18-year-old YXNG K.A. has only been rapping a year and is already rising to stardom.
YXNG K.A began making music in February 2019 and within the first three months signed with Interscope Records at the age of 17. After going viral a few times, with hits like “It Is What It Is,” YXNG K.A is now on the same roster as J.I. and Lil Poppa, two artists who he’s already collaborated with on his newest project Reaper SZN. J.I. and Lil Tjay showed out on the remix of It Is What It Is,” catapulting YXNG K.A. to popularity. The young phenom is still learning to balance both school and music. YXNG K.A is determined to be the first in his family to graduate from high school while consistently putting out fire music. YXNG K.A. put out his debut project, Baby Reaper in May 2019 shortly after signing with Interscope and has shown immense growth and vulnerability since then, showcased on his latest project Reaper SZN. Find out what else YXNG K.A had to say about his Reaper SZN and going viral. Check out the full interview below.
The Knockturnal: What was it like growing up in North Philly?
YXNG K.A.: I’m from the projects so it’s just it’s always rough, it’s violent. I feel like growing up, it was hard, but you just gotta know how to move.
The Knockturnal: When did you first start experimenting with music?
YXNG K.A.: February 2019. I wasn’t really into it I posted some snippets on Instagram, but I was just doing it because I wasn’t getting no negative feedback. After that people kept motivating me.
The Knockturnal: How does it feel to be 17 and signed to Interscope?
YXNG K.A.: It came early, it was only 3 months after I started rapping. I was calm because I didn’t know what they were really thinking, we listened to my music.
The Knockturnal: Did you think “It Is What It Is” would blow up the way it did?
YXNG K.A.: I ain’t know it was gonna do what it did.
The Knockturnal: How did you feel going viral and how did your school react?
YXNG K.A.: It was different, everything started changing. I wasn’t a known person until I started rapping, now all the staff know my name. It was cool it was fun.
The Knockturnal: What was the first sign you saw that proved you were starting to go viral?
YXNG K.A.: The little kids! When all the little kids run up to you. The little kids make me realize it. and older folk showing love.
The Knockturnal: Can you talk about the differences between Baby Reaper & Reaper SZN?
YXNG K.A.: The number one difference is you can hear my growth. Baby Reaper was more personal. Baby Reaper – it was a fast transition.
The Knockturnal: Can you talk about meaning behind the titles?
YXNG K.A.: I came up with that Reaper named describe myself. Ima a discreet type of person, people don’t know everything about me.
The Knockturnal: Are there more visuals on the way?
YXNG K.A.: I have one out right now fo “Living The Dream” featuring Lil Poppa. Still shooting videos.
