Fads come and go, but there will always be a place in the game for R&B singers with smooth as silk voices like Kentrell. In this edition of our My City series, the Chicago based artist explains how Chicago’s creative force drives him, how his Mississippi roots ground him and explains that a Chicago three course meal consists of Harold’s Chicken Shack, Uncle Julio’s Jerk Chicken and Garretts popcorn.
RefinedHype: Lots of cities produce musicians, but the musicians coming out of Chicago seem to be particularly creative (Lupe Fiasco, Common, etc.). What is it about the Chi that breeds such creativity?
Kentrell: Yeah that is so true, from R. Kelly, Kanye, Lupe, Common, Twista, Carl Thomas and so on and so on. That’s a lot of creativity. I think it’s the vibe here, and the people. We as artist try so hard to please the world of course musically, but you want to capture home first. We try to step out the box and do what we do but just a little different. People here at home make it so hard for you as an artist, sometimes the city can be cold, so you have no choice but to be as creative as possible. At the same time the love you receive is great , but the hate you receive is motivational, and inspiring. When you can’t please home, you try your hardest to prove to them that you are somebody that exists and moves in circles outside of here, this validates you to your hometown. Whether you stay here and continue to realize your dream or choose to leave here to fulfill your mission. That love/hate relationship you receive in Chicago pushes your creativity and originality to the max so you can get where you are trying to go.
RefinedHype: Although you now reside in Chicago you were born and raised in Mississippi. Do your Southern roots influence your music at all?
Kentrell: I was born and raised in Mississippi, and moved to Chicago after high school. Growing up in the south definitely influenced me musically. I grew up singing, and was taught at an early age from my mother who also sings. I had the raw talent when I moved to Chicago. Mississippi was like a middle school, high school coach, a place where you learn the fundamentals. When I moved to Chicago I moved up to college level, and now the pro’s . Chicago just added that extra edge, skills . . . what I needed to complete me!
RefinedHype: If you put together a Chicago supergroup (past or present), who would be on it?
Kentrell: R. Kelly, Kanye, Common, Lupe, and me (Kentrell).. Starting 5 right there. Gotta have that rookie energy starting right?!
RefinedHype: If I’m rolling through Chicago, what are the spots I need to visit that only a local would know?
Kentrell: Of course Harold’s Chicken Shack, Uncle Julio’s Jerk Chicken and Garretts popcorn to eat. After 2am check out Underground nightclub but take somebody that knows the door guy there if you want to actually get in. Then meet me in Greektown to soak it all up. Succezz for your ChiBoys gear. Thing is, Chicago has something for everybody whatever you like to do. But if you want to find me, that is where I will be. (And then church on Sunday;)
RefinedHype: Last words?
Kentrell: Follow me on Twitter @iamkentrell! My 1st single “ENCORE” on iTunes ready for you to download NOW. Also call your local radio stations and request “ENCORE”... See u soon!
Read more: My City, Kentrell
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