In an exclusive interview, emerging artist Trap King Chrome (TKC) and Essex rapper K1 The Real unveiled their collaborative EP titled ‘Overseas,’ marking a groundbreaking collaboration between London and Essex. Packed with dynamic tracks like ‘Up’ and ‘Trenches,’ this project breaks boundaries and leaves a lasting impact on listeners worldwide.
Packed with dynamic tracks like ‘Up’ and ‘Trenches,’ ‘Overseas’ not only unites audiences globally but also bridges cultures, making waves in the music industry. With its infectious beats, heartfelt lyricism, and powerful collaborations, the EP solidifies Trap King Chrome and K1 The Real’s position as rising stars in the music scene, poised to make a significant impact in the years to come.
Can you share with us the journey of how the collaboration with K1 The Real, came about for the ‘Overseas’ EP?
Me & K1 been working together for years. I’ve always been seeing him work and there was a time I guess he was just fed up with game. I didn’t wanna see my brother quit music so I encouraged and embraced him as part of GTP aka Get That Paper Gang. Since 2021 he’s just been perfecting his work and learning more skills like engineering graphic design and even shooting and editing videos. He’s crazy I’ve become a fan of his work as he has with mine, we’ve been working together since get-go so this EP was inevitable. We just testing the waters with this one if it goes well we might deliver an album together as crew GTP/Trenches
Can you share insights into the creative process behind tracks like ‘Up’ and ‘Trenches’? How did you navigate the blending of diverse musical styles to create a cohesive project?
TKC: Me & K1 are always sending instrumentals and unfinished songs to each other. ‘Up’ was and is my favourite, I asked K1 for a hook and he delivered, I had recorded ‘Trenches’ and it was unfinished so I was sending it to K1 to see what he thought. He liked it but i didn’t really like it until he sent it back and it just made sense. When me & K1 work together, we are already versatile artists so we can rap on anything when our flow comes together it brings a unique vibe
K1: Trap has shown me he is a sick artist numerous times, As soon as i heard trenches i knew i had to get to work, but he sent me a banger so it was only right i sent one back
‘Overseas’ is described as breaking boundaries and leaving a lasting impact. What specific elements or themes in the EP contribute to this distinctive quality?
TKC: Me & K1 are the ones breaking boundaries and leaving lasting effects on people. We are that distinctive quality nobody sounds like us.
K1: Me and trap have worked together for a long time, you can hear it when you listen to the track. I always keep it 100 and people can relate
The lead single, ‘Up,’ is anticipated to be a summer anthem. What inspired the energy and chemistry behind this track, and how do you envision it resonating with listeners?
TKC: Heard the beat and went mad on it. But I couldn’t think of a chorus so when I was in the studio recording ‘Let You Know’ for my solo project I did my verse for ‘UP’ and got stuck on the chorus so I sent it out to K1 and he absolutely slaughtered it and sent back a verse too, from there it was khalas! He bodied it then I was like this has to be for the EP.
K1: Up was originally for one of my own projects but when trap came to me with the idea for the tape we decided it was better suited to what we got going on
‘Trenches’ explores life’s realities and inspires resilience. Could you delve into the themes explored in this particular track and the message you aim to convey through it?
‘Trenches’ was initially inspired by K1’s clothing line and also from the fact that we are really from the ‘Trenches’ I just speak my truth but I wanted to have fun with it. The crews called ‘GTP’ that stands for ‘Get That Paper’ that money so it’s money over everything! Get your money first even if it’s a work from home job where you’re on a laptop, get your money then worry about everything else 2nd. You can’t do shit without cash but be careful cause if you go to jail tryna get that paper your team better be solid cause a lot of people are claiming to loyal until they think you have 24 years in jail
As individual artists, how did each of you bring your unique styles to the table and contribute to the overall sound of the ‘Overseas’ EP?
K1 is just a beast. Me I’d like to see myself as a versatile artist I have fun with it while incorporating my truth. Me and K1 ain’t in the studio together but he’ll bring a verse back in 2hours sometimes after hearing the beat so I’m dealing with that, he’s a perfectionist.
My name is k1 THE REAL for reason, if say something i mean it thats why you understand me. People dont like what they cant understand. You can understand our EP clearly
How has the collaboration on ‘Overseas’ influenced your growth and artistic development as musicians?
TKC: Working in a team requires patience. You need to know who you working with. I never have doubts with a K1 verse but as for myself knowing I’m working with my partner I believe it pushes me to perform better overall
K1: Its great to collaborate on a project like this because traps fanbase gets to hear me. My fanbase gets to hear him. It makes the promotion process alot easier
What challenges did you face during the creation of the EP, and how did you overcome them to deliver such a compelling project?
TKC: We recorded the project in separate countries… I’m always flying here and there sometimes it’s 4:50 am in the morning when I’m calling bro to check out a new beat lol and bros got a wifey at home! Shooting the videos was mad cause of concepts and ideas we had to try without the both of us being present in the same place. But difficult takes a day impossible takes a week. We made it happen
K1: The main difficulty was recording the tracks and working out videos while being on different sides of the planet, but we ran into plenty of other issues as trap will tell you. Still we move and we got it completed
The EP is described as uniting audiences globally and bridging cultures. How important was it for you to create music that transcends geographical boundaries, and what impact do you hope it will have?
I travel the world people hear my music everywhere I go. I even do listening parties ahead of releases, you’re never gonna please everyone but if I can connect with an audience member or a fan I done my job
Trap King Chrome, you recently released the mixtape ‘The Dark Knight.’ How does this project differ from ‘Overseas,’ and what can listeners expect from your follow-up album, ‘Black Superman’?
The Dark Knight i dropped some time back as a raw mixtape I recorded mixed and mastered the whole project myself and all within a month. ‘Overseas’ had K1 in the kitchen and I used new beats this project I would say is more for the fans whereas Dark Knight’ I was just airing out my own stories from a dark place. ‘Black Superman’ is the next project and it’s gonna be ready from August, it’s my official comeback solo project which will be followed up with a tour
Tell us about your journey in opening a burger restaurant in Nairobi. What inspired this entrepreneurial venture alongside your music career?
‘The Big Munch’ located in Ruaka came about as my Brother is a chef so we was looking at opening up Airbnb’s in Singapore and a restaurant in Africa. I’m involved in a lot of investments outside of music that’s what’s kept me travelling.
How do you balance your roles as musicians and entrepreneurs, especially considering the diverse nature of running a restaurant and creating music?
I delegate. I have a great team behind me without it would be a lot more time consuming so they make it possible but mostly you have to have your priorities in place and timing straight and you can do a lot more than the average person. It’s discipline
Looking ahead, what future projects or collaborations can we anticipate from each of you, both individually and collectively?
More Music More Videos More Shows. More Noise. I’d work with K1 anytime all he has to do is send the beat and I’m on it. But I don’t wanna jinx anything God has in store for me so the rest will just have to surprise you
Lastly, do you have any upcoming performances, events, or tours in support of the ‘Overseas’ EP, and how can fans stay updated on your latest endeavors
Tours and Events are all being sorted by my booking agent so as the paperwork is being signed I’ll be letting guys know everything on my socials and YouTube page ‘Trap King Chrome’ I’m ready I hope they are.
‘Overseas’ not only unites audiences globally but also bridges cultures, making waves in the music industry. With its infectious beats, heartfelt lyricism, and powerful collaborations, the EP solidifies Trap King Chrome and K1 The Real’s position as rising stars in the music scene, poised to make a significant impact in the years to come.
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