Welcome to Kidd Kenn’s World
Head-turning ensembles and catchy punch-lines are what separate’s Chicago-born Rapper, Dontrell Smith – better known as Kidd Kenn, from other artists, it’s also what helped him garner the attention of thousands of adoring fans across the country while performing on sold-out stages. With an Exclusive Doll + Vinyl set with mass Retailer Target, to signing with Def Jam Records, Kenn is ready to take over the music scene. We chat with Kenn on everything from being a leading figure in Music to his latest single “Everywhere I Go”, check out our Exclusive Interview below.
Featured Interview:
Kenn! We’re so excited to speak with you! How are you? What are you working on this week?
I’m feeling great! I’ve been working on new music, of course. I’m working on new content, new ways to make the music better. I’ve also been performing and traveling which is great because I love to get to see my fans and interact with them. I’ve been to Texas, Boston, Atlanta, and LA – so many places!
Happy Pride Month! How are you celebrating? Can fans expect any live shows this month?
Happy Pride! I’m celebrating Pride month by giving my girls 30 days of content. On my socials, you’ll see 30 days of life and 30 days of fresh air. I have a show coming up this week in LA and a few other places. The show in LA is a showcase to show my peers what it’s giving. Next month I’m performing at Afro Pride in LA so I’m excited for that. I’ve been performing more and more lately and I’m loving it. There’s nothing like performing my songs on stage.
Can you tell us what was the inspiration behind your latest Single “Everywhere I Go?”
Yes! You’re getting a new single this month called “Everywhere I Go.” It’s a sexy song. It’s a different vibe – a little rap, a little something you wouldn’t expect, but something you would want to see at the same time. Being an artist I always want to expand my catalog and play with different sounds. I just went into the studio to try something different and came out with something new that I love. I hope everyone loves it too!
Do you have any travel plans for this summer?
I’m traveling to see my fans. It’s Pride month so I’m busy traveling and doing shows. I’ve been so excited to do these shows mainly because of the fans. I have new music that I’ve been teasing and it’s been a fun way to include them in the process of which songs I pick.
Heels or sneakers?
(Laughs). I’ve been in a sneaker mood lately. I love my sneakers, but of course, I’m not afraid to throw on a heel.
What is your songwriting process?
I make music in different ways, to be honest. It just depends on what comes to me. There’s not one way that I sit and make music. I may hear a beat that inspires me to talk my shit, or I may be freestyling with friends and a bar just sticks that I have to record and put in a song. It just comes to me.
We love all your eye-catching Hairstyles! What are some of your favorite hair products at the moment?
My favorite hair products are my brush, my Durag, some good leave-in conditioner, and of course my hair colors.
Are you ready for your upcoming Lollapalooza performance in Chicago? How does it feel to be performing in your old stomping grounds? The lineup is so good!
I’m more than ready! It feels like an opportunity to make my city have fun and show them what I’ve been working on over the past year. It’s a huge show and I already know the energy is going to be insane! We’ve been talking through creative and I’m just so excited to hit that stage and perform. Get ready!
How do you prepare for your live performances, Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I just pray to God and I just thank everybody around me who supports me, and I have a ball.
Tik-tok or Instagram?
Instagram. I’ve just always been an Instagram girl. I love to take a pic! It’s like being a model – snapping it up for the ‘gram!
What are some of your favorite Beauty products at the moment?
A good concealer and foundation. Fenty from Rihanna, of course. I love her! I’ve been getting into having my nails done sometimes when I’m feeling creative. Mostly when I’m on a certain vibe, to be honest. It’s an extension of my creativity.
If you could plan your own Festival, who would you have Headline?
Me, Nicki Minaj, Drake, and Beyoncé. That would be a show! I’m ambitious, but you gotta be.
Can you tell us your Dream Collaboration?
My dream collaboration is Nicki Minaj. It’s always been Nicki Minaj and always will be. I’m a “Barb.” Nicki plays a big part in who I am as a rapper and why I do what I do, and I will always respect her for what she’s done as an artist.
How would you say you are disrupting culture?
I came into the rap industry at 15 just being myself. Now, I’m 20 and I’m not forcing a look or persona that’s not me. I have to stay true to myself. I think that comes across in my look and in my music.
What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?
Don’t take “no” for an answer. One person might tell you “no” and another may tell you “yes” so just keep going until it happens.
How does it feel to have your own Doll available at Target?
It still feels unreal just because I’ve always loved dolls, so the fact that I have one of my own is crazy! The pre-orders were sold out. It’s something that I’m proud of. It’s something that I can’t wait to show my kids one day.
What are some of your favorite fashion brands at the moment?
You know what – I had a blast during the last New York Fashion Week. There were some really hot brands whose shows I loved. I was front row at NOiD, I walked in the MEFeater show. Oh my God! One of the designers gave me her dog to carry on the runway! Head of State was really dope. I’m falling in love with fashion these days and it’s been really fun. I love expressing myself through fashion, just like my music. I went to the LaQuan Smith after party and The New York Times ended up featuring me and my look. That was a moment!
What can fans expect from you this year?
Fans can expect a lot of bad shit going on. We are busy being bad all summer! New projects because we’re keeping it coming back-to-back. It’s a whole new vibe, a whole new me, and I’m ready to go! I’m ready to make my mark in the music industry.
CREDITS:
Photographer: RUEGUH
Creative Direction + Styling: Ani Hovhannisyan
Stylist Assistants: Tavaris Neal & Roman Ashford
EP: Modi Oyewole
Graphics: @fart.pdf
Retouching: Kareem Montes & LaQuann Dawson
Studio: Sekrit Studios
