His lyrics read like a teenage diary. They contain confessions of suicidal thoughts, anger and hopelessness, but also the evidence of extraordinary inner strength and a will to survive. King Carter was born on June 1, 1991 in Georgia. From a young age, this troubled young rapper has been struggling with profound social questions of equality, identity, and meaning on a personal level. The music he writes is unconsciously targeted towards those who have been through, or are going through, simiarly difficult life experiences. He also writes songs that show another artistic side- songs that he appropriately dubs ‘sentimental rap.’ King Carter's lifelong dream has been to reach out and touch fans through his music. It seems that dream is on the cusp of becoming reality. Reporter Lauren Thompson recently interviewed King Carter to learn more about this thoughtful new artist and what we can expect from him in the near future.
LAUREN: When did you first discover your love of music?
KING CARTER: I've always been a music fan but I discovered my talent about two years ago. I used rap as a coping tool to vent and it just went from there. I kept at it and eventually got better. Now I’m at a point to where ’m comfortable with my rhymes and flow.
LAUREN: Your song 'It Ain't Easy Being Me' is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
KING CARTER: I was happy. It was a feeling you just can’t describe. It was a highlight in my life and I was extremely proud of myself.
LAUREN: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
KING CARTER: The inspiration came from a horrible childhood and emotions that I held in for over a decade. Making the song released emotions that I held in for so long. Like I mentioned before, it was a coping mechanism. Music is my passion but it’s also my way of reaching people who can relate and tell them they are not alone in the struggles of life.
LAUREN: Would you say that the mood of your other songs is in the same vein as your debut radio single?
KING CARTER: I guess some of them can be in the same vein. However, none of my songs are exactly alike. They may talk about some of the same things but there is always a deeper message in each song with its own distinctiveness. But I try to switch it up at times and make a variety of songs so fans don’t get burnt out.
LAUREN: How would you characterize yourself as an artist? (ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving...)
KING CARTER: Hard-working. When I’m in the studio, I stay focused and shoot for perfection. I am also down-to-earth and get along with mostly everybody. I'm the same person out of the studio as I am in the studio. I don’t change.
LAUREN: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other artists or musicians in your family?
KING CARTER: I am one-of-a-kind in my family- the only one that pursues a musical background. No one in the family raps or sings and my family looks up to me for being able to do what I do.
LAUREN: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
KING CARTER: The biggest reward would have to be the fans. Without my fans, I couldn’t do what I do and for every single fan I gain, that’s an accomplishment in itself. The most challenging I would have to say would also be the fans as well. Gaining fans can be work in itself. A lot of factors come out of music and all tie in together. You have to make sure you stay up-to-date and stay in touch with fans. Make sure you nail every verse and make people feel what you say. Music takes hard work but in the end it’s all worth it.
LAUREN: Who are your role models in music?
KING CARTER: As much as I get accused of sounding like Eminem, I am going to have to say the man is a legend and deserves a lot of respect. He motivates me to become the greatest MC of my era and I will continue to strive for that. I also respect Lil Wayne. The man is a lyrical genius and makes you think about what he said or what he meant. And last but not least the great Tupac. He made hip-hop what it is today. Without Pac I don’t believe rap would be as big as it is today.
LAUREN: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
KING CARTER: I would have to say my last performance in Afghanistan where I was serving was my most memorable performance. I had the crowd going and from that performance, I became well known throughout the base. And with each performance, I get better and better.
LAUREN: Do you have a music video for your hit single? If so, what can you tell us about it?
KING CARTER: Currently I do not but it’s in the works.
LAUREN: What advice would you give to young, aspiring musicians out there who are unsure and need guidance?
KING CARTER: Keep striving and never give up. Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t follow your dreams. Don't take criticism to heart but use it as a tool to become better. Don’t let it get you down, just prove them wrong. And most importantly don’t accept anything less than what you deserve. Make sure every line is perfect and give it your all every time. The rest will work itself out.
LAUREN: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
KING CARTER: Next up is working on a new album and working on a soundtrack for a Broadway play called Pilot Jones produced by Crowned Productions. Just going to stay busy. The next single will be called ‘My Pain’ and all I can tell you about it is it will be my best yet.
LAUREN: I look forward to hearing it! Thanks for taking time out to share your story with me. I wish you continued success and good luck!
www.reverbnation.com/kingcarter4
