SLKT4 is a bright representative of so-called “EAST WAVE” or other words East European vibe. Being a resident of one of the post-soviet republics, SLKT4 is a mixture of Belarusian, Ukrainian, Polish and Russian blood.
Just recently, he has released a video on the joint called “Motorola”. «This solid track is a jiggy representation of Gotham living» – as it was stated by SLKT4 himself. The composition contains a lot of references connected with Slav culture distinctive evets. Like Chechnya war or the mass crimes in the 90’s. Hook sounds a bit lazy but in contrast with verse endings in comes up very catchy. “Motorola” has bars, flow and the potential of new-school banger.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
I was born in Germany but I’m not a German. Both of my parents were military officers that’s why we moved from place to place a lot, so during the first 2 years of my life we stayed in Germany. I grew up partially in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. I’m the essence of all these Slav cultures and for that reason I can’t even determine myself as one of these nations, I’m a universal East Slav boyJ
I started to be interested in music from the early age, my father used to listen to a lot of rock and metal such as Queen, Deep Purple, Metallica, ACDC and so on. I think he has a good taste for music for a guy who grew up in Soviet Union.
At the age of 12-13 I got access to some rap records( it was really hard to get some back in the days), some bootleg cd’s with oldcshool artists like NWA, Big L, NAS etc. and some of the those who were banging during that time ( Eminem, Xzibit, 50 cent). That’s when I first heard Pac and I just got in love with his music, he was the biggest inspiration for me to start composing myself.
And now 14 years later I represent what I call the “East Wave” of rap and talk about my life and the life of post-soviet 90s babies.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Nothing new here. Consistency is the key. You gotto put out music constantly and improve constantly, as the quality of your music increases you get more attention from the audience and from the people involved in event management. So just be consistent, communicative and pay attention to your social media and the content you put out, everything gotto be top-notch.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Not really. I’m a professional at what I do, so if something happens from the technical side, I just go with the flow and entertain the crowd until everything is fixed.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Right now I’m a local artist and it’s hard here to be heard and understood with rap in English. So the gigs we have here are usually the warm up-s (we were warming up Chris Travis the one from the Team SESH) and some quality club raves. I’m saying WE because I have a whole team, the hypeman is my producer and the Dj is my sound engineer, so it’s all really a team work. We have a plan on going universal so will see where it would bring us in the nearest future.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
In about a week we gonna drop another single called Sick Cream. It would be a different distinctive sound which Is more kinda depressive future r&b than just rap. We are also shooting video for another track from the upcoming mixtape called CheapLIfe
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Putting out good material is the best way to promote yourself, but of course we use our social media (our Instagram has more than 16K followers now) and our communicative skills to get heard.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Kendrick Lamar – LA, and 2pac – LA. Kendrick is a supreme rap figure right now, the only artist that is on the same level is Drake but his niche is different so it’s hard to compare those two. And Pac because he is a legend, I Admire of what he did in such a short time, performing with him is an unrealistic dream.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
On the 1st of March we have released a video for the joint called “Motorola” if you haven’t seen it yet you’d better stop sleeping cause it’s dope indeed. And As I already mentioned a new single is about to be dropped, than a video and then another video, so there’s a lot of work going on right now. Also in a couple of weeks another video will be dropped that was shot for my feature with Daniel Pertsev – a talented singer from New York with Slav roots. Daniel Pertsev – You (feat SLKT4) – it’s already out so you should check it out.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
I could be a marketer, a PR agent, a graphic designer or even a psychologist. Art and People are the things I’m good at.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?
I’m gonna blow. Period. So if someone’s reading this right now, better remember my career the way it is right now, cause everything gonna change in no time. I put a lot of work in my craft, I know the market and I know all my strengths and weaknesses. I’m here for the longest I’m here to change the face of the genre, I’m not here for a 1 day hype.
Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?
Shoutout to Yaki Boyz! Much love! Shout out to HijackGang! Arnold William, Tech Masta Dee, Melki Zdu, Sad Damon of Weed&Dolphins, Deep SK. Sending much love to LA to one of the members of HaterSquad my boy Kubu. A big shoutout to a fashion brand and just an insane skater squad НАПРАСНО! And of course a big shoutout to Daniel Pertsev in Big Apple.
Much love, Hijack Till Infinity!
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2lukbrTb2cYpynSTy5ru4l (https://goo.gl/64NzCd)
Lyrics: https://genius.com/Slkt4-motorola-lyrics
Socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slkt4/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rhymeselektah
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SLKT4official
