Los Angeles, CA-based emcee/producer I-K-E- (Inspiring Kings Everywhere) presents the Reece Cross-directed music video for "Yo Soy Un Rey", the new self-produced single from I-K-E's forthcoming album _Corazón de Selena_. The "Rey" visual comes on the heels of the music video for previous single "Illusions" (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbSqQgYXWPA">watch on Youtube</a>) as well as previous singles such as "The Master" and "The World" which can be found on his <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/0yoxu9lCDAks1fKCx0rLaO?si=LKyjM4DkQReAs0fikK7O-Q">Spotify page</a>. "'Yo Soy Un Rey' means 'I am a king' in Spanish," I-K-E says when asked about the new track. "As Latinos in America, we've experienced our share of oppression, racism, and marginalization, and this can crush the spirit and cause us to see ourselves as less than we really are. I wrote this song to empower myself and others, Latino or not, who have been slighted by the current social structure."
What can you tell us about the track "Yo Soy Un Rey"? What was your inspiration? Thoughts behind the hook? Music video?
Yo Soy Un Rey is the intro to a themed album heavily inspired by Selena, my upbringing in Texas as a Mexican American, and my work to uplift the Latino community. "Yo Soy Un Rey" translates to "I am a King", which is a simple, yet defiant declaration. It's dedicated to Latinos and anybody else working hard to overcome obstacles and have their voice heard. The video was shot in the Fashion District of Downtown Los Angeles. It always reminds me of Mexico when I go: the hustle, the hard work, the Latino people and music, etc. The video ends at the Novo, where a group of fans first approached me and made the comparison to Selena, touching on the overall lack of Latino representation in mainstream and underground Hip Hop.
How has living in Los Angeles influenced your style of music?
Living in Los Angeles has forced me to step up my overall production and songwriting value.There's so much talent here in Los Angeles, and I love that it inspires me and brings out the competitive edge in many ways. Demographic wise, Los Angeles is overwhelmingly Latino. Even when I perform at a Dilated Peoples or Rakim show, Latinos are there and rolling deep. Without feedback from the group of fans I mentioned above, I'm not sure that I would have ever internalized the need to make this album. I kept the lyricism and production value a focus as usual, but sonically, language wise, and content wise, I made a conscious effort to tap into my Tejano and Latino roots.
What can we expect to see /hear from you in the future? New Projects?
I have several projects and collaborations completed or in the works, but this album, "Corazón de Selena" is priority. The album is complete, so listeners can expect more singles and more music videos. I think people will be surprised by some of the content and production, and hopefully inspired when they hear the complete body of work. I produce too, so while rolling out this album, I'm staying creative by making beats for other artists, or one-off singles for my self.
Who are you often compared to that's out now. How do you distinguish yourself from those artists?
Over the years, I've gotten comparisons to everyone from Evidence to Drake to J Cole. Those are probably the most common. I've heard Mac Miller as well. I think the common thread is the love for the art, and the emphasis on lyricism. With this particular album, I think what really distinguishes me from those artists is the content, the incorporation of Spanish, and the production.
What are your thoughts on the industry today?
I think there is a lot of talent and great music, and there's some music that I personally don't care for too much. As a hip hop head, of course I love seeing J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and similar artists win, but I also love listening to and learning from everything else that is out, especially from a production standpoint. I think there is a recent increase in successful Latino artists, so that's dope to see as well. Overall, there's so much talent out there and I'm excited to see the cream rise to the top.
With Trump gone, how do you think the Biden administration will impact the Hispanic American community?
You know they say, "never put your hope in a politician", but after Trump, I'm just anxious for more civilized and productive dialogue. I feel like he really contributed to polarizing the country further, and that makes compromise and communication more difficult. I hope we see policies that directly impact the Hispanic American community, whether that's through education funding and policy, immigration policy, minimum wage, criminal justice reform, etc. There's complicated issues that continue to impact the Hispanic American community, and we need thoughtful solutions. I'm always weary of lip service, but I'll be trying to do my part to stay informed and check for action.--