Some say that those with resilience and determination pave the path to success. Hollywood Kilo stands as a true testament to this, overcoming formidable challenges others would have turned away from. Refusing to be defined by his past, he emerges as an entrepreneur in the truest sense, navigating his journey with unwavering tenacity. Growing up in the "golden era" of Hip Hop and R&B, Hollywood Kilo seamlessly melds Midwest and West Coast rap styles to craft a fusion that is uniquely his own. Paired with a vocal range so enchanting, even the birds pause their chirping to listen. What sets him apart is not just his musical adaptability, but his ability to connect with the audience on a profound level. When locked in, Hollywood Kilo transcends the typical rap delivery, inviting the audience into a heartfelt conversation that provides a sense of comfort through storytelling. Beyond his individual artistry, Hollywood Kilo envisions a collective rise, as evidenced by the creation of Rock Botttom Records, with emphasis on the three "t's" in the name. This is essentially a platform that amplifies the voices of talents like Yung Majin, A.P., and Amè Doogz. With a keen ear for talent and a visionary leadership style, Hollywood Kilo is on a mission to turn his dreams into reality. Continue reading our interview below to see how one day has now turned into day one for this visionary artist.
__
RIPDAYDREAM: I will be the first to admit I am late to the Hollywood Kilo train, but better late than never. No stops, no detours, only forward momentum and that's how your music and story feels to me. For our readers can you give some insight into who Hollywood Kilo is?
Hollywood Kilo: As an artist, my roots run deep. I was born and raised on the east side of St. Paul, Minnesota, but I've since relocated to the vibrant city of Salt Lake, Utah. My music journey has been shaped by the incredible resilience and determination of my mother, who took a leap of faith by moving from Samoa to America with nothing but a dream and three kids to raise and feed on her own, Growing up I faced the challenges of being a felon, which made finding employment a real struggle. But I refused to let my past define me. I embraced the spirit of entrepreneurship and learned to create my own opportunities. I've seen the rough times, like sleeping in a tent outside of church grounds, or getting betrayed by a brother, or losing loved ones to drugs or to gun violence but through it all, I've held onto my faith and praised the name of God. My art is a reflection of my journey, and I trust the timing of it all.
__
RIPDAYDREAM: I have done a deep dive into your music and to me you are two artists in one. On one side you can sing your ass off and could have a whole career in R&B, and on the other side you go bar for bar rapping lyrics like you are Rick Ross reincarnated. My question simply is where did this dynamic musical talent come from and how did you develop your sound?
Hollywood Kilo: I grew up during the late 90s and early 2000s when R&B and Hip Hop were booming. It was the golden era and I remember watching shows like '106 & Park' and 'Rap City', soaking in all the freestyles and telling myself one day ima make it big and be in Hollywood on the big screen too. Which explains why I fuck with the melodic vibes with bass that could knock a damn school bus over lol. Back in the day, we used to have these cyphers at the back of the school bus or at the end of the cafeteria lunch table. Even after school, we'd head up to the park and have rap battles. The love for the culture was real, being from the Midwest and now partly on the West Coast, it's definitely shaped my sound and style. The influences from both regions have blended together to create something unique.
RIPDAYDREAM: What does your creative process look like when you first dive into a song? It really feels like you put emphasis on being a storyteller in your lyrics so the audience can understand you better not only as a artist, but as a person.
Hollywood Kilo: When I make my music, my flow is laid back and more like I’m talking instead of rappin. I want the audience to feel like I’m having a conversation with them through a lot of my songs. To capture that authenticity, I gotta be in the right mindset. If I'm rapping about trappin I was probably trapping, and if I'm sharing stories about being locked up, it's because I've been there. My lyrics are all about drawing from my own experiences, keeping it genuine and relatable. It's like therapy for me and for the listeners too. We connect through the music and find solace in knowing we're not alone
__
RIPDAYDREAM: Something that needs way more recognition is the Rock Bottom Cypher. Not only did ya'll just put out the hardest cypher to ever come out of Utah, but the crew you are a part of is all upcoming hit makers. Yung Majin, A.P., Amè Doogz, and yourself seem to just perfectly vibe together. How did you all meet and when did Rock Bottom Records form?
Hollywood Kilo: Rock Botttom Records came to life while I was locked up, facing some tough charges. It was a real turning point for me. Sitting in that cell, I started thinking about my life and where I wanted to go. I realized music was my calling. So, I hatched a plan to create a record label that embraces the rock botttom because sometimes, that's where the best foundation is built. It's about understanding that when you're at your lowest, the only way to go is up, and let me tell you, the timing couldn't have been more perfect. I brought together some crazy talented artists like Majin, Ap, and Doogz. Our styles just clicked instantly, and we spell "botttom" with three T's, which represent trust the timing. Everything happens at the right time, and let me tell you, the timing of us coming together was perfect We're creating something amazing
RIPDAYDREAM: Where do you see yourself going with your career because from my seat it seems the sky is the limit.
Hollywood Kilo: I plan on continuing to drop music for the next two years and then falling back into the scene and working with other artists maybe doing some artist development or ghost, writing. I’ll continue to manage the Rock Botttom artists and help them maneuver with all of the connections that I have created and all the lessons I’ve learned from being in this industry. With my ear for talent, my leadership abilities, and my vision for the future the sky truly is truly the limit.
__
RIPDAYDREAM: Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or collaborations you're working on?
Hollywood Kilo: No sneak peeks right now you just gotta stay tapped in.
Comments