Not many musicians would allow you to interview them in a bathroom, especially one situated in a nightclub, but after an interview with Kay, I got the feeling that the female hip-hop artist wasn’t like a lot of musicians.
Each September, first year Laurier Brantford students flock to club NV to enjoy a concert promised to them during O-Week. This year, Laurier Brantford snagged These Kids Wear Crowns as the main act, with Toronto trio Candy Coated Killahz and Nova Scotia native Kay opening.
I had already been snubbed earlier by These Kids Wear Crowns for an interview because- well, I’m not really sure why. And at this point I was remaining doubtful that I would get the chance to interview anyone.
That is until an hour went by and I found myself standing in a quiet, club NV bathroom upstairs with Kay and her manager, ready to begin an interview.
“Did you want me to sit on toilet?” Kay says, already taking a seat.
My first thought looking at the white, female, Nova Scotian rapper that was now sitting on the throne in front of me was how bizarre this interview was quickly becoming. My second, and probably more important thought, was how difficult it must be for her to find her voice in a male-dominated rap world.
“Guys can be kind of harsh, but it’s nice to be an adult now and have grown men around me that are really nice and respectful,” Kay explains. “Truthfully, I’ve come to a point where I don’t bring anyone around me that doesn’t respect me. Most times I’m the only girl in the room, but they all treat me like a sister.”
While I found it smart that Kay only surrounds herself with males that take her seriously as an artist, I still wanted to know where she could find inspiration to continue her style of music as a woman.
“Growing up I was super influenced by Nelly Furtado and Missy Elliot. For the longest time I thought I was Missy Elliot,” says Kay. “But then I looked in the mirror and had a reality check,” she laughs.
Not only does Kay have a unique voice in the rap and hip-hop world, but she also has a style that is all her own.
“My closet always looks like a rainbow, I’ve been super colourful since I was a kid. And I take a lot of inspiration from 90s hip-hop,” she explains.
This much is evident from her massive gold chains, black and white leggings, and Adidas cap and sneakers, all of which are a definite throwback to the 90s look made famous by the likes of Master P and Left-Eye.
“No matter what your style is, if it’s heels and booty shorts or if it’s baggy shirts, just be yourself because that’s the most attractive thing,” Kay says. “The older you get, the more you really come into your own.”
Already impressed by her honesty and easy-going attitude, I found myself wishing that I could say something on behalf of Laurier that would equally impress her. Although she was already one step ahead of me.
“If I were to go to a school right now with Blue Wizards, it would totally be the right school for me!” she says as we discuss the different O-Week teams. “Frosh week is the best because I know I could be anybody up there on stage and everyone would be just as supportive. It’s the perfect situation for me as a new artist.”
As I noticed the time on my tape recorder nearing the 10 minute mark, I immediately apologized for taking up more of her time than I had anticipated.
“It’s totally okay!” she says. “I’m on the can so I’m practically multitasking,” she laughs.
As it turns out, I’m glad that These Kids Wear Crowns denied me an interview. If they hadn’t have done that then I wouldn’t have had the chance to hang out in a bathroom with the down-to-earth, and extremely talented Kay.
With a new tour underway, and her single “My Name is Kay” garnering some serious airplay, it’s obvious this Maritime musician has a bright future ahead of her.
