Meet Kembe X, an Artist to Keep on Your Radar

Kembe X, a rapper from the hip-hop stronghold of Chicago, dropped his first mixtape in 2011 entitled Self Rule. Kembe's career has evolved in ways no one could have foreseen, encouraging a sharp change of perspective as he enters a new chapter in his life.

Since then, Kembe X has released projects dealing with the highs and lows of life. His last album, I Was Depressed Until I Made This, was released in October 2019 and put Kembe in the spotlight with his inspiring song "Voices." In 2020, Kembe released "Back At It" with Ab-Soul and "Too Bad," featuring Guapdad 4000, which showed his audience that he is not going anywhere in the industry.

While Kembe is on a sure-fire road to success, the journey thus far was not easy by any means. Kembe X, born Dikembe Jabari Caston, described in an interview with Lyrical Lemonade how a rocky patch brought him to the apex of his career.

Kembe's career began when he picked up poetry. Growing up, Kembe listened to Gospel and 70's Rock. But, it wasn't until he picked up a guitar when he fell in love with music. Around the age of fifteen, Kembe started rapping and hasn't looked back since.

Within Kembe's music, you can hear those influences uniquely and intrinsically. Listen to "Voices" to take in a preacher-based flow over a very inspiring beat. Kembe also released a music video for his "Outside Freestyle" two weeks ago. Again, Kembe's passionate lyricism is at the forefront of this track. Another common theme found in "Outside Freestyle" is Kembe's ambitious confidence. 

Kembe X was confronted with many personal doubts and a conflict with alcoholism, which forced him to change his ways and devise a new sense of purpose in his early twenties. But, as he settled into a room in a converted, unobtrusive studio tucked away in the bowels of Los Angeles, he rediscovered a passion that became apparent. 

Kembe's raw and authentic messaging provides a natural, complex, beautiful story that any listener can appreciate. Within his music, you can hear the trials and tribulations Kembe endured throughout his career and life. 

On Kembe's latest record, "Staring At J Dilla," with Dave B., you can hear his undeniable faith in his music career mixed with his present temptations. Proclaiming his convictions, he calls himself a "lion" and explains that his fear of death has sailed. The overall theme conveyed throughout the track is Kembe and Dave B.'s free spirit and sense of fulfillment.

Be sure to give Kembe X a listen and support him on his socials if you like what you hear!