Growing Out of the DMV: Meet Kinrose

The DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia) is home to big names like Wale, Goldlink, and Ari Lennox, but the region’s music scene is among the most underrated. So, after my little sister and I listened to his music for the first time, I jumped at the opportunity to interview Kinrose: an artist continuing to pave the way for DMV music and build a name for himself in the world of alternative hip hop. Kinrose creates work that tells stories. With reflective lyrics about growth and coming-of-age coupled with melodic beats, Kinrose is definitely an artist to watch. 

Growing up, what music did you listen to? Who are your biggest influences? 

Growing up through the 2000s, I was of course listening to the icons of the era, like Missy Elliot, T-Pain, OutKast, etc, but was also introduced early on to the sounds of prior eras that produced musicians like Rare Essence, Denice Williams, and Stevie Wonder.

What does it mean to you to rep the DMV? What do you wish people knew about the music coming out of the DMV?

Getting around the DMV is muscle memory to me— in that sense, it’ll always be intrinsically a part of me no matter where I am. The connection is far deeper than me— it’s been my family’s home base for many generations before. So, being able to broadcast that hometown love is something I cherish. I wish more people knew about the wealth of talent that lives here. I’m still new to the DMV music scene, but even so, the raw talent is undeniable, and I hope to get the opportunity to amplify our voices whenever I can. 

One of my favorite reflective lyrics from the song “sowing” is, “I ain’t in Vogue, but I feel like the poster boy of all my issues.” How does vulnerability play a role in your creative process?

There’s multiple layers of vulnerability built into the creative process that require a bit of thick skin. Behind the scenes, music is collaborative, and I’m always sharing my vision for a song/project with a small group of people before it’s actually concrete— and constantly experiencing small failures as I basically put my art on the chopping block, and may not get the reaction I anticipated. Being vulnerable with this small group of people—closest friends, managers, long time collaborators—might actually be more grueling than being vulnerable on a public platform, because it’s opinions from the people I love and respect so deeply on a personal level. In the end, though I feel exposed at the moment, their feedback really morphs my sound into the best it can be. On the other hand, I think infusing vulnerability into my writing comes a bit more naturally. I rarely filter what I’m feeling cause I know it resonates with someone somewhere. 

As both a musician and a graphic designer, do you find yourself meshing together these two art forms? 

I don’t think so, or at least not consciously. Lately though, brainstorming for music videos has required me to think about my music in a more visual way, so maybe the two senses will start to merge for me over time. 

What would be a dream collaboration for you? 

Wale or Mya are some of the hometown greats I’d be honored to work with. 

What is your current favorite song? 

“Can We Pretend” by Bill Withers.

What is up next for you?

I’m in the middle of making a new project, and I hope it’s ready soon, but I’m also enjoying the present moment’s focus on elevating my craft. 

Listen to the playlist below to get to know Kinrose!