Kane Keed has stated that he would rather work independently rather than sign with a major label for now.
It's that time of year when people reflect on their year, and few up-and-coming South African rappers have had it quite like Kane Keed.
“It's been a very interesting year because a lot has happened this year. I've achieved things that I thought would take me four or five years to achieve,” said the rapper, whose real name is Lonwabo Nkoesa. Ta. The Citizen.
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Kane Keed is all the rage…
The 21-year-old saw his rise in the local hip-hop world in 2024 after his freestyling videos went viral and went viral.
Not only has it garnered attention from local fans of the genre, but global celebrities have also been impressed by Kane Keed's skills.
American producer Timbaland and former basketball player Shaquille O'Neal are among the international viewers who shared and reacted to his video.
“It’s been a crazy year with a lot of growth. Back in January [sic] “I never thought I would be in the position I am in now,” he said.
What is your position? The young rapper admits that he's still growing, but confidently says: Recognized not only on the “up-and-coming” stage but also on the mainstream stage. ”
“International legends like Timbaland know my name and my work. I think I'm in a position where I can either take advantage of this situation or let this situation destroy me,” he said. “My plan is not to let this break me,” he said.
There was a video of him rapping to a beat by American rapper Benny the Butcher that went viral. “The Benny feature was just the catalyst for everything, because then everything just accelerated.”
The video happened to reach the American rapper, who was scheduled to perform at the Back to the City hip-hop festival in Johannesburg in October.
“His team reached out to me. It was all organic and came from Benny's team and Benny himself.”
“It's really inspiring and it's also an encouragement to the kids that I represent. As the self-proclaimed leader of a new school, I want to thank everyone who follows me, believes in me and supports me and that this is all possible. I want people to understand that it takes dedication, hard work, and a love for the craft.”
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independent
The Tembisa-born rapper said he started recording at the age of 14 and started releasing songs around the age of 17.
Kane Keed is part of a generation of young artists who are wary of signing with major record labels. You like to do things independently, which gives you creative and financial freedom.
“I feel like I still have a lot to build and I still have a lot to do for myself and my brand. So when I sign, that day has come. Sometimes I get to say, this is what I offer,” the young artist said.
His music is self-released in cooperation with distribution companies. Explaining his thinking behind this, Kane Keed said:
“Over the past few years, we've seen what record companies have done to artists. will be handled.”
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music inspiration
He describes himself as a leader in new school rap because he believes no one is doing what he does right now. He offers expert writing with raps reminiscent of old school hip-hop and balances it with catchy modern beats.
“I didn't get into this scene by following the latest trends. I got into the game by rapping. Rapping about real things that everyone can relate to and telling stories through words.”
His taste in hip-hop is a combination of new school and old school artists, but the common denominator is a high level of rapping. Some of his inspirations include ProKid, J.Cole, and Lupe Fiasco.
His name pays homage to veteran American rapper Big Daddy Kane. “I brought up Big Daddy Kane's 'Kane' as an artist that influenced me. 'Keed' is just Kidd, taken from an artist named Kyle,” he said.
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Outlook for 2025
If 2024 was the year that Kane Keed laid his foundation in the industry, 2025 will be a pivotal year for him to lay that foundation and solidify his position in the industry.
“It's very important for me to make a significant move next year because it's either I stay on this journey and prove that I'm who I say I am, or I step back and be completely forgotten. This is the year when things will be decided.”
He is preparing to release an EP in the first half of 2025, with several feature appearances scheduled.
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