Exclusive Interview w/ 1O6&Park Champ Kay M.

Lilz: Kay M, for those who don't know who you are just give a quick description of what you do.

Kay M: My name is Kay M and I'm an independent Hip Hop/Alternative artist representing Rahway, New Jersey; The Garden State. I've done it all from corner street battles, crazed internet competitions, nationally televised competitions to independent overseas touring and Major Touring.

Lilz: How did you get the name Kay M?

Kay M: As a growing MC I went through several names in my lifetime till i felt as though I needed a name that described me as a person because I'm not a character. I'm just me and it just felt like the right thing to call myself because my initials are partially spelled out.

Lilz: From winning on 1O6, how did it feel? & did a lot of labels try to get a hold of you?

Kay M: Winning 106 was different because I had already seen how it was going to play out 2 years prior. Some people might not know this but I've been on BET's network for 3 years. I won once and they canceled the battle portion of the show in '07. Brought it back and then I competed again towards the end of '08 and had the tournament and championship in '09.

As far as labels, nah not at all. During that time of me winning the industry really was at a stand still because some many veteran artist were on the verge of releasing and then companies just didn't know what to do with themselves.

Lilz: Have you worked with anyone yet? & who would you like to work with?

Kay M: As far as music is concerned I've worked with Ron Brows, David Banner, Bangladesh, Chucky Thompson and Neo Da Matrix.

As far as performances, I've rocked with tons of artist from Big Daddy Kane, Immortal Technique, Nems, Rhymefest, Dj Premiere, Ice T, KRS-One to J Cole, Wale, Young Chris and Memphis Bleek. Just last week I rocked with Talib Kweli at Rutgers Fest in Piscataway Nj.

Lilz: Who are your influences?

Kay M: My influences or who am I inspired by? Because there's a big difference. As of right now no one influences me because I'm in a different zone time wise, mentally and spiritually. But I am Inspired by those I'm around like Small Town Scoundrels, Dead Poets, St. Joe Louis, MASH Music, Piano Cliq, London artists Mavell and Jack Flash, Nucci Reyo, Datin, Jess Jamez Figueroa, Poison Pen, End Of The Weak, youth movements like Starlight Music Academy, Endz 2 Endz, NOSWOL(No Sex Without Love) and Ctrl.Alt.Shift. Wow, see we could be here for days...onto the next one lol.

Lilz: The ladies would like to know are you single?

Kay M: Am I single? Well I've been divorced before but I've actually reconciled differences with my significant other and now my career and I are remarried and back together. It's been a year but its getting better every single day so I'm sure it will last for a very long time this go round.

Lilz: Who do you think is the best artist in Jersey?

Kay M: Right about now with all the work I'm putting in, I believe I am. Its amazing to be an artist, really find your comfort zone and then just leave it because you realize you can do whatever you like and still make life through music.

Lilz: Where do you see yourself in 1Oyrs?

Kay M: In 10 years I have no idea what I see anymore and I'm happy about that. It's honestly a blessing to not see a destination but know your ability to change life around however you want. 10 years I could be the greatest artist of my generation. I could be the biggest mogul. I could be a loving husband and father who finally decides to give up the work load to travel the world with his family and give them something they never had before. Who knows...

Lilz: What are your plans this year? Are you coming out with a new mixtape or album?

Kay M: I've already dropped 2 mixtapes this year and gave people what they wanted. I was asked for mad lyricism; "Practice Makes Perfect Prt 1". I then was asked for records; "Practice Makes Perfect Prt 2". I really was ready to do a part 3 and 4 but I'm more interested in completing another batch of projects. For instance, after the recording of "Piano Sigh Pha" for the Dead Poets album; all the artist on the track feel as though there's more music to be made so we're actually going to be recording some songs in a few weeks and put together a promo album under the name Piano Cliq(Tab of Dead Poets, Kay M, Chris Reg, Khalil Kash, Renagade of Dead Poets).

I think it's going to be a remarkable project but what I'm really excited for and I'm sure a lot of people are is the release of my first solo album titled "The Down Payment" which is already halfway completed and the 1st single has been chosen.

Lilz: How do you feel about the music out today?

Kay M: I think music today is nice. A lot of artist are trying to make things that will appeal to the masses and that's great for business. But for the preservation of music and culture, we need more then artists trying to relate to people. We as artists are already people so what we like other do too. But what can you do as a young up and coming performer when there's still a lot of elderly veterans going hard for the spot light because they don't want to let it go.

I used to think the game was like the NBA. But I've come to realize its impossible to be that way because all the Jordans, Magics, Clyde Drexlers, Larry Birds have control over this league; not the commissioner. We thought as a younger generation we could be slick and create a subculture with this wonderful internet world known as "blogs". But man do you we have it all wrong, no offense. But I guess that's meant for another interview haha. Yup Yup.

Follow Kay M on twitter @itskaym.