This past April, I had the pleasure of touring Newfoundland with a very interesting hip-hop artist named Kielley Koyote.
Kielley has been making his mark at home and abroad, most notably for his performance at the Live at Heart festival in Sweden and the subsequent write-up he received in Rolling Stone India.
“Kielley Koyote might look like he could growl into a mic, but he offers razor-sharp wit and rhymes about his own life and weaknesses on his latest EP Weak Days, which even got hype from rap star Gucci Mane.” – Rolling Stone India
They say you never know someone till you tour with them, and in this case Kielley turned out to be an exceptional person on and off the mic.
Kielley recently released a very moving music video for his song “She Belongs To Me.” This song was inspired by indigenous poet Cindie Lush following the senseless murder of indigenous sister Chantel John of Conne River, Newfoundland. The song addresses domestic violence, and the music video was directed in Newfoundland and photographed to pay respect to murdered and missing Indigenous women.
It’s pretty amazing to see what Kielley has accomplished in just two short years. He just finished touring all of Atlantic Canada with yours truly, released two albums and several singles, performed at PoutineFest and showcased at the Urban East Music Festival in Saint John, NB.
I recently sat down with Kielley for a brief Q&A. Check it out below along with his new single that I’m featured on, “Honour Roll.” You can find the song on Apple Music, Spotify, and other digital outlets via BKG Studios.
Q&A: Kielley Koyote
HipHopCanada: So what made you get started in hip-hop?
Kielley Koyote: I was inspired by the Wu0Tang Clan, specifically Gza. His rhymes and intelligence made me want to start crafting my own raps.
HipHopCanada: What is the highlight of your career so far?
KK: Travelling to Sweden was incredible and seeing my name in a magazine like Rolling Stone was surreal.
HipHopCanada: How did you enjoy touring with me?
KK: It was a blast! Making connections with everyone you know was super beneficial to me and performing every night for two weeks was challenging but I feel like it made me a stronger artist in the long run.
Kielley Koyote
HipHopCanada: What makes hip-hop from Newfoundland so unique?
KK: It’s the ocean, the Jam Jams, the gravel pits, everything! We have a lot of heart out here and we don’t mess with fake love.
HipHopCanada: Do you have any upcoming projects your that you can discuss with us?
KK: I’m keeping it pretty hush hush right now but suffice to say that there will be a lot more music coming from me in the near future so stay tuned.
HipHopCanada: Awesome bro, I can’t wait to rock with you again and thank you for the amazing hospitality you showed me while I was out there.
KK: No worries at all, best kind!
You can follow @KielleyKoyote on Instagram.
