B4U ‘The Vibe’ moves across to Stateside to catch up with Kidd Skilly! Kidd Skilly is an up and coming American rapper from Detroit who has already made a mark in the UK Asian music scene. Having already worked alongside the likes of Akon, his music illustrates his passion and determination to succeed in the industry and his ability to produce powerful lyrics that are influenced by his own lived experiences. With multi-cultural influences, his music touches on a variety of genres, creating an inventive, original sound. So I catch up with Kidd Skilly to find out all about his background, Asian music in America, mixtapes and future plans!

How did you get involved in the music scene?

I honestly don't know - it's like that line in a Janet Jackson song “like a mouth to the flame burned by the fire my love is blind can't you see my desire” I've always had such an admiration for music and how much it can impact people's lives. I just had to be a part of it even if that meant getting burnt from time to time.

What music did you grow up listening to, and how has this had an impact on the music you make?

Oh wow I listened to everything; I'm a sucker for great melody and witty lyrics. Although I listened to every genre of music, my heart will always have a spot for Hip-Hop, Punjabi music, Hindi classics, and classic rock. I think if you listen closely to my music you will hear a multitude of influences happening simultaneously and seamlessly sort of like the way I live my life.

Do you feel your uniquely mixed Indian – Mexican heritage gives you an advantage in the music industry?

I don't know about an advantage in the music industry I guess that is yet to be decided, but I will say that growing up with a mixed background has given me an incredible opportunity to look at things from completely different viewpoints and ultimately recognize that people are the same no matter what color, creed, religion, etc. We all basically want and need the same things.

What is the Asian music scene like in America?

It is a growing scene, we are still in the infant stages but there are some great talents developing over here and it's an exciting time to be a part of the scene.

When writing lyrics, where do you get your inspiration from?

Inspiration is always born out of some truth, I think for me there has to be a level of honesty within my lyrics or they won't work.

Your recent single Bhangra Chick has been a hit success, we’ve heard you are releasing a ‘Undercover Superstar Vol.2’ mix tape, tell us a bit about that?

Well Bhangra Chick actually has been picked up to be featured in a new movie directed by Gurinder Chadha so I'm definitely pleased with the response. Undercover Superstar II like the name suggests is a follow up to Undercover Superstar - a mixtape that was released in Sept of 2008. To understand the phenomenon behind this you have to understand the underground hip hop culture; mixtapes in a nutshell are made up of original content and your own unique renditions of other songs that may be current on the radio or classic material. Mixtapes have a little bit of an insider's look into an artist before an album is released. Luckily for me Undercover Superstar was received very well globally and the fans have been patiently waiting for the follow up so I think it's time they get what they want.

Your track Ni Sohniye done extremely well and you have become known for your collaboration with Akon, what was it like to work with such a renowned music sensation?

He's a great talent, amazing guy to work with, and an absolute professional not to mention one of the hardest working guys in showbiz. I'm definitely blessed to be able to have worked with him and learnt a few things from him as well.

Are there any tracks of yours in particular that are close to your heart, or have significant meaning behind them?

I would say that 95% of the songs I make are personal and pretty close to my heart, but if I had to pick well, on Undercover Superstar the title track ‘Undercover Superstar’ was basically a 5 minute lyrical picture of my life without a catchy hook I think if people who might not listen to rap music were to actually read the lyrics on paper that song would change their negative perception of rap music, on Undercover Superstar II there is a track called ‘Thank You’ that is close to my heart for personal reasons that I'm sure you'll understand once you hear it.

Who else can we look forward to hearing you collaborate with?

I like the element of surprise, don't you?

Who would be your dream collaboration?

I don't really have an answer there are too many to list - but I do have this reoccurring dream that I produced a song for a super group - that consisted of Michael Jackson, Nusrat, Gurdas Maan, Stevie Wonder, and Mohammed Rafi. Does that count?

You have a growing fan base in the UK, and are one of the few US Asian artists to make it across, are there any message you would like to give to your British fans?

I love my people in the UK - see people have to realize I grew up following the UK Asian scene very closely, in fact I consider myself a product of many influences including the UK Asian scene. Therefore I am an extension of that scene in some ways - I love spending time in the UK and I love the way they make me feel at home when I am there.

Tell us more about the WITNIS Project?

The WITNIS Project is my team, a group of aspiring entrepreneurs who are willing to do whatever it takes to make dreams come true. In this industry maintaining control over your own destiny is not valued as much as it should be, for us it is priority #1. We've set up our own music label and distribution network, our own publishing company, our own event and promotions outfit, our own marketing division, when it comes down to it, who better to do this than us. We know our audience because we are part of them, we come from the same places, we are cut from the same cloth, so why not be able to cut out the middle man and develop a direct relationship with the people.

What advice would you like to give to any aspiring artists trying to make it in the Music scene?

Stay honest to who you are. Check your thoughts and your motives and figure out why you are who you are, then let your passion be your wings and fly away.

What can we expect from Kidd Skilly in the near future?

Look for ‘Fly Away’ my new single on iTunes , ‘Undercover Superstar II’ my new mixtape, ‘Kiddan Clothing’ my clothing line launching soon, and then of course, my Album ‘Superficial’.

For further information on Kid Skilly check out:
Website: www.KiddSkilly.com
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KiddSkilly
MySpace: www.MySpace.com/KiddSkillyMusic