By Angeli Castillo
Ambition is nothing without hard work and for singer-songwriter, Kevin Krouse aka Krousiano, the sky is the limit to his dream of being the next big thing in the R&B/Hip-Hop scene. Tempo gave the mike to Krousiano and let him drop the beat…
Tempo: What do we need to know about Krousiano?
Krousiano: Well, my real name is Kevin Krouse. Most call me Kevkrouse but you can call me Krousiano. I’m 22, from Detroit, Michigan. I’m an artist-songwriter.
Tempo: How does a rapper from Detroit deal with challenges here?
Krousiano: The biggest challenge I’ve come across so far is trying to connect with the right people for studio time, professional photos, and videos, as well as building local fan base.
Tempo: We heard you trained with R-Kelly – how did that happen?
Krousiano: It was heaven, I learned a lot. That man is a pure genius. I’ve had a chance to be one on one with somebody who’s been in this industry before I was born…and is still relevant today. His teachings have made me be a better writer. He taught me that it’s important to make your audience see and feel what your writing as if it were a picture I was painting; to adopt a strong work ethic; discipline in making music; and professionally representing myself.
Tempo: Any funny moments with R-Kelly?
Krousiano: Some were surreal. For example Kelly’s studio, ‘the Blue Room’ has many of his platinum plaques mounted. It’s hypnotic…same as meeting other celebrities whether it was basketball or in the club. I remember Kelly saying, “Don’t be all-star struck”. But my most favourite moment was going to Club Excalibur in downtown Chicago. Idirs Elba (actor) and Dj Pharris were there. R-Kelly and I stepped off the tour bus with his entourage from the cameras straight to the VIP room as if we were in a movie scene. He treated me like family; I can say he is one of the most influential male figures in my life.
Tempo: What sets you apart from other rappers?
Krousiano: I feel like this… Where I’m from its all about who has the most money, sells the most drugs, and who got the most street credibility. I feel that since this is the main focus of many rappers in my city and across America that I can create and bring forth my own message… one that promotes hope and inspiration to all people. What I feel sets me apart from them in my story, my lyrics. I simply want to bring real hip-hop back. As an upcoming artist, it’s about creating uplifting lyrics and a new sound that everybody can relate to.
Tempo: Would you let us in on your upcoming music video?
Krousiano: It’s called ‘Meditation / F.T.P.’ and it’s short for Fight the Power. It’s about clearing my mind and getting away from stress and drama and finding inner peace. It’s also to raise awareness about how unarmed black youth in America are being treated by law enforcement. Can’t wait to release it in mid-October.
Tempo: What’s your take on the UAE’s music scene?
Krousiano: There is potential! But it hasn’t yet been brought out. I come from Detroit, the Home of Motown Music, so it’s in my blood to bring out music wherever I go. The UAE is becoming more modernized by the day and I want to be the pioneer to help music develop. I asked a group of young men in the local mall if they listen to Hip-Hop. They told me no and I felt that Hip-Hop has a negative image in the UAE. So, I want to bring that “change” in thinking… to promote a positive Hip-Hop image not only in the UAE and beyond. I’m also interested in linking up with local talent in the UAE. I believe crossing Arabic and American music will help build a new platform for anyone who has a dream of becoming an entertainer in the Hip-Hop industry.
Tempo: Any advice for aspiring rappers?
Krousiano: Yes! Always pursue your dreams regardless of your situation or reality. Make it your job, your study. You need to live, eat, sleep what you desire to do in life to be great. When I say sleep I don’t mean it in a literal since. If you want to make your dreams come true there’s no time to sleep. Me personally, I’m up like a vampire ALL NIGHT chasing my dreams!
Tempo: What’s your ‘tempo’?
Krousiano: Speed! My music and my work ethic has a fast tempo. I’m at a 170+ bpm (beat per minute) when it comes to working. Every day I write… record, write… record, and write… record. It is hectic and very hard work, but for me it’s a way of life. Back home my partner, Chase Dinero is the same way. We both work ridiculously hard and act as if doing music is as important as breathing. So when I hear the word tempo, I relate it to what we call “the grind of life” because coming from a fast paced city I too must have a steady fast and upbeat tempo…a strong rhythm that flows to the beat of my heart!
