Get To Know: Kayem2x

It's was inevitable for internet stardom to locate Kayem2x after his infectious anthem, Steady (Birkin Bop) took over Tiktok. With over 12,000 videos using a snippet of the hit before it's release, the official music video sitting on over a million views, being hailed as Capital Xtra's Homegrown track of the day and a co-sign from Unknown T, Kayem still expresses great marvel at the achievements he has accomplished so far in his musical career. Granting all this, when delving into his rise, it's evident that these accomplishments were not obtained overnight, or given by chance and luck. Instead, it's his enthusiasm, ability and exhibition that is driving him onto the road to success and acclamation.

His most recent single - Cheeky Wid It, featuring RSL and Booga SVO, showcases the collaborative chemistry and cooperation Kayem is able to provide on a slick drill beat accompanied with addictive bars, amusing metaphors and distinctive flow. However, this is not the first occasion Kayem has been successful at doing this. 4 months prior Kayem was able to put popular platform - Tiktok, in a frenzy with hit single - Steady (Birkin Bop) alongside fellow rising rapper, RSL. Without the intentions of picking up the viral attention, a teaser of the track was liked by over 100,000 users. Resulting in a demand to the release of the song.

"It was genuinely a 'hope for the best moment' and the best happened I guess."

It is clear as to why the song was so admired amongst the masses: The undeniably catchy hook amplified with energetic and jumpy flow, fun, rhythm and hard to miss punchlines: a recipe for a contagious earworm. However, that isn't always the approach Kayem provides. His appearance on Mixtape Madness' Next Up? series gave us a sample of Kayem on a more mellow and slower beat and production, unlocking an insightful and sensitive side of the rising rapper. In his second freestyle, he goes on to rap about the pain he has endured from losing loved ones to knife crime and illnesses, relationship dynamics and mental health. The rising rapper frequently touches on his hometown - North London, and the harsh realities of his environment. From this, we could infer that Kayem used this freestyle as an opportunity to express his feelings and emotions and perhaps music is a form of an outlet for him. Kayem goes on to explain

"For me it's way easier to write about and put it in a song than it is to talk to someone. Because I feel like talking to someone is too direct. There could be a million things spiralling in my head and it could be hard for me to explain. But I can put it in a song and instead send it to you. That's what I love about my music, it's the biggest outlet I have to be honest."

His ability to use music as a safety valve without the loss of the distinctive flow and direct bars is quite impressive to say the least, and a feature on Mixtape Madness' Next Up? was one that was deserved. As mentioned earlier, when delving into Kayem's rise, it's evident that this accomplishment was not granted overnight. It's been roughly 5 years since the 19 year old put pen to paper and began to rap. Although not taking it seriously at first, it was the encouragement and persuasion of family and friends that made Kayem pursue music as a career. " I have good people around me. My older sister told me to keep doing it. She told me I had the voice for it too. Like I may of not had the flow or the lyricism at the time but I most definitely had the voice that could suit rapping".

Then came along a series of freestyles from the rising rapper. From Youtube to Instagram and finally Tiktok, where Kayem would find attract a fanbase and a vast amount of love and support. At one point Kayem had begun to post freestyles on the platform almost everyday, delivering witty punchlines and entertaining wordplay. Sometimes on any given noun upon request by fans. So, surely freestyling and writing lyrics should come easily for the rapper ?

" 100% now thanks to TikTok. I always say I'm not a Tiktok rapper, I'm a rapper that jumps onto TikTok. When I first jumped onto Tiktok, I was doing a freestyle nearly everyday. These past 5 days I've done one everyday.. I feel like all this extra stuff that I'm doing will all make sense one day when I don't need to be doing the extra stuff no more. Like it's compensated already "

The fitting utilisation of time and resources has aided Kayem in not only unlocking his potential, but it has also helping his talent and skills be discovered and appreciated too. In December of 2021, Kayem was a supporting act for Unknown T's Adolescence tour along side fellow rising rapper and friend RSL. Not only would this be his first ever live performance, but it would also be in support for an artist who Kayem admires and regards highly. " Musically. 100%. Plus he'll message me from time to time and give me tips or advice. He's real and that's what I appreciate".

As the conversation draws to a close, we wanted to know what was next for the rising rapper. Kayem hints an EP in the works and more singles on the way. Reassuring us of a definite feature from fellow rising rapper and friend, RSL, he highlights how the forthcoming music is more 'reflective' of what he can do - a strategy used by many up and coming artists when first debuting. However, is Kayem feeling the pressure or compulsion to create a banger as big or better than Steady (Birkin Bop) ? To maintain the hype ? " I put pressure on myself really. When making music, I make sure that I don't make music to please anyone but myself. But trust me, I have something coming up next and I'm certain it'll be a hit". His attitude only brings great anticipation for what is yet from the rapper.

When asked to describe himself in three words, his response was 'funny, relatable and entertaining' - qualities that can not only be met whilst conversing, but also through his music. The rising rapper lets his fans know 'that it's possible'. Hailing from an area in London, known to be home to many artists who fall under the Drill genre, Kayem describes his sound as 'Alternative Drill', explaining how he 'doesn't mind being different'. Kayem's enthusiasm towards his craft indicates eagerness and excitement for what is yet to come. From freestyling in his bedroom, featuring on Mixtape Madness' NextUp? series, to receiving airplay on the radio and garnering support from one of the biggest names in the UK Rap scene. The future looks bright for Kayem.

Kayem2x is most definitely an artist to look out for and New Wave look forward to seeing his journey.

Listen to Kayem2x's recent single down below !