In the deluxe version of K CAMP’s fifth studio album KISS 5, the multi-platinum recording artist takes his time to focus on the ladies — a much-needed mission he’s been committed to since the inception of the multi-part KISS album collection in 2011.
The MouthSoap conversed with the “Lottery (Renegade)” rapper to discuss his latest contribution to the music world. On first impression, he’s all about the grind, an attribute that is clearly illustrated in his extensive discography. K CAMP’s imprint in the music industry consists of 13 mixtapes, five studio albums, and a string of chart-topping singles that include the well-received “Cut Her Off,” “Comfortable,” and “Only Way Is Up.”
In spite of a worldwide pandemic, his special connection to his fanbase led him to churn out two albums this year, one being Rare Family released in July; another example of his assiduous work ethic.
K CAMP’s commitment extends beyond creating music, however. Foreseeing the future of hip hop music and its apodeictic capability to intertwine with various industries, K CAMP prefers chess over checkers. The Atlanta native has been hard at work building his own empire.
To date, he has established RARE Sound to give back to the artist community, an initiative that is sure to broaden his legacy and impact a new generation. The creative hub provides support for music, fashion and lifestyle creatives and tastemakers, enabling them to develop their crafts and collaborate across mediums.
Then, there’s K CAMP’s RARE Sound Studios, a 5,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art compound with red, white, and black studio rooms modeled after the Hellcat and Lambo supercars. The songwriter also has his eyes set on a high-end fashion brand. He references legendary hip hop entrepreneurs Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and Percy “Master P” Miller when he talks about taking his music career to the next level.
“I’m in exec mode, 21,” K CAMP said in the interview. “Just think of like how Jay did it, how “P” did it. I’m trying to take it to another level as far as being an exec and making sure my label and the artists I put on next are superstars. I’m trying build something with this shit.”
His focused mindset explains why even in his attempt to be vulnerable through R&B, there’s a guarded sensibility that leans on the crutch of hip hop culture as a diversion from the kind of soul-stirringly hopeless, and sometimes somber, R&B that peers into the inner core of the artist. There’s only so much he’s willing to reveal. But, what the listener will get is his honest and unfiltered perspective on love and relationships in a raw, “street melodic” way.
On KISS 5 (Deluxe), K CAMP’s strategy is more chill, occasionally surprising the listener with in-depth revelations at unsuspecting moments. The 20-track album comes with six new tracks, “ARI,” “Drop My Feelings,” “Monday Thru Sunday,” “Smart Water” featuring Sevyn Streeter, “On The Corner,” and “Whats The Rush.” “ARI,” a prize possession of K CAMP’s, solidifies what the average listener may come to suspect — the game of love is treacherous when you’re a man of K CAMP’s stature.
“It’s a statement, I’m just letting females know,” K CAMP discloses about the song in the interview. “We’re in a time right now where females think everything should be — they want everybody’s swipe, everybody’s pockets. I’m still one of them ones standing on it like, ‘It ain’t going down like that. If you ain’t on the right terms, you don’t got your vibe together, I ain’t one of them that’s just going to blow it all.'”
Listen To K CAMP’S “Ice Cold”
“Ice Cold,” one of his top-shelf offerings on the album, showcases his willingness to open up a bit about love. He raps and sings, “Oh, you back again? | Say you single and you ready, girl what’s happenin’ then? | I let you leave me once before and I can’t pass again | No, no, I can’t play ’round with you I’m on your ass again | Feel like Wesley, tryna love you, if you let me.”
The song is one of the signature standout tracks that have built him into the force he is today. K CAMP’s ability to be as unfiltered as possible while straddling between the jaggedness of hip hop and delicacy of R&B is nothing less than impressive on KISS 5 (Deluxe). Still, it leaves you wanting to know more about him; the person behind the platinum records.
“Scared Of Love (Outro)” delves into the vulnerability he teases listeners with throughout the album. “I cannot shake it, I cannot shake it | My heart ain’t meant for breaking, ain’t meant for breaking | I just can’t trust these hoes, I’m just saying,” K CAMP belts out.
The revelation is a direct rebellion against the overly pervasive hardness that sometimes comes with being a rapper. If anyone doubted his ability to make hit records, K CAMP proves himself with standout tracks such as the cautionary “Fall In Line” and intensely sincere “What’s On Your Mind” featuring Jacquees.
Listen To K CAMP’S “What’s On Your Mind” Featuring Jacquees
KISS 5 (Deluxe) is a strong precursor to what fans can expect from K CAMP in the years to come. He’s not at all concerned about his past successes or the ongoing conversation about his music being underrated. Ultimately, K CAMP’s loyalty is to his fans and the future.
“I do it for momentum and I do it for the fans,” the Atlanta artist said. “Momentum, you got to build momentum. In this game, it’s so easy to lose momentum. You can drop a record one year and they’ll forget about you the next year. My whole strategy is really to just engage my fans.”
Even with a lingering pandemic looming over everyone’s heads, K CAMP opts for continuous evolution instead of complacency.
“If one hustle ain’t working — if it’s shutdown, find another one,” K CAMP advises his fans. “Don’t sit in the house just waiting for shit to fall in your lap.”
KISS 5 (Deluxe) is available on all streaming platforms.
