Atlanta’s music scene is known for being as prolific as it is influential and Georgia’s state capitol is dotted with musicians from all walks of life, disseminating messages true to their experience which almost always resonate with some corner of the city and are eventually catapulted to the mainstream masses off the back of this support. Japanese-born, Nigerian-raised, and Atlanta-living artist Kolo is a relatively new face still in the scene but already boasts a dense and introspective catalog that has been growing for years, documenting his life in the ‘Basement’ which led to the Basement Files series which he recently culminated with Part 4. This project is a graduation of sorts for him, filled with his introspections about overcoming obstacles to realize that the goal he has been working towards is merely a next step and raps about dealing with the pressure of success and not wanting to be dragged back down from whence he came. I look forward to seeing where Kolo heads from here, now armed with a strong foundation and a mature outlook on the world, Kolo balances honesty with humor in an uplifting way.
How long were you in Nigeria growing up? Where else did you live and what was your life like there?
I was actually born in Japan. I lived there until I was four and that is when we moved to Nigeria. My dad was a diplomat for Nigeria so we were always moving around. Growing up in Nigeria was amazing. I only remember the great stuff because I was young and that’s what happens when your eyes are more innocent. Being surrounded by a large extended family is a feeling I definitely miss. After being there for 5 years we moved to Belgium. I lived there for three years then moved to the United States. I’ve been here for most of my life.
What musical and cultural influences did you pick up in those areas and how does it affect you creatively today?
Growing up it was a combination of things. In Japan and Nigeria, my parents played a lot of popular American music like Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, and the Backstreet Boys and that heavily impacted my early music taste. When we got to Nigeria, it was Macosa music that was really popular so it was a lot of that and Afrobeats. The music that I listened to in Belgium played a huge role in establishing my music style and taste going forward. When I was 10, my uncle introduced me and my brother to The Massacre by 50 Cent, and from then on rap has been my favorite genre.
How big of a culture shock was moving to Atlanta? What was most different and what did you like about it most?
It was a decent shock to say the least. We moved from Belgium to Swainsboro, GA and those are vastly different places to say the least. I was leaving a lot of friends and entering an unknown environment so it was a struggle at first but I acclimated well to American culture. Music and sports here in America fit me well so I gravitated to that and ended up adjusting.
Explain what the basement means to you? Do you feel like you’ve fully risen from it now?
The basement to me is the peak that we yearn to reach but if we look around we realize we already at the top. It’s the most important place because its the place where everything starts. The basement represents the journey and the process is the medal that you’re actually chasing. I don’t think I have fully risen from it. I plan to be in the basement forever. The scenery and furniture might change a little though.
Tell me about the pressure that comes with continuing to ascend when you’ve come from the bottom?
The bottom is relative. Everybody has to start from somewhere. My bottom is not a place of poverty but its one of trying to figure out how to make a name for myself in this business. Pressure is a double edged sword. Too much of it can overwhelm you, but you also need a little bit of it so it can work like an adrenaline boost. I think the pressure will always be there. It’ll just evolve in the way it presents itself.
Is it all worth it and how does it affect you?
It’s always worth it. I have my moments where I’m overwhelmed, but all in all I use pressure as the fuel to pursue my purpose.
Where do you want to go now that you’ve finished this chapter?
I just want to continue to elevate in every way. Spread the music as much as possible and hopefully get on tour and do more shows so I can really touch the people.
Which song from the project means the most to you?
I would say Pressure II. Really a true reflection of what the grind feels like. Acknowledging the creeping doubt that lives inside of me but still beaming with confidence that I’ll be who I know I can be.
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