In the build up to the Mother of Music event by Spotify, we got the opportunity to speak to one of the artists that have been recognised by the program in Kashcpt. The artist is by no means a newcomer to the game with his catalogue garnering the respect of fans and critics alike. We spoke to him about his diverse discography, his early inspirations in music and more. Without further adu, this is the Kashcpt interview.
Everyone remembers their first encounter with Hip-Hop and how they fell in love with the genre. With that being said,I am curious to find out what your earliest memory of hip-hop is? My earliest memory is being with my cousins and listening to 50 Cent in the room while playing metal slug. It’s actually crazy to go back that far but I’ve always been around people who share a deep love for music and that definitely influenced me especially my parents. Both my mom and dad both have very good taste in music.
Who were some of your early inspirations in terms of making music? Some of my early inspirations was a bit of everyone to be honest. I cann mention Lil wayne , Eminem , Chris Brown , 50 Cent , Will Smith x Jazzy Jeff , 2 Pac incognito , Quincy Jones , Jamaroqai and Black Eyed Peas.
Can you describe the musical climate in Cape Town and why do artists from the region have a distinct sound in SA Hip-Hop? I know that everyone has something unique to offer. The way I see it, it’s the same for South Africa. There’s so many different talents in different parts of the country. Me personally, I love embracing ideas and making my own product combining things I love.
You have been known to produce a multitude of sounds. Can you describe to us how that came to be and which sound you resonate with most? Well I can thank my family for that, especially my mom and dad. They really introduced me to a lot of beautiful music in this life I’m heavily influenced by a lot of the music I was brought up to and I enjoy putting my own spin on things when I create . I love music that can touch your soul and that pocket is something I strive to be able to attain in any genre I choose to approach.
CAPE TOWN RADIO was your debut offering on DSPs. Can you describe the time you conceptualised CAPE TOWN RADIO and what sound were you aiming to deliver with it?
I think CAPE TOWN RADIO is dope because the idea is that it’s a station that exists on the radio and theres so many different genres and vibes that it resembles songs playing on a radio station. It’s a fun way to experience each different song and be put in the same world when each new track plays . It’s a capsule of songs I feel I express emotion or a message and I’m looking forward to dropping CAPE TOWN RADIO III.
Following that, you released the sequel, CAPE TOWN RADIO 2. There is a huge sonic difference between the two offerings. Can you describe how you evolved your sound from CAPE TOWN RADIO to CAPE TOWN RADIO 2?
I think that goes for everyone in general. You change and learn new things and apply them. In this offering, I felt more vulnerable and free to just express whether it was from putting pain into my voice or by just making music to be happy to. I really enjoy the process and the Things that happen in life that contribute to the songs that are put on my capsules.
Last year you released LOVE LETTERS. Can you tell me a bit about why you chose to much a huge leap in sonics on LOVE LETTERS in comparison to CAPE TOWN RADIO and CAPE TOWN RADIO 2? I wanted to focus on a genre where I know I’m able to touch the heart or just make music that you can make memories to. It’s a really beautiful project that was made for the purpose of showing how diverse I can be and just some good music to accompany daily life or moments. I can’t compare my projects because each one is special in its own way to me and my audience.
You have been highlighted as one of the key contributors in the Spotify Mother of Music initiative. What does being part of the initiative mean to you and what does it mean for the city of Cape Town as a hub for talent in the country? Firstly, I’m grateful to be seen as someone who has made an impact. That’s another reason the music is important to me because it speaks and I want to be relatable and allow people to feel safe or heard when they hear any piece we release. To me, this means I have a influence which can bring people together especially for the amazing individuals in my city who are great in their own way and be a part of the journey collectively because at the end of the day this is home ground and you cant build a city one man.
You have delivered a lot of great features over the span of your career with artists like Blxckie, K.Keed J Molley and more. How do you go about collaborating with artists and how do you approach each collaboration? I feel like it’s a mutual exchange man. Good energies you konw? You don’t want any weird vibes ever and you can feel when people come with that you get me? I don’t force nothing to be honest. You have to let it happen and make the magic as you go along – A constant state of flow
Which collaboration would you describe as a standout feature in your career and why? Let You Go with Baby S.O.N. That song holds a part of my heart man and working with Baby S.O.N. is really something I appreciate man. The energy is always good regardless of nothing and we make amazing art. It’s truly a song that stands out for me.
Your music covers a vast number of genres. If I were to introduce your music to someone who has never heard of you, what would be the first song you would like me to play for them and why? It’s between Changing The World and Mobbing – soley because those are just really dope songs to be introduced to.
When it is all said and done, what do you want to be remembered for as an artist? Someone who above all, tried. A king that was a good leader not a role model but someone who was there and never abandoned the dream they lived.