u2019m honest.<\/p>\n
Where does the artist in you come from?<\/b><\/p>\n
I used to want to be an actor or comedian. When I was younger I was obsessed with Mike Myers, Chris Tucker, Chris Rock and Martin Lawrence. Then I wanted to be a writer. I wrote short stories about aliens and shit like that. I wouldn\u2019t consider anyone in my family an \u2018artist\u2019.<\/p>\n
Your rebellious antics where you perform and shoot your music videos inside supermarkets is often a matter of discussion. Does it ever get dangerous?<\/b><\/p>\n
Dear god, the last thing I want to be labelled as is a rebel. The sky told me to dye my hair pink, shoot a music video in a supermarket, and put it on the internet.<\/p>\n
What would you say are the primary sources of your rebellion?<\/b><\/p>\n
Labels are so silly.<\/p>\n
Which one of your songs, do you feel is the best articulation of your philosophy?<\/b><\/p>\n
Probably \u2018Save\u2019 or \u2018Hell.\u2019<\/p>\n