Kino Beats has become a staple within the music industry and has rightfully garnered the attention of many with his dignified work ethic.
He has single-handedly produced for some of the most profound artists in music that have transcended the game we’ve come to love. From the likes of Pharell, ASAP Rocky, Young Jeezy, OG Maco, the late Nipsey Hussle and more. Each engagement enabling the super-producer to develop a further understanding of what it truly means to make something out of nothing.
Outside of music, Kino is a connoisseur of travel as his most recent endeavors have landed him in every major city Europe has to offer. Being exposed to that level of diversity and depth of cultural influence has aided Kino in developing a higher cognizance for what really matters, influence.
In doing so, Kino has continuously embraced the blessings bestowed upon him and has paid it forward by working with some of the children within his community back home in Norfolk, VA.
“We reach out to kids and try to teach them different things like how to make a beat, how to record etc. Things like that won’t change the world per se, but while they’re in the studio for those 5-6 hours they not in the streets.” — Kino
In order to see a change in the world, we must first see a change within ourselves and our environment.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Kino to talk about some of his influences, forthcoming work & more.
Q – How did you get started with music?
A – I’ve been doing music most of my life, since middle school or so. I started rapping, wasn’t really good at it so I put that to the side. Lot of people in my school were rapping at the time, so I bought a computer and a mic and people started recording at my house.
Q – Where are you originally from?
A – I was born in Kingston, Jamaica originally. My family moved from Jamaica to Norfolk, Virginia when I was 7 years old. That’s where my roots are, it’s really something in the water. It’s kind of like a dead-in where I’m from in Norfolk, either music or sports really.
Q – What was it like growing up?
A – Typical hood story. Norfolk is known for having one of the biggest naval bases in the world, so it kind of balances our city out. Either you go to the navy, work in the shipyard or be in the hood. That’s really how the dynamics of our city boils down to.
Q – What inspires your creativity?
A – I’m inspired by anything really. I’m a well-versed traveler and that has influenced me a lot. As of late, I’ve been inspired by the world. Going different places, seeing new things. I noticed a change from when I was in Norfolk versus when I started traveling. When I was home, my sound was real dark and aggressive because that’s what we were seeing. Once I started traveling more it allowed me to produce brighter music.
Q – Where have you traveled?
A – I’ve traveled to every major city in Europe. I’ve traveled through dozens of cities in China. The only continent I haven’t touched as of yet is South America. Me and Lex Luger are actually planning a trip for Australia soon.
Q – Any noticeable differences among the cultures?
A – Of course, there’s a lot of noticeable differences. I just spent a lot of time in Europe (3 months) and the biggest difference for me was no guns amongst the civilians. Now, with me being in Atlanta, Georgia you can go to a recording studio and see military grade weaponry in the studio. In Europe, it’s 4-5 o’clock in the morning and you can be less at guard walking down the street. It shows you how aggressive the American culture is.
It’s not normal to be honest.
You have individuals that won’t go to a 7-eleven without their pistol.
Q – What do you feel like would be the “call to action” to change that narrative?
A – I don’t think no one has the answer to that. Best thing to do would be to catch them (the youth) while their young. Try to give these kids a different way and show them. At the studio me and my partner run in Norfolk, we reach out to kids and try to teach them different things like how to make a beat, how to record etc. Things like that won’t change the world per se, but while they’re in the studio for those 5-6 hours they not in the streets. It’s impactful, it’s something that stays with them.
Q – How did some of your relationships manifest with the artists you’ve worked with?
A – Me being sociable and open to network with different people. Utilizing the internet and following up with them, you have to build relationships. They seen that I was someone that took that extra effort to build and put in the work.
https://soundcloud.com/kino-beats/aap-rocky-ft-pharrell-hear-me-produced-by-kinobeats-x-miles-sloan
Q – Who has been your favorite person to work with or is there a favorite record that you’ve been apart of?
A – My favorite track would have to be the Pharell and ASAP Rocky record, and I produced that with Miles Sloan. It’s between that record and the Jeezy record. The ASAP record is significant to me because Rocky is a God in Europe. They worship the ground he walks on, so it helped me in so many ways. Jeezy was my favorite rapper growing up, so to be able to link up with him, do the record and vibe, that was very special to me.
Q – What has been one of the most challenging things for you to overcome throughout your career in music?
A – Balance. Sometimes I would put myself as the front runner and focus on everything that I have going on. Tour managing OG Maco and Lex Luger would require me to put a lot of energy into other things. Naturally, me being a Jamaican, I’m a hard worker, so it’s all about finding that balance.
Q – Any words of advice for aspiring creatives?
A – Never box yourself in. You have to be realistic and watch the trends. Sometimes you have to cut the fat and move on. You can find some other talents in yourself that may take you to the other level.
I never considered DJing. I had an epiphany and started doing that and within 6 months I started doing shows overseas.
You never know what’s going to be the thing that’s going to pop for you.
Q – Any artists that you look forward to working with in the near future?
A – Definitely want to get some work in with DaBaby. I like King Von out of Chicago. I’m down to work with anyone that has the passion. I’m in a pick and choose kind of space in my career. As long as it’s an artist that takes their career serious, that’s where my interest lies.
Check out Kino’s newest single “Check On Me” featuring OG Maco off his forthcoming compilation album entitled Work As Usual.
