Interview with Kony Brooks

Interview with KONY Brooks

Kony Brooks represents the Bronx to the fullest and has a big buzz in the hip hop scene. Putting out joints after joints, the youtube views are crazy and giving the fans what they want. With the new single “The Message”, Kony Brooks shows that hunger of being a dedicated successful artist. Intrigued takes the time to interview the multi-talented artist Kony Brooks as he speaks on his new project Kony Island, how he got into the game, his musical influences and being a successful artist.

1)            Yo, what it is? Joining me and Intrigued is Kony Brooks, he’s in the building. You got a big buzz here, the video “The Message” just came out. I know you’re satisfied with the video and the buzz from NYC.

Kony Brooks: Yes I am and thanks for interviewing me, it’s definitely an honor.

2)            Tell the world about KONY Brooks. How did you first get started and when did you take it seriously?

Kony Brooks: I'm a Hip Hop artist from the Bronx, NY Born and Raised. My name stands for King of New York. I'm 22 years old right now and I actually wrote my first verse at the age of 7 trying to impress a girl in my class lol. It went from that to freestyle battles in 7th and 8th grade where I linked with my longtime partner and best friend Zay Rhymes. I started actually recording at 14 and it was history right there.

3)            Who are your musical influences in the game and have you incorporated their styles in your music?

Kony Brooks: My musical influences are Notorious B.I.G., Eminem, and Lloyd Banks. I wouldn't say I incorporated their styles but I would definitely say these artists have influenced how I hear music, see the industry, and interpret life itself.

4)            You often been compared to The Notorious B.I.G. what do you think about that comparison?

Kony Brooks: I'm not looking to be the next Notorious B.I.G., but I think the comparison is an honor in all honesty. I'm glad people are able to mention all the work I'm doing in the same sentence as one of my biggest idols. I'm just ready to set my own legacy.

5)            Who we need to look out for in the BX?

Kony Brooks: ME! Lol, nah seriously there is a lot of dope talent coming out the BX on the underground circuit. We have artists like Zay Rhymes, LVG, The Apollyions, Young Zaya ONE, and the list just goes on.

6)            What do you think about French Montana and Fred da Godson’s success in the hip hop game and what is the difference in the BX rappers between KRS-1, Fat Joe, Big Pun and the new talent like French and Fred?

Kony Brooks: First off I think it’s a big deal that BX artists are bringing attention back to where it all started so big up to French and Fred. I think the difference between True School artists like KRS-1, Fat Joe, and Pun compared to new talent like French and Fred is the state of mind of listeners. KRS-1, Pun, and Joe all came up in a time where lyrical ability was everything compared to listeners now who only listen for a dope hook and a tight beat. French and Fred are able to give mainstream listeners what they want to hear while producing a style that is suitable to the ear of the person that wants to hear bars.

7)            You’re an independent artist with empire state of grind entertainment. What is the advantage of being independent?

Kony Brooks: Empire State Of Grind is my management company and the advantage always boils down to creative freedom for me.

8)            Your joint “The Message” produced by ISample. What does he bring to complement your style?

Kony Brooks: His style is raw Hip Hop. I needed to let people know I still have the raw ability and he was able to create a beat that screamed Hip Hop. It was just a perfect match that felt right.

9)            You got the album called Kony Island coming out. Can you give us some info about the album or you’re keeping it in suspense until it comes out?

Kony Brooks: I got you with a few details can't leak everything lol. It's dropping March 22nd on DatPiff. Long story short this is everything the industry wants crossbred with everything Hip Hop has been missing.

10)         Who are the guest appearances and producers on the Kony Island album?

Kony Brooks: I had the opportunity to collab with some dope artists such as Zay Rhymes, Teddy Grahams, Lil Sns, and more as well as some dope producers like H.I.T.M. Prouctions, ISample, and Inkomplete Productions. The list goes on but you have to stay locked and download the project.

11)         You released the album “Divine Right” did you get the positive response from the fans.

Kony Brooks: Yes I did and I'm extremely grateful for it. I owed that project to the underground listeners.

12)         Bronx be Banging on the “Divine Right” album is one of my favorite joints; it has a hard anthem beat behind it. Was that intended to rep the BX in an anthem type of way?

Kony Brooks: Thank you and yes it was. Now every time I'm on my block or I go into a venue I've performed at someone is singing the hook or the DJ drops that record for the Bronx. It’s a great feeling to know my home town supports me.

13)         Is there anything you would have done differently with “Divine Right”?

Kony Brooks: Honestly nothing major. Possibly a few recording techniques that I learned along the way but overall I feel like the project was a perfect representation of me and my message.

14)         What is the difference between Divine Right and Kony Island?

Kony Brooks: Divine Right was geared to the underground listener and more of a statement being made that I'm not that teen that spits a mean 16 but that I'm a man on a mission. Kony Island is more of a reflection of my life ever since I released Divine Right. Its a lot more personal, catchy without losing its lyricism, and an overall Hip Hop project.

15)         It seems like you’re doing your thing. Mad video hits on the Bronx Be Bangin video. Your grind is serious, how do you get your music to heads outside the Bronx and NYC?

Kony Brooks: A lot of artists forget that DJs are our best friend lol. I network with other artists and promoters working hard in their city and DJs that are willing to break new artists.

16)         In your opinion, what are your top five albums of all time?

Kony Brooks: Life After Death, Ready To Die, Eminem Show, The Blueprint 2, and Get Rich Or Die Trying.  

17)         What do you think it takes to be a successful artist and making a successful album?

Kony Brooks: I think it takes authenticity. If someone can relate to and feel your story most of the work is done for you. There's always a market for the artists that are willing to be themselves.

18)         Name five producers you would like to work with if budget is not an issue!

Kony Brooks: DJ Premier, AraabMusik, Cardiak, Eminem, Swizz Beatz

19)         What’s the future looking like for KONY Brooks? Any thoughts of signing to a major label!

Kony Brooks: I'm not ruling out being signed. I just want it to be the right deal, but until then I'm just focused on making sure my buzz is ridiculous and the fans/supporters truly enjoy this Kony Island project.

20)         Any upcoming projects and shows that we need to look for!

Kony Brooks: March 22 Kony Island drops and March 29th there will be a double album release party for me and Zay Rhymes in the Bronx at the Falcon Clubhouse. There will be celebrities and label reps in attendance. There will also be an old school Bboy/Bgirl battle so it’s going to be an epic night of Hip Hop.

21)         Anybody in the game, you haven’t worked with yet you would like to work with?

Kony Brooks: I'd like to do a Bronx Be Bangin Remix with Fred the Godson and Cory Guns. I'm just saying lol! I would like to work with The Weekend, Slaughterhouse, and Meek Mill as well.

22)         Before we wrap this interview up, any shout outs you want to give out?

Kony Brooks: I want to give a big shoutout to my manager Hustle Mo and the whole Empire State Of Grind family, Zay Rhymes, everyone who made this Kony Island project possible, my supporters, and a special thanks to you for the interview. Follow the twitter for updates on Kony Island @KonyBrooks