Boston-based lyricist Hundred Round Kado, whose name means “gift” in his native language, Haitian Creole. He embodies a revolutionary and emotionally raw spirit reminiscent of the Golden Age of hip-hop; aggressiveness mixed with deep introspection. This versatility is a testament to his superpower – articulating his experiences into words without creative compromise. However, the emerging underground MC, the byproduct of systemic racism, violence, and poverty, was heavily influenced by trap music (Gucci, Jeezy, T.I., Boosie, ZRo, Playa Fly). At 32 years old, Kado has spent one-third of his reality behind bars, yet his desire for rap has never wavered; if anything, it has intensified. The proof can be seen in his latest creation, Never Lost A Gun Fight (Allegedly). 

Artfully executed, Kado’s 11th release is a tightly-wrapped 14-song tracklist with various perspectives and masterfully narrated by Charlie Masheen, who shines seamlessly. The title single is a cathartic ghetto gospel that opens with Masheen’s thought-provoking spoken word laying the energetic groundwork for Kado to spit his soul-baring truths over a sparse soundscape. On records like “Gratitude,” “Dead Person,” and “9 And A Nina,” there’s a soulful rap&b vibe as the MC flawlessly flows atop melodic basslines, while cuts like “Boolin In The Kut” and “Bring Your Skale” find Kado showcasing his ability for cinematic storytelling. 

Each track is thorough enough to stand on its own yet as a whole, Never Lost A Gun Fight (Allegedly) is a brick-laced bar-for-bar symphony of cohesive hood poetry. It took over a decade of growth, highs, and lows, lock-ups and freedom, death, and life for Kado to produce the autobiographical content found in the project. From subject matter ranging from legal woes and street politics to relationship struggles and spiritual breakthroughs, Kado’s young OG reputation was earned. “I don’t rap; I make my life rhyme,” says Kado about why he makes music. Over the last few months, Kado has managed to drop back-to-back music videos for tracks from Never Lost A Gunfight (Allegedly) while confined to house arrest. The ability to hone in on the art and focus is seen in the outcome of the visuals; they don’t follow conventional scripts. In the video for the single “Dededede,” the dynamic rapper shows himself as somewhat of a bibliophile as the camera pans across his bedroom bookshelf showcasing the works of literary icons like Toni Morrison, Octavia Butler, and Zora Neale Hurston. 

This collection of female authors might seem somewhat of an anomaly for a gang member currently out on bail while awaiting trial for a gun charge (allegedly), but Kado is a rare breed. On the strength of individual and professional respect, multi-Grammy-winning artist Malik Yusef introduced Kado to Roc Nation artist Vic Mensa while on the 4:44 Tour with Jay Z in 2017. The relationship proved to be mutually priceless. 

“Kado is one of the most talented lyricists I know,” says Mensa. “The elite level of his wordplay is probably only trumped by the gravity of his story, which is breathtaking; born in federal prison, it’s a miracle he’s still alive and has been able to transmute his pain into passion. Kado held me down in some tough times when I had a lot of people out for me, but it wasn’t until 2021 when he was locked up facing a life, that our relationship became what it is today. 

In those 8-9 months, I sent him nearly 40 books ranging from James Baldwin to Eckhart Tolle and saw this miraculous transformation take place in him as he began to harness his innate power to build, as opposed to destroying. In many of these verses, he spits for me when he was doing his time and always inspired me to go harder.” Yusef says, “Kado speaks the language of a certain journey that few will ever decode, but almost all will enjoy.”

Known as the Godfather of New England, Kado has a head for entrepreneurship and a heart for service. The strategic businessman has a portfolio of investments encompassing a barbershop, hair salon, clothing store, studio, and art gallery. Living up to the meaning of his name, Kado is truly a gift. A marginalized outsider who became an insider against all odds, including a 20-year history within the criminal justice system, the intelligent artist doesn’t know what his future holds. However, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and creatively speaking, he’s free.

Connect with Kado: Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | Facebook

Leroy Booker is making power moves this season now more than ever. The Music vibe is what gets you about a record. Those records you feel instantly before you even grab the entire concept of the Music, as the feeling of it just being something enjoyable to take in. When you get a song like that, you capture the true beauty of Music, and Leroy Booker does just that. 

This week we talked with Leroy Booker, who was kind enough to share his journey through the music scenes. This rising star has proven himself to be the best at what he does numerous times. His main objective is to maintain stunning his fans with an assortment of contemporary and classic hit songs. Check out the interview below and let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

 

Let’s start by introducing who you are. You know the basics like name, age, and where you’re from, as much or little as you’re comfortable sharing.

Leroy Booker: What’s up? I’m Leroy Booker, I’m in my 20’s, and I’m from Kenosha, Wisconsin.

 

What’s the best advice you ever received concerning Music?

Leroy Booker: Don’t stop because people say no. Keep going cause someone will eventually say yes. 

 

What would you have done differently if you knew then what you know now?

Leroy Booker: I feel I just would’ve worked on self-confidence sooner. I was talking to myself in a way that brought me up and not putting myself down as much. 

You don’t realize how taxing that is on your manifestation and attracting things to you. 

 

What is still your biggest challenge?

Leroy Booker: Overthinking, I’ve always been a heavy thinker. Letting go and letting it be what it is designed to have always been a challenge I think many of us face. 

 

What keeps you going when things get tough in the music industry?

Leroy Booker: You must want to do this more than for fam. Otherwise, the hoops and tricks you must do to get to the top are never worth it. 

Make it more significant than yourself. Make your goals bigger than financial independence; everything tends to line itself in place. 

If you could open a show for any artist, who would it be?

Leroy Booker: I’d love to open for Justin Bieber his fan base is so loyal to him, and I find it dope how he manages or how his team manages his tour. I feel it’d be a good experience overall. 

 

Talk me through your creative process.

Leroy Booker: The essential part is to have my ear on the ground of the things multiple people bring up and are going through. 

I never speak about things I’ve never been through. Connecting that to what I’ve been through and going through it that way with honesty. I like to start with a nice bass line and a simple melodic pattern and build the drums around the vocals. 

 

How do you solve productivity/scheduling problems and reduce overwhelming situations?

Leroy Booker: expect to be overwhelmed. But use all the time up in the day. If you live in a big city, take the train to work on marketing or songwriting. 

Go to work, and do your thing but instead of going out and partying, invite a bunch of people to your home or wherever you record, involve them in the process, get their ears on it, and find ways to make it work for both you and them. 

Just focus on that goal and shape what you can do around that. Work till you’re tired, then work some more. But also take time to clear your head. Enjoy life cause that’s what you write about in the first place. 

 

What are you focusing your time on now?

Leroy Booker: I am building my brand and trying to get some festivals under my belt. Also, just remain me and try to connect with every fan genuinely. Let your fan base be a part of your journey, not just watch from the sidelines. 

How do you currently feel about the state of “Your genre” in general?

Leroy Booker: Good, it’s evolving, and I love change. It makes you have to be creative with your sound.! 

 

How can our readers follow you online?

Connect with Leroy Booker: Facebook| YouTube| Instagram| Spotify