Artist Arena : Ku-Laid Thee Entertainer
This week on artist arena the shine goes to my mans from Detroit, Ku-Laid Thee Entertainer. Why Thee Entertainer? Because this man is not only a rapper, writer, producer, and actor, he is a sound out of the city like no other but could only be compared to originals in Detroit like Danny Brown and the Bruiser Brigade. He sends a positive message with a chill but energetic vibe to it, definitely unlike any artist currently on the radio. He doesn’t promote violence or guns but peace and good vibes for all his JAMMERS, new fans and anybody who hears his music. He has an abundance of tracks all original in their own right over a stretch of tapes you would have to run to the end. He is currently working on a mixtape series like no other artist I have heard has done before. He is dropping a tape a month. The series named R.A.W. is titled differently every month. He is already on number 6 soon to be named, out now R.A.W #5 (Reefer and Wax) and counting until the end of the year. Ku-Laid is also a businessman owning his own label and rights to all his music. He’s also involved in film and even runs his own massage therapy company. I personally met this man at has bash this year, talked for a quick second and hit a doobie. He is by far the most laid back but energetic person I have met. His aura of energy is contagious in a way as he speaks with you and as you read this article you will feel the same vibe even thru print. He transfers that raw energy. I plan to follow Ku-Laid’s career and watch him blow up. He is exactly what the city and state needs right now, a boost of energy and positive vibes with a motivation of peace and happiness. I hope he truly wins but will at least be nominated in a few categories at the Detroit music awards and is guaranteed to become an influence and more than just a wave in Michigan but nationally and further. This is only a brief explanation of what he is and does. Hopefully you will enjoy the interview and feel the good vibes …look out for the mini interview Smoking with Ku-Laid. A big thanks to Ku-Laid the Entertainer for his time and dope ass answers. I genuinely enjoyed reading his answers and I felt like he was sitting right next to me. I can’t wait for the next one.
And without further ado I give to you Ku-Laid Thee Entertainer
How did you get your start in music and what was your inspiration to go from free styling to recording full tracks? Who was/were your musical influences?
My initial start in music was as a kid in the church choir, but I really don’t count that seeing that when you’re young growing up in a Baptist church 9 times out of 10, you were in the choir (lol). I consider my start in music when I joined the Instrumental class (and later HS Marching Band) in 7th or 8th grade playing the snare drum. When I 1st start “rapping” (and I use that term loosely cause man was it terrible lol) it was my freshman year into college just sitting around freestyling with friends, not taking it serious at all. I didn’t start making songs until a few years later when I met a homie of mine, who already was doing music, and he needed someone to write a hook for a song he was working on, and I’ve been writing and recording ever since. My musical influences include (but not limited to) Ludacris, Wiz Khalifa, Kendrick Lamar and just the experience of life.
How did you choose your stage name or was it given to you?
Well my stage name was a nickname given to me as a child for mastering the art of making Kool-Aid from the neighborhood kids lol. So, as I “grew up” people looked at me as a “cool and laid back” person so I just kept it once I started creating.
How would you describe your style, sound and presentation?
I’m a versatile rap artist from Detroit with raw and unpredictable lyrics, eccentric energy and creative flows which I use to promote positive and fun vibes through laid-back and energetic urban rap.
What song do you think is your best song so far or do you have a favorite track?
I probably have over 250 songs recorded, every time I record a new song it becomes my favorite, but if I HAD to choose one I would say “Spanglish”.
What song have you had the best experience recording?
I would say Spanglish because it was so different from everything else I’ve done in the past plus it was really fun to do because I didn’t know I could.
Will you ever sign a major label deal or forever stay in your own lane doing your thing in Michigan and continue bigger and better things to come?
If it makes sense, I’ve been studying the music business for the last 2 years as far as reading the books and learning the terminology and everything, so it would reduce the chances of me getting screwed over lol, but if I can keep creative control and own my masters (or most of them) and a favorable split. I’m not about to sign a deal just to say I’m signed but the end goal is global recognition.
