I Do Conscious Rap

 Olasunkanmi Pedro popularly known as Kay L (Razz Butter Boy), has got radio DJ’s scurrying for a taste of his recently released singles, I Don Blow and Goodlife. The 2002 Economics graduate of Lagos State University, who is a gifted actor and musician, speaks about his music and sundry issues

When did you know you will play music?

I knew I was going to be in entertainment but I wasn’t sure if it was music or acting because I act and sing. During my school days, I acted and sang. I performed in stage drama in LASU, although I was not a Theatre Arts student. I was talented to do both but as time went by, my friends urged me to go into music full time. I discovered I could rap and sing when I was in Junior Secondary School One. I entertained the class with my friend, Raj Core, using our desks as drums and then we mimed and rapped songs. It was in 1998 when I entered LASU, that I finally started writing my own songs. I felt it was time I did my own song and show my talent. I had criticised other people’s songs and was expecting people to criticise mine. I drifted on and off the game for quite some time because I needed something that would fund my musical career. I didn’t have any back up from anybody, there was nobody sponsoring me; there was nobody to get money from, so I had to make sure that nothing suffered while I pursued my career. For me, it was school first before anything else. In the fellowship, I’ll do one or two songs and boys felt I should pursue a career in music. After school, I had more time on my hand because I was working and managing my career. I would go to the studio sometimes and even sleep there.

In what way did the fellowship influence your music?

I was playing music before I joined the fellowship. The fellowship in school is called Resistance Movement. It was an affiliate of Rose of Sharon, a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in GRA, Ikeja. It was a different Redeemed Christian fellowship, although we were all affiliates of RCCG. The members encouraged me the most because they were Christians and extremely positive. But I always had that drive and knew I was good, although I reckoned that I was a better actor than a musician way back. Even Theatre Art lecturers told me that I was wasting my time studying Economics. I did drama and even beat Yaw to roles whenever we were cast together. The girls liked me and that made me the favourite choice. I’m sure that if I pay equal attention to both of them now, I would opt for music.

Do you still intend to pursue a career in acting as well?

I still hope to pursue a career in acting only after my music has found the near-perfect rhythm. I have a friend that writes very well, Shola Mosuru, so there is a possibility that I’ll explore the option of acting at a point in my career. But now, I’m putting all my energy into music because I used to be in and out, but now, I’m putting all I’ve got into it.

Do you see yourself going abroad to further your career?

I’m a Nigerian and I like Nigeria. I don’t believe in travelling abroad to achieve success. Nigerian artistes have proved that we have loads of quality and creativity. Maybe a tour or for collabos but I’ll never leave Nigeria with the objective of staying abroad. I’m a Nigerian and I’m too proud as one.

You said you’ve been supporting yourself, what’s the stance of your parents on your music?

My parents have always been supportive and they are proud of what I do. Their stance has been that I go to school and get a degree, then when I’m done with school, I can face my music career. I sing, rap and dance at home and they have been very supportive. Generally, my parents were supportive but my education was of greater importance to them, they didn’t want me to be dependent.

How did you manage to combine school with music and acting?

I always wanted to play music but I was quite intelligent as well. I had a helpful room mate, Tola Takuro, who helped fill the gap. When I was either performing or singing, they were in class and they always relayed what transpired there to me.

What has influenced your rap music?

First, I get inspired by God and the Bible. I draw my overall inspiration from God but my past experience and the future influence me, while I pick a lot from my friends, tales, stories and many things that make our world a mystery.

What about rappers that have influenced your music?

I think Nas has had a lot of influence on my music. His content and lyrics show loads of education and research. I like Jay Z, Drake, GRITS, but locally, they are plenty because we have a lot of good artistes. I like Raj Core, we started out together but now he sings very well. I like M.I., Mode Nine, Ice Prince, Skills and a whole lot of artistes within Nigeria.

What has been your toughest challenge?

I would say money, because I have my hands on more than one thing at the moment. I thank God for Cash In Records, the label I’m signed to at the moment. We have our in-house producer, Ex O, who produced both tracks. He’s a very good producer, singer and rapper. He’s also near-perfect, although we all brainstorm and share ideas together. Before Cash In, however, it wasn’t easy. I had to learn 3D animation, graphics and editing to fund my music. I worked with Nigezie, Hip TV and now I’m with HiTv. I have to run stuffs by the side most of which I get owed a lot.

Tell us one producer and artiste you will like to work with?

I like to work with Will.i.Am internationally and Ex O locally. The only artiste I wouldn’t mind doing the whole of my album with is 2Face Idibia. I have always admired him since our stint at FESTAC. He’s unique and knows how to tell stories in his own way, while he doesn’t try to be like anybody.

What kind of rap do you do?

I would say I’m a conscious rapper. I talk about things that happen around us. I talk about morals and sensitive issues. I don’t do hard core. I talk about Christ but it’s an undertone. My rap is not tilted towards any particular idea. My single, I Don Blow, is a story of how I started my music career and the challenges I have faced. I titled it I Don Blow because I know that I will be successful.