“Be yourself. If you don’t know who that is, you’re moving too fast.”
Rising artist Kicks Kapri is an artist from Poughkeepsie, New York and is currently based in Nashville, Tennessee. His recent project ‘Ocean of Samsara’ showcases his melodic/poetic sound that blends rap and melody to create an intricate release that spans 12-tracks. According to the artist, the name of the project comes from an Alan Watts speech, who is a late philosopher of Zen Buddhism.
‘Ocean of Samsara’ is truly a work of art that displays Kicks Kapri’s skills in a way audiences haven’t seen before. He proves his ability as a skilled lyrical rapper and someone who can flow with ease on any beat. He mixes a classic sound with modern beats and it works for the entire project.
Each song on the project brings something new and refreshing to the table, offering a sound that is different and versatile every time. A couple of standouts on the project, just to name a few, include “Rose Colored Glasses,” “Ocean of Samsara,” “Waves and Tides” and “Tough Love,” ft. L.C., and Chano Migs.
“The project is about what makes us human,” he said in a recent interview with Remixd Magazine. “I tried to be very personal on this album because I know there are people who can relate to true stories.”
Keep reading to learn more about him.
What city are you from/ Where are you based now? Poughkeepsie New York Based in Nashville Tennessee.
What is your artist name? What is your real name? How did you get your artist name? Kicks Kapri Bryan Ashong Kicks because I used to play soccer and Kapri is the name of my clothing brand
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you? “Lighthouse rap” Message through the madness Clarity through the fog
What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you? I grew up on all types of music as a child and I have become one with the art form. It has allowed me to express myself and at the same time, tell the stories that I believe are important to shift the current state of the culture.
Who are some of your main musical influences? Michael Jackson, Lupe Fiasco, Sade, Nas, Kanye West, 50 Cent, Bruno Mars, Teddy Pendergrass
Tell us the name of the project you are currently promoting? What inspired this project? “Ocean of Samsara.” It was inspired by the complexities of life. The name came from an Alan Watts speech. He is a late philosopher of Zen Buddhism.
Date that this project dropped? It came out November 5th 202.
What is this project about in your own words? The project is about what makes us human. I tried to be very personal on this album because I know there are people who can relate to true stories. It is an album you can grow with and play with the concepts in your head. Personally, this album is a milestone for a large step in my career and life trajectory.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for? Include some dates if you have them. I’m always working on music, visuals, skits, events… I’m currently promoting this release and keeping an ear to the people to gauge what they would like to see next.
What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from this project? Be yourself. If you don’t know who that is, you’re moving too fast.
Where can we follow you on social media? Include links.
https://youtube.com/c/KicksKapri
