The Krakan

Es ist nicht gerade eine Selbstverständlichkeit dass neue Rapkünstler auch wirklich Neues zu bieten haben. The Krakan scheint da eine Ausnahme zu sein – warum, das lest ihr in folgendem Interview. Eins ist klar: die Zeit bis zur Veröffentlichung des angekündigten “Dawn Of The Krakan” kann – so geht’s zumindest mir – gar nicht schnell genug vergehen. Nebenbei erwähnt wurde unsere Anfrage nach besseren Bildern mit der Begründung abgeschmettert, man wolle die Identität des New Yorkers ganz bewusst im Dunkeln halten. Na dann…

New York is suffering from extreme heat this summer. How do you manage to keep a level head?

Thank God for air-conditioning. Been spending a lot of time in the studio and we keep it well air-conditioned. It better be or The Krakan won’t be a happy dude! Mind you I like the heat as well. It get’s your blood running faster. I write better lyrics then.

Most people may have never heard of you – tell’em who The Krakan is…

Ah, the infamous “who r u question”. Well I say it like this: The Krakan is the last Rap Titan. He’s not a gangster, he’s not a thug, he’s an overlord. He represents ‘everyone’. I have had too many experiences in life in too many places to represent just one corner or one aspect of life. So “The Krakan” truly is the quintessential everyman. You can relate to him, yet revere him.

One can hear a jumble of styles right now – so what do you bring to the table?

If I had to describe my style I would call it “Cataclysmic Rap”. I seek to motivate people, be the adrenalin that moves listeners, call me Rap Caffeine if u will. There are too many listeners that are being ostracized by the limitations of gangsta rap and so called conscious rap. I love songs in both genre’s don’t get me wrong, but I seek to catch those who don’t feel totally represented by either. People like me.

When and how did you decide to enter the game? Did other people’s music bore you?

I have always loved hip hop and specifically rap to be precise. It just naturally felt like the art form that spoke to me the most. There are many songs I have loved over my lifetime but when I heard Method Man’s “Bring da Pain…” it was a wrap! That’s the first time I said… I want to be a rapper, and I want to make songs that stir the same feeling that “Bring Da Pain” stirred in me when I first heard it. Do other people’s music bore me? Lately it’s getting worse I must admit. I am not getting that feeling from hardly any songs coming out. That has accelerated me getting my music out. Instead of complaining ‘there’s no good music out there’, I want to put out music that I feel is good and let the public decide. You know, put up or shut up.

You’re working on your debut album “Dawn Of The Krakan” right now. Tell me about the recording process.

Man, it’s been a daunting experience. I produce all my songs myself and I don’t really sample. So I wake up with a beat in my head, lay it down in the mini studio in my crib. Tweak a few things then I take it to the main studio and finish it there. Most of my songs have come from within. There are gonna be songs on this album that I conceptualized and that have haunted me for up to 6 years. This album will truly be the best type of therapy for me – and hopefully any kindred souls I have out there.

What are the topics you rap about? Will this be a concept album?

It’s funny that you should say that, I initially conceived of this album as a concept album. It’s supposed to begin with my awakening, my observation of the state of the rap game and the world as a whole and the things that I feel are wrong with it, causing decay and what not. Then it’s supposed to chronicle the steps I take to get rid of the decay. Most of those songs are still there but I have other songs that don’t quite fit fully into the conceptual direction, so you could call it a semi-conceptual album. I rap about things I feel should motivate people to get of their asses and chase their dreams, no matter who they are or what it is. I rap about taking that extra step to be a good person in this world, hard as it is. I also do what I call my “Chest Thumping” rap. Hey, this is still rap, and at the end of the day that’s what we do I suppose: chest thump to show we are the best, or at least quite good at what we do… *laughs*

When will “Dawn Of The Krakan” be out?

The Album is almost complete and our ideal situation is to have it distributed by a major. We’ve actually had a bit of interest and if all goes well, God willing, the Album should be out about March 2007.

Will there be any featured rappers or producers or is the Krakan rather a loner?

No featured rappers and no featured producers. The Krakan is very much a loner. The Krakan is a mythological beast. I come out to do my duty then retire to my lair until I’m needed again.

Your rapstyle sounds quite interesting, how long did it take to find your personal style?

Not long, I would say I became comfortable with my style over a span of 3 years. It was always pretty much the same but I got better at representing what I’m saying lyrically with my vocalstyle as time progressed. Amassing copious amounts of studio time will do that to you!

You’re working with RaXicon Entertainment right now. To be honest with you – I’ve never hard of this label before. Time to clear things up…

*laughs* I’d be very surprised if you had. It’s very small and working with just me right now. So you could say I’m the label and the label is me.

Will there be any other artists signed to the label?

If things progress as we envision, then definitely. RaXicon has a distinct approach it wants to pursue though. The label desires people who make good songs first. Don’t care about the image, the background or who you know, just make hot heat from the heart. That’s why they roll with The Krakan.

We’re already at the end of this short interview. Time to drop some words to the listeners in Germany and all over the world!

Ah beautiful Germany! I’ve never had the opportunity to be there but I have a funny feeling I will be there a lot next year. I was rooting for Germany in the world cup as well! There is an integrity that Germany has always displayed when it comes to music and especially the Hip Hop fans out there. Keep following the music and not the trends. I will give you tracks that you will never be disappointed with. Stick with The Krakan, it’ll be an awe inspiring ride. One luv Germany. The Krakan abides.