We had the good fortune of connecting with Kie Sample and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kie, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am form Los Angeles, California. My parents are big on Music, more specifically Hip-Hop. So over my childhood, I was constantly surrounded by music and its culture. On the way to Elementry School my parents would always play my favorite CD, Kanye’s 3rd album “Graduation”. Throughout time my knowledge and exposure to Hip-Hop only grew. In middle school, I listened to classics like Nas’s “Illmatic” and J.Coles’s “4 Your Eyez Only”. In 2020 I decided to try making my own music. I like the sounds of classic Hip-Hop and the drums in modern trap. So I decided to merge the two. For a couple of years, I would make beats for fun, it was mainly just a hobby of mine. Occasionally I would preview my music for some friends and family, but I wouldn’t promote it. One night I was playing some of my beats in my home studio when my dad and his friends walked in. One of those people happened to be Tupac’s Outlawz member EDI Mean. He took a liking to my music and was impressed with what I could make. Some time passed and we collaborated on a song together called “Why We Up” which also got a music video. The fact that someone so influential in Hip Hop liked my music enough to want to collaborate inspired me to work further to better music. As of now, I am continuing to make music and work on projects with multiple artists. If it wasn’t for my parents exposing me to Hip-Hop, and EDI Mean wanting to collaborate, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Since I love the sound of 80s-2000s Hip-Hop and modern trap drums, I wanted to take the best parts of the two and combine them. I would make beats with classic sampling and modern hard-hitting drums. I haven’t seen many songs with this type of producing style so I would say it is unique.
What I love so much about making music is sharing it with others. When everyone is in the studio playing their music, it’s such a great vibe. What is great about it too is that everyone has different ideas, someone could suggest something that I would have never thought of. I’m a social person, so the ability to do what I love and share it with like-minded people is all I can ask for.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The first place I would go is probably Old Town, Pasadena. There is everything you need there. Clothing stores, Tech stores, jewelry stores, and restaurants. There is also the Civic Center where they record America’s Got Talent. A restaurant that you must try is Ramen Tatsunoya. Tatsunoya has the best ramen I’ve ever had hands down, my personal favorite. For a drink spot, I would have to recommend T-Pumps. I’m not crazy about Boba but T-Pumps makes some really good stuff, their boba is always fresh and I do enjoy getting a refreshing drink occasionally. Finally, a place I go for sightseeing is Hollywood. There is always something going on and I love to drive around and see all the exotic cars that drive by. Plus all the cool buildings and people.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First Shoutout has to go to my parents for raising me right and raising me on Hip-Hop and music, wouldn’t be here without them, especially the time when my Dad would make the effort to help me out when he didn’t have to. Next one has to go to “The Boys” for always being there to listen to my beats and give me honest criticism to improve. Last but not least has to go to EDI Mean. EDI has helped mentor me through the music industry and has given me knowledge that I will never forget. I also can’t forget about everyone who’s supported me through the process, much love!
Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/06dPQevwRgPiFWPap6X6Mg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiesample/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_JXYBngEc8
Other: https://hiphopxxiv.com/edi-mean-links-with-kiesample-on-new-single-why-we-up/amp/
Image Credits
Photos with me wearing Yellow: Zach Johnson @itszach11
Other pictures don’t have credit.