US born rapper Kwame Darko is set to make waves in the hiphop world with his debut mixtape, ‘Tangerine Tinted Sunglasses’. The 18-track mixtape is set for a January 30 release and would be made available for downloading Facebook, myspace.com/kodmdmusic among others. The cuts include original compositions and freestyles over popular industry instrumentals and according to Kwame; Tangerine Tinted Sunglasses signifies the success that him and his childhood friends have experienced even though most of them have gone in different directions in life.
Born in Washington DC, Kwame grew up in Bethesda, MD where he started writing songs at about age 12. Destined to walk in the path of music, he started recording at 14 with friends in a home studio. “At age 14 I recorded songs with a group named Minority Squad. We recorded songs for fun and we went in different directions once people found other interests. I kept my passion for music and here I am today”, comments the rapper.
Although he is now releasing his first mixtapes, he has released several demos on MySpace. He is a hip-hop/rap artist who raps about his life, experiences with friends and the whole process of growing up. According to Kwame, he likes to have fun but at the same time, he is a very conscious individual. As an independent artist, he has a lot of creative license and so his music touch on a number of subjects that are dear and personal to him, yet general in nature for people to listen and relate with. His materials have been filtered out to various labels that have given him positive feedback and wish to continue tracking him.
I tracked him down to find out more about his journey so far, and what lovers of music all over the world should expect from his debut mixtape.
Ameyaw Debrah: What kind of influences do you draw on for your music?
Every artist who I have had the chance to listen to has influenced me. I have been fortunate enough to find myself through my own style and through the influence that hip-hop artists today and those of the past have had on the genre.
Ameyaw Debrah: How many songs do you have out ther currently?
Currently I have released about ten songs but have not made them ready for download because of timing.I also have numerous others that I am planning to release when the time is right. I have songs like ‘Tangerine Tinted Sunglasses ‘featuring Ama Atobrah who is a childhood friend of mine and an amazing singer/songwriter in her own right. My songs "Chillin in It" and "Pen Drops" have been featured on Def Jam intern Alex Kresovich’s compilation “The Crowned Prince”.
Ameyaw Debrah: What are the challenges of putting out an album as an independent artist?
Money to back studio time and overall promotion and advertisement are challenges. I had the opportunity to fly out to LA to meet with A&R’s at Sony ATV and managers at Bill Silva Entertainment. The meetings were good. I got a lot of positive feedback and they stay in touch on a regular basis. They monitor my progress and continue to give me feedback so hopefully a point and time would come where we can move forward.
Ameyaw debrah: How do social platforms such as facebook, myspace help you as an artist?
They are extremely useful. They allow me to more or less promote myself in a way that I feel is in my best interest. In addition, I have the opportunity to interact with fans on a more personal level.
Ameyaw Debrah: What are your dreams as an artist?
Primarily I would like to place myself in a position where I can have influence to make a positive change at some point. If it means signing to a major label then that’s what I want. If it’s possible for me, to achieve that’s as an independent artist then so be it. It comes down to whatever situation gives me greater exposure to the masses to hopefully have my voice be heard.
Ameyaw Debrah: Are you in touch with your Ghanaian roots?
Yes, I am very prideful. Even though I was not born in Ghana and haven’t been there since an early age, my dad, who is a chief in the Brong Ahafo region, reminds me of who I am all the time.
Ameyaw Debrah: What is your opinion of Ghanaian/ African music?
I love it whenever I get the chance to listen to it, but I am not very familiar in detail. What I will say is that Ghanaian music is very soulful and it evokes emotion because of its rhythmic instrumentation. ‘Ye Na Bra’ by 2 Toff is a song that I familiarized myself with a couple of years ago and I love it. I’m open to collaborations with just about anyone so long as they are focused creatively.
Ameyaw Debrah: What are your top five songs of the moment?
Tangerine Tinted Sunglasses, Chillin in It, Stop Quick (Pull Ova), When She Walk Past (Somethin’ Special), Lay it Down
Ameyaw Debrah: Your Top five all time best songs?
Tupac- Changes, Common- The Light, A Tribe Called Quest – Scenario, Michael Jackson- Earth Song, and
Notorious B.I.G- Juicy
Ameyaw Debrah: Which top five artists you would like to collaborate with?
I would definitely like to work with Common and Jay-Z. Beyond that, there are so many others that I don’t know where I’d begin.
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