K-Beta
03:00PM ET April 9, 2010
Contributor: Madame C
A Rocky Williform Company

Like Slick Rick, Raekwon, and other musical prodigies, K-Beta manages to paint vivid pictures and construct isometric realities over strategically assembled beats while humanly exposing his life's vulnerabilities and victories, respectively.

He has shared the stage with a diverse roster of artists, including: Fabolous, Melanie Fiona, Wale, Tabi Bonney, Raheem DeVaughn, WHITEFOLKZ, Phil Adé, Diamond District, Lyriciss, and Laelo Hood. Among performing nationwide, K-Beta has three highly praised mixtape albums under his belt and can gladly add an upcoming fourth one towards his ongoing record of acclaim.

His highly anticipated project, Inglorious Beta, was released for free on April Fool's Day (April 1st), and certainly proves he's no fool nor should he be taken lightly. In latent terms, he ain't no a joke.

Your newest project is entitled Inglorious Beta. The term "inglorious" traditionally carries a shameful or disgraceful meaning. One would assume that this project is a reflection of you, flaws and all. Why the title?
The title is a reflection of anything that brings shame or disgrace into a person's mind. They are not feelings or even states of existence. It is a thought that triggers shame in someone, because they believe that whatever they have done is unforgivable, and that is how people lose hope. Inglorious Beta is me saying that I've been there, and that hope is never lost.

What can we expect from this project production-wise and who will be featured?
The production comes from some of the area's best producers. The sound is cohesive, because it was a very collaborative effort in terms of bringing the album together. Everybody involved was in there cranking, and we were able to bang out a nice piece of work. I have records with some great artists, and I'm really happy with the way we connected to create these songs.

Besides its release, what is your proudest moment concerning Inglorious Beta?
Finishing up the final session, and leaving Depth Charge, [the studio] with the mastered album.

You get stuck in the elevator with Jimmy Iovine and you have one minute to explain to him what you can contribute to the game and why he should sign you on the spot. What would you say?
I would play him a minute of one of my songs. You know we got the music on our phones these days (Laughs)

Tell me what is so glorious about Beta, the rapper and Beta, the man?
I don't consider myself to be glorious. I believe that I have been given a glorious gift, and that the potential to help people in need is what makes it so.

Indies are becoming the new majors when it comes to record companies and the music industry. What are the benefits of being an indie artist?
For me, it is definitely creative control. I couldn't imagine being told what to write and how to rap.

To be an artist is such a complex and unique experience in that a myriad of things can inspire the thoughts behind one's pen. What are things that motivate you as an artist?
It's really all about life. No matter what, that's what it comes down to. Life-inspired art. Imagination plays a part in there too. As a writer, you want to take your readers and/or listeners on a journey with your material, so you have to think in colors and really feel the energy within and around you.

In life, every new day leads to new creations which can then lead to new life experiences. Where do you want Inglorious Beta to take you professionally and personally?
Professionally, and artistically, I want the album to get around and inside people's ears. I'm doing this because I love this music. People get behind it because they feel that, and they love it, too. With all the talk about record sales and general disinterest in all things Rap, I'm inclined to ask, how many Rap artists really and truly love what they do? I'd say most of them do at first, but these labels and radio stations are killing their love by running them through the factory line. If I had somebody forcing me to eat the same food every day, then I would begin to hate that food and the person forcing me to eat the food. I just think people are bored with all that.

Where do you want the new release to take your fans and listeners alike?
It's something to put on and just feel. I'm basically chronicling my life on these records. It's the one outlet that truly gives me a release. I'm just glad that people like the music.

Speaking of fans, you have quite a following. What do you think people are looking for from a hip hop artist nowadays?
Well, you have fans of all types. People want to be entertained, I think. Whether it makes them dance, nod their heads, feel a certain feeling, whatever. Music is inspired by life, and good music inspires life in return.

Who would you like to one day collaborate with from the underground scene and who would you hope to be in the studio with commercially?
I'd like to do some stuff with Kem. I'd also get down with Nicki Minaj on a record. She's dope.

Your label Inner Loop Records is not just a record label but is also impressively a lifestyle based entertainment company. What is the best thing about being an artist on Inner Loop Records?
Inner Loop is a great label. I can't complain at all. We know that we're in this together, and we all do our jobs well.

What is next on your agenda of being an artist? What can we expect from you within the next several months?
I'll be hitting the road once school is out. People can also keep up with me and check me out at http://www.myspace.com/kbetamax and follow me on twitter @k_beta

You started somewhere to get where you are today. What would you tell aspiring artists who are trying to make a mark in the industry?
Make as many songs as you can. Kill every open mic. Work harder than you’ve ever worked in your life. Make music that you love. Don't be afraid to approach people, but have something to present when you do.