King Mook is a rising star on the Hip Hop scene, whose versatility ranges from views on social injustice to motivational infused records while providing heavy hitting bars and thought provoking lyricism. Originally born in Waterbury, Ct but raised in New York King Mook’s vast influences stemmed from other powerful Hip Hop artists such as Tupac, Nas and other New York natives 50 Cent and Jadakiss. Currently King Mook is expanding his music career within the stomping grounds of Atlanta, Ga. With his latest single “Concrete Rose†currently receiving publicity and positive feedback following his Reign Supreme: Rise Of A King mixtape debut he is certainly an artist to watch. For more up to date information and latest news surrounding King Mook the artist make sure to follow his movement on social media Instagram, Twitter @IAMKINGMOOK Also up to date music on Soundcloud, Reverbnation @KINGMOOK.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist? Â
King Mook: My story is quite unique. I was born in Waterbury,CT raised in New York and now I live in Atlanta,Ga. My decision to become an artist comes from my love of hip hop and music in general and the power it has to be a positive influence on my culture.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
King Mook: King Mook is derived from two places. I call myself King as a term of endearment history tells us the black man was the original man on earth and Mook has been my nickname since childhood so I combined the too and ran with it. Instead of being cliche and just taking a another person or characters name.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
King Mook: I like the concept of online music sharing because it helps you reach and expand your presence to people not in your immediate surroundings. Yeah, I’ve given away music for free and will more than likely do it again. Mixtapes and EP releases are necessary in my opinion for underground artists. Especially in this era I see free music as a means to feed listeners when album sales are at an all time low even for established acts.
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?
King Mook: The only advice that I can give at this point since I’m fairly new to the game. Make sure the places you try to get gigs and airplay at support your style of music or are open to your unique brand. Some places are close minded and may not support what you got going but don’t be discouraged keep pressing forward. Even if they turn you down or away somewhere will accept you once that door opens up make ya presence felt.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
King Mook: I’ve made mistakes during a performance before and the only way to handle it is the old motto “The Show Must Go On!” You can’t let a miscue shape ya entire show brush it off keep going it maybe your first mistake but it won’t be your last either.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?Â
King Mook: No I don’t tour at the moment haven’t received the opportunity yet but when I do I’ll come back with something interesting I’m sure.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process? Â
King Mook: I usually gather my inspiration from several places events in my life or environments I’ve been around or influenced by. Also I like to incorporate current events with lost knowledge and expound upon different perspectives in the world or life. The songwriting process for me is a constant thing I’m always jotting down lines or ideas and concepts even on the go. Then when I lock in I just get lost in my rhyme books and go off what the beat tells me to say.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
King Mook: I currently don’t have a band website I will soon so people can get all my exclusive material in one place. The online platforms I use to share my music are Soundcloud, Audiomack, DatPiff and Reverbnation.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
King Mook: (Laughing) I wouldn’t say I have any embarrassing songs in my mp3. I listen to all types of music which is apparent when you have a music convo with me the only embarrassing part is probably when I try to sing along with some of the old school tracks I have such as Isaac Hayes, Rick James or James Brown! (Laughing)
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it? Â
King Mook: If I was given a half million dollars and a year off the first thing I would do is pay all my bills off and lock myself in the studio. I’d be prepping and completing projects for the next several years with that much free time on my hands. I wouldn’t blow the money I’d help out my parents with what they need and save the rest.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now? Â
King Mook: I don’t have any planned studio upgrades at the moment pretty satisfied with the new mic’s and interface I recently purchased. My first time using them were on my latest project Black P.O.E.T and I like how the mix turned out. However if I learn of better equipment I’ll be picking it up. Right now I’m making my music in some friends studios its going well loved to get in a professional one soon though.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
King Mook:I find ways to promote my music through blogs and site placements such as this one who promote for upcoming artists. I also try getting my songs on the radio much as possible. To be honest at this point I believe word of mouth has worked best for me. A positive review from another person can really gravitate a fan to you.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?Â
King Mook: If I could perform anywhere with any artists dead or alive. I’d love to do a full show with Tupac. I believe our content would mesh well and then our energy during a performance feeding off each other would be insane. Where we did the show doesn’t even matter to me just gracing the stage with a legend like him would be out of this world. But if I had to pick a stage I suppose Madison Square Garden.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
King Mook: I just released an EP Black P.O.E.T on Memorial Day so I want the people who haven’t gotten Black P.O.E.T too definitely go download and listen to that. At the moment I’ve got a couple projects in the works. I’m a be linking up with DJ Top Notch to host a mixtape series I’m putting together right now we’re talking logistics on that right now. Got some dope beats from producers Pyrex Apollo and Don Bino so definitely be on the lookout for that.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing? Â
King Mook: If I wasn’t making music I would probably be solely working on cars. I got a knack for that I’m good with my hands.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head? Â
King Mook: The first album I ever bought with my money if I remember correctly was Outkasts Stankonia. The only thing that was going through my head at the time was that choir singing “Bombs Over Baghdad” that song was so hype I had to get it.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
King Mook: Juggling everyday responsibilities and music is a handful and gets stressful. I’m just blessed I have a wife who supports me and what I do and understands what I’m striving for.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016? Â
King Mook: As far as 2016 goes I want all the fans who haven’t gotten the Black P.O.E.T EP to go get that from Soundcloud, DatPiff and Audiomack. I have visuals being released on that soon and add me on Twitter and Instagram @IAMKINGMOOK to get the latest updates.
