|
Inside Look: 14KT of Athletic Mic League
His father would also plant the roots of the discipline needed to be a top tier producer in today’s game. “When you a man, it doesn’t matter how young you are when your dad tells you that you gotta be the man of the house – he’s gonna put more responsibility on you,” says KT. Growing up in Ypsilanti, KT was exposed to a melting pot of cultures which would also mold his musical roots. “I grew up in a neighborhood where it wasn’t predominately black or predominately white, it was mixed with everybody… that helped me out because I had different experiences with [different cultures] and it helps to shape your experiences when it comes to making music because you’re not just making music for one crowd – you’re making music for everybody [to listen to].” Once KT would hook up with his group, Athletic Mic League, he knew that this would be his destiny. “I loved Hip Hop music, but I was a very shy cat… when I met A.M.L., they were rhyming and stuff, and they put me on the spot to rap… and I got accepted and I felt like, ‘Ah man, I can do this,’ ” recants KT from AML memories that date back to 1993. KT started off as friends with AML members and brothers, Vaughn T & Vital.
But that’s not the only thing that would influence KT’s career. Going off Florida A&M University for a year had a hand in shaping his philosophy. “It was culture shock all around… way different from growing up in my neighborhood when I was younger and had different cultures… I just started learning about a lot of stuff, like how a lot of music down there that’s dope forever down there and then two years later it’s dope up here in Michigan. I learned a lot about the culture and the music, and [about how] they just support themselves a lot and that’s one of the big things I learned from there and wanted to bring to Michigan and to wherever I was at.” Being in the south also had an influence on KT’s production. “I was always a fan of the 808 [drum pattern], but I started putting more 808’s in my beats a little bit –[adding] a little bit of bounce in the beats.” After attending Florida A&M University for a year, KT would take a year off from college to regroup before finishing his collegiate career at Eastern Michigan University – earning his degree in Entrepreneurship & Management. The sky would seem to be the limit for this humble Hip Hop head turned producer on the way to mega-stardom. After gaining success with AML, 14KT has branched off to release his own solo album, The Golden Hour Soundtrack. A 20-track instrumental masterpiece, KT successfully garners acclaim for his ability to tell a story using only his beats. This comes natural for KT as Hip Hop seeps through his dreams, and even haunts his nightmares!
“When I won the Red Bull [Big Tune Beat Battle – Detroit] I had a nightmare that I was in a battle with Just Blaze… Black [Milk] was in the battle, all my favorite producers were in the battle and I was extra nervous; and I had to go against Just Blaze in the first round [laughs]. And maybe that’s not so far-fetched – Just Blaze, Black Milk, and 14KT all mentioned in the same breath – because KT is definitely putting his stamp on Hip Hop. If you didn’t know before, you know now – you’ll be hearing more from 14KT in the near future! For more information on 14KT, you can visit: Also, check out our review on 14KT’s new album, The Golden Hour Soundtrack. http://www.detroitfashionpages.com/music/music-767.asp. Marcel Friday
COMMENTS Submitted by Asia on 12/10/2008 9:00:12 PM This is a great review, but it seems like you should do a story on the 808 beat. It seems like a topic for discussion. Submitted by Simón on 12/4/2008 4:49:38 PM KT, Invincible, Now On... So proud of all these cats - keep doin' your thing world wide and keep bringin that glory and repsect back to the Mitten! Submitted by Michelle on 12/3/2008 10:49:06 PM "And I'm back with an 808 cause i'm bossy" Submitted by Marcel on 12/3/2008 8:37:50 PM HAHA! Click here for more comments
Add a comment?
|
|