How does it feel to be on stage in front of fans? Does it affect you if the crowd is large or small and how?
Behind the actual creation of music and hearing the done product, performing brings me the most joy from life. It’s the greatest high. Not really the crowd size, but more so the energy. I can perform the same if its 2 people watching or 200, just really feed off the vibe of the room, if it’s an intimate vibe I’m more smooth and laidback, if it’s a turn up vibe…. well…I turn up.
How do you feel about today’s New Wave artists and do you think mumble rap will be around much longer?
Ummm, depends, I really don’t listen to a lot of commercial “new wave” music, like the shit you hear on radio or what’s being pushed in your face …or “gimmick” rap for lack of better terms. I am against the promotion of violence and drugs as the “in thing” to the youth but other than that, if they have a fan base, feed em. But it’s a lot of new cats I fuck with that I discover on Spotify, or if the homies tell me about it, that’s considered “new wave”. “Mumble Rap”, which no one can really define, has ALWAYS been around, the music has just evolved.
What’s the best track in your opinion on your last album or next, and why? What is your favorite track or album by another artist?
(Next Project ‘RAWv6’): I would have to say the 1st song “Wassup” because of the energy I feel when I hear it. It’s a groovy track and it features my cousin, so it was fun to record.
At the time (5-7-18) even tho Royce the 5’9” just dropped a great project, I haven’t had time to dissect it yet, so I gotta ride with Nipsey Hussle’s ‘Victory Lap’ album. It’s a classic.
I heard you have been acting. Is there any truth in that statement and if so what are your plans and are you working on anything currently?
Yes. I have had a few roles in web movies / series. My plan is to be an all-around entertainer. My goal is to solidify myself as an artist first and then transition into acting but even if it happens the other way, I’m fine. I’m working on a couple things right now, ummm, idk if I can speak on them just yet but I can say they are both with my homie DGvisuals.
Who have you been able to work with that made an impression on yourself and your work?
Everyone I work with has an impact on my work. I learn or get influenced from/by every artist I work with.
Any major or local artist’s you would have to work with if you had the chance?
PLENTY. But for sake of giving an answer I’ll say Ludacris, Chris Brown, Joyner Lucas, and Big Sean and probably Dej Loaf.
How do you feel being called a businessman? And do you think of yourself as that or just an artist?
I definitely respect and appreciate it. Of course, I consider myself a businessman (and a business, man lol), from taking the time to learn the ins and outs of the business, from the merch, the marketing/promotion strategies, my massage company, custom apparel, lol, yea….
Do you have anything new in the works? Could you drop any hints?
I’m ALWAYS working on new music, I have over 100 unreleased songs, it’s like a drug to me lol. I’m currently in the middle a series of releases which I call “#theRAWseries” where I’m dropping a project every month with the acronym “R.A.W.”, with it being May “R.A.W. vol.6: Right After Winter” is next to drop this month. More acting roles coming soon, new merch designs, live shows, traveling.
Do you have any advice for up and coming artists?
Learn you’re the fuck out of your craft. Plan the work, work the plan. Don’t make choices based on money but on how they make you feel or what you can learn from it.
Last words for the fans and where they can catch you at?
Appreciate every single #Jammer (what I call people who are a fan of my work) that I come in contact with, thanks for rocking with me, I’m truly grateful. My next big show is at the Motor City Pride in Downtown Detroit, 2nd week in June I believe. But you also can go to findkulaid.com for any upcoming shows, new music or info.
Any shameless self-promo or plugs/shout outs?
Ku_Laid on IG and Twitter. Ku-Laid (Thee Entertainer) on all streaming markets. Check out my YouTube (and subscribe / like / share), check out the website findkulaid.com. Be on the lookout for a new project every month. Check out the merch as well on IG @laidback_wayback. Shout out to LostBoys Film, Kush Kounty Studio, TMB, DRS, my team, the Homies, the #Jammerz, ROXXX TV and my family.
