For those of you who don’t know, Kinfolk Kia Shine definitely graced the stage with his lyrical melodies during the BET Black College Tour here at Prairie View. This southern Memphis rapper has been on the scene prior to his journey, which began in 1998, as an independent solo artist. He can best be described as the man behind the music due to the fact that he started out as a business man and CEO of his own label Indi. “I’ve been producing other artists and music for years in addition to mix tapes. I write and produce my own music and beats,” states Shine.
While shedding a little light on a few of the artists that he’s worked with such as Mike Jones, Project Pat, Yo Gotti, La’Chat, and Blak Jak, Kia Shine remains utterly humble. “I just wanted to bring something to the table before I stepped out officially on the scene by putting something behind my name.”
Clearly separating him from a lot of artists in the industry today, Kia Shine was very eager to admit that his career was due to a lot of hard work and more importantly his faith, “God is the one writing the script of my life and I’m just doing my best to play into the script and make sure I truly keep Him first.”
Apart from his solo attributions, the hit single Stunna Frames is off the debut album titled, Due Season along with rap group Rap Hustlaz, which Kinfolk Kia Shine is also a part of. This album is scheduled to hit the market March 2007, and Swag Music from the group Rap Hustlaz will be released on EMI Records in March 2007 as well.
With his undeniable gift as an artist, talent as a producer, and down-to-earth nature as a person, the incredible and highly intelligent Kia Shine confesses, “If I fail, I want to fail on my own but not because I wasn’t sticking to the script. I take accountability for everything I do, that’s what I take pride in.”
Kinfolk Kia Shine encourages college students to follow their dreams. As a college student himself, Shine preaches that whatever career path you chose, you’ve got to respect your own fresh first. Kinfolk Kia Shine is on Universal/Motown records.