Jamaica’s Kxng Izem channels the strength of a lion through reggae

Photo courtesy of Kxng Izem.

Dailyreggae.com interviewed Kxng Izem, where Kxng discusses his musical influences, Wildfire album, Rastafarian influence, and excitement for Jamaica’s rising reggae stars.

Tell us about the inspiration behind your new album, Wildfire.

I started recording the album Wildfire at the studio called Troublemaker here in Jamaica. It shows my personality, sound, and influences that I love, which come from dancehall, reggae music, hip hop, R&B, and even afrobeat.

I really tried to put all those elements in the album, so people can get all the sides of Kxng Izem you know? The inspiration behind the project is life. My experiences on a day-to-day basis. The concept of wildfire is how I love to see my music and consciousness coming from Jamaica spread across the world.

You have such a cool flow! How was the album put together? Do you work with other musicians to create the beats?

Yeah, it depends but, on this project, I got the beats first and then I wrote the lyrics to them. I carefully picked the beats to find the sound I was looking for and what connects with me, because I only sing on things, I connect with sonically.

I partnered with Harry Hunt from England, ChrisVille, a producer here in Jamaica, and a producer, Troublemaker. We all worked together. Some of the album was recorded in Troublemaker Studios and some were recorded in the legendary Harry J Recording Studio, which is the same studio Bob Marley’s Catch a Fire album was recorded.

What was the experience of recording in that studio? That must have been amazing recording in a place with so much history!

Yeah, that studio is one of the best studios we have in Kingston. The recording booth is a large room and the reverb in there was carefully constructed, so it’s really good. You get a really special sound from it. There’s a feeling in there because it’s so legendary, it makes you want to do your best.  

Yeah, the vibes are coming off the walls, right?! Tell us about your collaboration with Blvk H3ro.

I’ve known Blvk H3ro for a long while. 7 or 8 years now. I’ve known him from the inception of my career and his as well. When I was just starting in reggae music, I realized he was doing the same thing.

We have different sounds and I gravitated to what he was doing. Since the pandemic last year, he reached out about us doing a single and it was long overdue. We went into the studio and created some magic. The world loves it. The music video has great reception.

How did you get started in music and making songs?

I’ve been making music as early as the age of eight. It was a profession. I wasn’t doing it every day. When I was in high school, I started writing more. By the time I was 17, my friend brought me into the studio, and I started writing music every time we went. He couldn’t finish all of his songs at once, so we started writing together.

Music is the best way for me to express myself.

Are there some artists that have really inspired you?

There are a lot. I love music. The main one is Bob Marley. He’s also a spiritual person and I can really hear it in his music. His music is his truth. That’s what I try to do. To make my music my truth.

I love Burning Spear, Nina Simone, Kendrick Lamar. I’m a big fan of R&B music too. I love Brandy, Monica, and those artists too that I grew up with.

How would you describe the message that you’re conveying through your music?

My message is Rastafari. It’s the teachings of Rastafari. That’s what inspires the message that I put into my music. You won’t hear me saying Rastafari in every song but the consciousness, the message, and the direction that I’m sharing are what I’ve learned being a Rastafarian. It inspires my lyrics, way of thinking, and music.

What can fans expect to see at one of your live shows?

They can expect to see high energy. We are going at full force. One hundred percent. I prefer playing with a live band. The music feels real.

You have some great music videos support the Wildfire album.

Yes, you can check out all of the videos on my YouTube page. One for each song. After that, we’ll start working on new music.

Your song Uno goes hard. It sounds like there is some hip-hop crossover on that track.

Uno is one of my favorites from the album. Royal Blu is one of my favorite emerging artists. I feel the same about him as I do Blvk H3ro. I’ve known him for a while now and have always admired his work.

I wrote the chorus, and he automatically came to mind for the song. We went into the studio together to lay it down.

That song really defines Kxng Izem’s sound. I love that punch. That bassline. That song is very special to me. The pop cross-over vibe, reggae bounce, and the message it conscious about what is going on today.

For our readers, who don’t know a lot about Rastafari, can you talk about how it helps guide you as a musician?

Yeah, the movement of Rastafari originated in Jamaica in the 1930s. After his Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie was crowned the King of Kings, Lord of Lords in the Tribe of Judah. He became the first figure that represents us Jamaicans. He’s a symbol of strength. We found peace in that movement and it’s a movement that teaches you a good way of life.

It teaches us how to eat properly, how to live amongst people, the development of our culture, and self-sufficiency. It’s a movement that is good to us and important to our lives.

Are you open to working with more artists in future collaborations?

Yes, I’m open to collaborating with other artists. We love when artists give us quality work, lots of energy in their music and treat it with respect. We really respect music, so love when other people do the same. It makes the collaboration process a lot easier.

When you’re getting inspired, do you start writing a chorus hook, get into a verse, or does is it case by case?

It just depends on the inspiration. Sometimes with music, if it gets too technical then it will sound almost staged.

If I get the verse first or the chorus, then that’s how the song starts.

What excites you about the music scene in Jamaica right now?

The music scene in Jamaica is great. We are finding our way to bridge the gap between the older generation and young generation and the different ideas. We are getting better at merging the songs – putting in that international feel and maintaining the youth of our music.

I’m excited about the new artists that are emerging and the females in our industry that are giving us great musician. It’s very exciting here.

Keep your eye out for Royal Blu, Blvk H3ro, Leno Banton, Yaksta, Nation Boss, Lila Iké, Naomi Cowan, Jaz Elise, Rosh Rebel.

What is the meaning behind Kxng Izem?

It’s a royal statement. It’s a self-respect kind of thing. It’s not a boast. I make my music with royal intention. Izem is the strength of a lion. That’s what the word means in Swahili. King Lion or the Lion King. Any one.