Interview: Khao310 "The Commencement 2.0"

By Silent_Ron

'Straight Outta Compton' comes it's newest Hip Hop artist, Khao310. Learning from the greats before him, Khao310 is on the road to creating his own legacy and achievements. With the recent release of his first EP called "The Commencement 2.0," learn about his roots and how he turned his dreams into a reality. 

What was your childhood like growing up in Compton?
It was definitely tough, being exposed to so many "negative" elements at a young age, it made me grow up fast. A lot of things are just the norm... gangs, violence, drugs day in day out. You have to have thick skin and an iron heart, Darwinism at its finest... survival of the fittest.

When and what made you start rapping?
I started rapping in the eighth grade, it was random really. I have always been heavily  into music. One day I was in class and just started jotting down a rhyme, it was a release for me put... my anger on the page instead of lashing out on the world.

Who are some your musical influences?
The most influential has always been 2pac, but DJ Quik, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Big Pun, Dr. Dre, the list goes on. I listened to a lot of artists and took bits and pieces to create my own style.

How do you feel about the rush of new talent coming from the West Coast?
I love it, I think we have broken the stereotype of the "typical" West Coast artist. The sounds are different, the stories are different, its not just about being ‘gangsta’ we have become way more versatile in this new era.

What makes you different from the other new West Coast rappers?
What sets me apart is my versatility. I strive to break myself of all limitations. I want to be able to work with any artist from any genre on any instrumental.

Now 2012 is an election year, Do you have an idea who your voting for?
Right now I'm still behind Obama, I hope he can finished what he started, and accomplish much more. I don't think he is getting the support he truly needs from congress to get his policies established.

What are your thoughts on the 'Trayvon Martin' situation?
It's a very tragic situation, it reflects our American history as a black people we never get a fair balance of justice. No one should be shot and killed if they are unarmed, but it happens over and over with the same results, nothing.

What should make people want to buy "The Commencement 2.0"?
It's something new and different, its personal, its passionate. It's the first chapter of a best selling novel.

Are there any artists that you would like to work with in the future?
There are plenty: Kendrick Lamar, Bruno Mars, Miguel, Chris Brown, Kid Cudi, Curren$y, B.O.B., and more.

What is the message you want people to receive from your music?
That the situations you are faced with don't define you; they mold you. You can accomplish anything you want if you have the drive to do it.

What advice would you give other aspiring musicians?
Never stop working, have faith in your talents, let the negatives motivate you to be even more successful.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
A legend, receiving someone's life time achievement award. Having my own businesses in operation and continuously changing the game.

Buy The Commencement 2.0 

Contact:
Youtube-Khao310
Website-Khao310
Twitter-Khao310