Kap-G: Raza Rap from Atlanta
When you listen to Kap-G’s heavy southern drawl, one thing is clear: he’s from the ATL. The proud Mexican-American grew up in Atlanta, home to Dirty South acts such as Outkast, Ludacris and T.I. Now he’s trying to reach their level.
He’s Already Been Called “The Future” by Pharrell
Photo Credit: @ppldub/Instagram
“Pharrell was saying I’d be the voice for the Mexicans. The Mexicans who work at the hotel, who do the housekeeping, who work in the kitchen… They gonna love you, cause you’re really speaking out for them,” said Kap-G in an interview with Buzzfeed.
He’s Only 19 and Already Has a Record Deal
Photo Credit: @therealkapg/Instagram
Kap-G, who is signed to Atlantic, has tracks that run the gamut from hyped up & electronic to deliberate, Spanglish-infused anthems.
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He’ll Be in a Movie Theater Near You
Photo Credit: @therealkapg/Instagram
Kap-G plays Fidel in Dope, a movie about music geeks trying to survive high school in Inglewood, California. Directed by Rick Famuyiwa, the film was produced by Pharrell and Forest Whitaker, and premiered at Sundance in February.
He Takes Spanglish Rapping to New Levels
Photo Credit: @therealkapg/Instagram
In “Working Like a Mexican,” Kap-G shouts out football legend Tony Gonzales, Latino rock pioneer Ritchie Valens and Mexican soccer standout Jorge Campos:
I’m in that Honda 88, Tony Gonzales
You smokin’ me homes? Ay no mames
Hey, RIP to Ritchie Valens, la bamba
And if they don’t let us sing, then we gon’ conquer
And young migo kickin’ shit, Jorge Campos
Who else in the ATL has verses peppered with Mexican slang?
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He’s Already Got Collabos with Young Jeezy, Wiz Khalifa, and T.I.
Photo Credit: @therealkapg/Instagram
Not to mention Fabolous, Kirko Bangz, Chief Keef, Spenzo and Young Dolph. His recently-released mixtape Like A Mexican features producers such as Pharrell, Kid Cray, Bangladesh and Drumma Boy. Check out the 15-track mix tape here.
He Keeps it 100. Neta, Güey
Credit: KapG / YouTube
He shot his music video, “Mexico Momma Come From” at a local Atlanta Mexican restaurant, Don Chon’s. They have bomb enchiladas.
He’s Not Afraid to Throw His Activist Hat On
Credit: Hustle Gang / YouTube
After the killings of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, Kap-G joined David Banner and T.I. on a remix of his song “La Policia” to include an homage to both.
Credit: Durtty Boyz / YouTube
He then joined T.I. on CNN to talk about his experience with racial profiling.
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He’s Always Showing Love to Fans
Credit: KAP-G / Vine
Here’s an impromptu meet-and-greet at a soccer field.
Photo Credit: @therealkapg/Instagram
He’s always down for an autograph session. Here, he shows Instagram love to a guy who traveled for three hours and waited outside six hours to meet Kap-G in person.
He’s Got His Own Definition of the “American Dream”
Credit: Bpm Supreme / YouTube
Kap-G’s family immigrated to the U.S. before he was born. After settling in California, they moved to College Park, Georgia once Kap-G’s older brother got involved in a gang.
READ: Tacos, Tapatio and Chespirito: How Mexican Are You?
He’s Invented a New Metaphor for Tacos
Credit: Atlantic Records / YouTube
The track “José Got Them Tacos” is a cautionary tale about not letting your “tacos” fall into the wrong hands. José, a “taco” ringleader, ends up serving time.
He Gave Up Basketball for Rap
Credit: KAP-G / Vine
A full-on Hawks fan – although LeBron is his favorite player – Kap-G stopped playing basketball because he was too short.
He Could Be Adding “Fashion Designer” to His Résumé
Photo Credit: @therealkapg/Instagram
Kap-G sells hats, sweatshirts, hoodies, and tees that say “Atlanta Vato” and “Que Pasa Homes” that range from $20 to $40. His designs are manufactured by Fortune Entertainment, an Atlanta-based label. He told The Hundreds: “If I wasn’t rapping I think I’d want to be something in fashion.”
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