Kalend Terrell, aka TheSoulutionKT, is a rapper who's been around music his entire life. He grew up singing in his church choir, was raised by a mom heavy into Kirk Franklin and he picked up Tupac's catalog at the suggestion of an uncle. But once you sift through the back story, it's clear that what makes the 23-year-old MC tick is style and an impressive pen game.
While some of his peers "mumble" their way behind artists like Young Thug, KT pulls from a more formal tradition where what's being said is equally as important as how it's delivered.
He explains, "I love being able to put lyrics together that make me say, 'Damn that shit cold', or just putting a flow together that's just mad smooth."
And Terrell displays both of those qualities on his single "Underdawgs" featuring Franco Gianni as he lets loose over a molasses bassline and symphony strings: "Kanye with this bombay, just spazzin, like fashion, though we look the same not cut from the same fabric."
It all seems easy for him, like second nature, but just under that laid back veneer bubbles serious intensity. So even though his most recent release "Problems" floats with an airy disembodied feel, he's still out for the jugular: "If I'm aiming at your noggin' I guarantee n----- droppin', I'm a prophet, looking out for the benefits and the options, if it ain't about the profit or progress, then n---- stop it."
His no nonsense bars and spigot delivery make for a solid foundation, but there is a list of long term goals Terrell's set for himself like charting on Billboard and winning Grammys. However, his immediate objective is simple: more music. He hopes to release another project before the end of the year, and if these two singles are a sign of what's to come, there's nothing wrong with that -- nothing at all.
J. Smith, aka 1019, is a San Diego native, rap fan and one half of the rap duo Parker & the Numberman. You can follow him on Instagram at 1019_the_numberman or on Twitter
