“The day I was born, Goliath had fallen, because the mere existence of me, a German and Nigerian rapper, traveler, and entrepreneur, isn’t something according to old standards that’s meant to happen.” This week I caught up with the 22-year-old pretty boy, who packs a punch with his lyrical flow, misfit attitude and entrepreneurial mindset, Kelvyn Colt. For those who don’t know Kelvyn, the rapper of Nigerian and German descent, started his musical journey from the age of 10 (Little Michael Jackson). His inspiration for lyricism and freestyling was sparked by his dad, who would often say to him on the spot, “here’re 7 words, make a poem, here’s 10 words make a poem”. That quick thinking and freestyling mindset quickly developed into a serious passion for music after aligning it with his musical inspirations such as 2 Pac and Eminem. Speed up 12 years, it’s now a serious career, writing his own music and music for others. All in the build up to his debut EP “Goliath has Fallen”.
How would you describe your style of rap?
It really depends on what type of topic I’m talking about. So you can’t pin me down and say that’s how Kelvyn Colt sounds. So, my debut EP ‘Goliath has Fallen’ starts off with a very soul type of vibe, then it transcends into a more aggressive east coast feel, with a trapping influence, then it ends up with bangers.
Why the title ‘Goliath has Fallen’ – who represents Goliath?
The industry is Goliath. Well, I always say, I was born the day Goliath had fallen. Because the mere existence of me is something that was not supposed to happen. So, black and white coming together, to make love and create something, according to old standards, that wasn’t meant to happen. Like, a German and Nigerian! Me rapping! Writing songs, travelling all over the world and working with different artists, that’s not supposed to happen. When I was younger I got scholarships to go to a very good law school, which I dropped out of to focus on rapping. Instead, I went to another school with a scholarship and was like the only black kid in the school. I felt like I was always the juxtaposition to the Institution! To the big one! To Goliath! So the fact that this tape exists means that Goliath has Fallen.
I like how you mixed German with English in your ‘Dorm Room Freestyle’. What would you say are the main things that set you apart from other rappers?
Well, I don’t always mix it (German and English), it’s only sometimes. What I think sets me apart is that I focus a lot on the technical side of rapping. Which is different to a lot of people with trap beats, or commercially viable beats, because very often they’re just shit rappers. For me it’s not only the technical aspect, I’m very much into lyricism, with Eminem having a big influence on my understanding of rap, as well as, 2 Pac. Also, I’m not afraid to experiment with sounds.
Your top 3 music artist right now?
Favorite food?
Anything with chicken, actually well I love Nigerian food so, Jellof rice or pounded yam with egusi soup.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Sade
2 Pac
Eminem
Finally, what’s next on the cards for Kelvyn Colt, obviously you’ve got the EP coming out, what else?
Yeah, I’ve got a few more music videos coming out, I’ve actually just dropped one called ‘Alone’ (watch below). But, yeah, just work and create more. It’s going to be a lot of music, but there’re other things I want to do. It sounds quite altruistic, but I want to be in a position whereby I can help other people to create. So, if it’s technology or music I just want to work with people and make great things.
Keep up with Kelvyn’s journey by following his Instagram here
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