Modern classics aren't defined by sales they are usually defined by time; Kenn Starrs debut 'Starr Status' is a modern classic which contains traces of braggadocio rhyming and introspective rhymes. Kenn Starr is an emcee who came from humble beginnings and he is now poised to make a name in this game.
What up Kenn Starr, this is Praverb from Certified Hip Hop, how are you doing fam?
Doing well man, feeling blessed & highly favored.
Introduce the world to the man known as Kenn Starr?
Emcee, Halftooth Records recording artist. Representin' Low Budget. On the heels of your favorite rapper.
According to some, you are considered as one of hip hop's best lyricists. How do you feel about that claim?
I'm definitely flattered by such a strong proclamation. My focus now is making that statement true. Ive got a lot of room for growth and I'm hoping to fully recognize my potential as a lyricist.
Before 'Starr Report' and 'Starr Status" were released, you were active collabing with Little Brother, Kev Brown, Talib and more. What took so long for you to drop your debut album?
Me. Bottom line. I really wanted to take my time and create an album that I could stand behind 110%. You only get one chance to make that first impression, so I really wanted to make it a lasting one. I could've had an album ready earlier, but during the creative process I was continually evolving as both an artist and a lyricist, and I wanted the material to reflect that.
What can listeners expect when listening to 'Starr Status'?
Some good hip-hop, point blank. This isn't the album that's gonna bring hip-hop back, or change the game as rappers like to say. Its just 16 tracks of good, honest hip-hop. If you can get with that, then you can get with "Starr Status"
How has the response been so far for the album?
The response from the fans has been great. I feel like I really managed to connect with the listeners. And I really appreciate all the love and support people have been showing me on Myspace and at the shows. Now the response from the critics, on the other hand, hasn't been quite as good. From what I gather, apparently they were expecting "more" More of what you ask? I'll let you know as soon as I find out myself (laughs). I guess a solid hip-hop album, front to back, aint cuttin' it these days.
'Starr Status' has an all star production cast which includes Illmind, Oddisee, Khrysis, Kev Brown and more. How did these collaborations come about?
Well, in the case of Oddisee, Kev Brown & DJ Roddy Rod, that's fam right there, so that was a given. As far as the other producers, we were able to connect off of mutual respect for each other's work, and make something special happen for the album. I'm looking forward to working more with all of them in the future.
On 'Starr Status' you showcase the ability to switch from braggadocio (Relentless) to introspective (Mr. Nice Guy), with that being said what type of tracks do you like better, battle or pouring your heart out?
I definitely favor the introspective tracks more. Anybody can talk trash on a record, but not everyone can successfully convey a message, feeling, or mindset through a song. I feel like those are the kind of records that truly connect with listeners, and ultimately will leave that lasting impression.
The Metro area is known for it's go-go and R&B scene, do you find it tough trying to make a name for yourself locally?
Honestly, I'm just now really focusing on building my name in the area. There isn't a big underground hip-hop community here, so my focus was more so on building my name within that genre, as opposed to an actual region.
Can you describe your friendship with Kev Brown and Oddisee?
Those are two really talented brothers who are the best at what they do. Their skill and diversity as producers is going to land them amongst the greats in my opinion (not to mention their nice on the mic as well). Out of all the producers I collaborate with, they're probably the ones that bring the best out of me.
Low Budget is the collective that you are apart of, introduce the crew to the masses if you will?
Low Budget is a crew of emcees, producers and DJs based out of Maryland (although not all members are actually from MD) consisting of: myself, Sean Born, Kev Brown, Oddisee, Cy Young, Critically Acclaimed (Quartermaine, C.A.L.I.B.E.R. & DJ Marshall Law), I.Q., Kaimbr, Kenwood, and Peter "PMD" Rosenberg.
Your mixtape, 'Starr Report' is also dope, can you give us some brief info on the mixtape?
The mixtape was basically an appetizer to get people ready for the album. For those who had been following me, it served as a collection of all the stuff I had done over the last couple of years (mixtape freestyles, collaborations & previously unreleased material).
Tell us how and when you were discovered by Halftooth Records?
I was put on to Halftooth Records by Oddisee, who was already signed with the label at the time. They were working on a compilation ("You Don't Know The Half") and O put me in the position where I was able to submit some tracks for the project. They were impressed with what they heard and expressed interest in possibly signing me at some point in the future, but weren't looking to sign anyone at the moment. Well things worked out in my favor when one of the artists they were in the process of signing decided to pass on getting down with label. Which left an open slot for me. And the rest, as they say, is history.
What are some of the misconceptions that people have in regards to being signed?
That you got money all of a sudden. That everything is handed to you now and you don't have to grind like everybody anymore. That you automatically have a big head and think you're better than everybody else, because you got a deal. All of the above: False. Or at least in my case, I saw alotta people's true colors when I got a record deal.
You are a native of Suffolk, Virginia right? Do you still visit Suffolk today or Virginia in general?
Yep, reppin' that 757 all day! I visit VA often. I have friends there and most of my family is based down there, so its definitely a second home to me.
Name some artists and/or producers that you would like to collab with?
Artist-wise: I would like to work with Jean Grae, Sean Price, Roc Marciano from U.N., Baby Blak, off the top my head. Too many to name. Producer-wise: Nottz, 9th Wonder, Vitamin D, Black Milk, once again, the list goes on...
The fans are wondering if you are working on another album, if so when will it drop?
Yep, I just recently started working on the next album. Right now I'm still in the beginning stages, getting beats and concepts together. Too early to say when it might drop. Keep your ears to the street.
Well do you have any closing words fam?
I wanna thank everybody who's supported and shown love. Check www.myspace.com/kennstarr for new music and updates. Shout out to Praverb and Certified Hip-Hop for having me.