Drew The Kiiid

Story

Born in Maywood, Illinois, the 19-year-old rapper/singer/songwriter , Drew The Kiiid, finds inspiration in Kanye West, J. Cole, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, Trey Songz, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Jhene Aiko, Frank Ocean, Chance The Rapper, Saba, and Smino to comprise a vaguely familiar, yet completely original sound. Drew began writing at just 8 years old and recorded his freshman single in early 2017. Since then, Drew has had various performances in Chicago, IL, Milwaukee,WI and Miami, FL. His second single, “Addicted” and his Craig Mack tribute, “Flava In Ya Ear (Freestyle)” were widely praised as they were featured on popular hip-hop blog, Earmilk. His 1st “Off The Top Tuesday” Volume has garnered over 3.5k views on YouTube and received praised on music blog, Elite Muzik. At just 16 years old, he started networking and establishing genuine connections with all kinds of industry insiders who continue to guide his career today. His work ethic and networking skills combined with his respect for the Hip-Hop, R&B, and Neo-Soul communities ensure Drew is a music mogul in the making.

Profile

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Influences

Equipment

What is music to you? What does it give you?

Music is a way out. A way out of sadness, a way out of my environment, and a way out of routine. It gives me a purpose, really. I never really knew what I wanted to do or was capable of doing until I picked up the pen and wrote my first song.

What is your music dream?

I want to be able to provide for my family. They're the people I do it for. I also want to build an incubator program in my city to help shape the path of Chicago's youth.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

I'd start with making sure everyone knew the true definition of love. Love isn't just an emotion or construct, love is me, love is you, and we should all love each other because we all have love in common.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong. I used to sing it everyday while wallking to school and my mom remembers how happy I was while doing it.

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Drake, J. Cole, Smino, Lauryn Hill, and Homeshake. They're the status quo for me.

What inspires you to make music?

Myself, really. I wanna do what makes me happy for the rest of my life! I get out of bed every day knowing that no one but me can make that happen.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

Anything is possible. ANYTHING! I had dreams of being in the MLB two years ago and now I'm having brunch in LA with music supervisors. Embrace your inner chameleon and chase after what excites you.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

I feel at home. I feel great. It's such an enjoyable experience for me, seeing everyone's reactions. It's beautiful.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

I feel it's very competitive, which isn't bad at all. Competition makes every victory, big or small, so much more satisfying. Makes me go harder!

What frustrates you most as a musician?

People feeling entitled. It's okay to be a little discouraged, as long as you don't lose sight of your end goal., but when I hear people talk as if music owes them something then they've already lost. The ability to make music is a privilege to me and anything extra is icing on the cake.

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

Definitely! Chicago has so much raw talent, so I try to catch a show or open mic as often as possible.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

A go-getter mentality. Confidence. A great team behind them, which takes time to build.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

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