“When I heard [Kaicrewsade] my first thought was this kid is so different and poised and really a breath of fresh air… But then hearing him shoutout Noname as an influence got me a little teary-eyed. We’re all still kids it feels like; so to be looked up to and loved by this new generation of talented creatives is a validation I never saw coming.” – Chance The Rapper
Kaicrewsade (Kai for short) is an exceptionally talented 21-year-old artist from the vibrant streets of Chicago’s West Side. Gracefully weaving the elements of Jazz, soul, and rap into his creative vision, he pushes beyond boundaries, creating a limitless and unique musical tapestry.
Rooted between Chicago and Jacksonville, Mississippi, with his family, Kai’s musical journey was profoundly shaped by his early exposure to jazz, a genre with which he holds a deep and abiding connection.
Growing up, his household was immersed in the rich sounds of Herbie Hancock, Erykah Badu, A Tribe Called Quest, and Ahmad Jamal. Motivated by the art of other Chicago artists, such as Chance the Rapper, Noname, Saba, etc., Kai has ardently committed to prioritizing the discovery of his sonic identity from these inspirational artists. Mixing his eloquent vocal delivery and soulful energy through live instrumentation offers a powerful connection that speaks to the depths of the human experience.
Kai’s debut EP, Steve’s Demo, marked his initial emergence on the Chicago music scene and significantly impacted his career. It captured the attention of Dart Parker, the manager of renowned artist Danny Brown. This breakthrough project allowed him to establish his name in the city and gain significant industry recognition. Establishing the relationship with Parker quickly led to Kai joining forces with acclaimed Chris Classick, owner of staple recording space–Classick Studios. The studio’s clientele list includes Chance the rapper, Smino, Noname, Saba, Mick Jenkins & more. This relationship created a transformative chapter in Kai’s musical journey, culminating in the recording of his latest single, “Chickenscratch!” – this track has resonated deeply with listeners, amassing over 100k streams on Spotify. Lyrical Lemonade, Complex, and That Good Shit! were included in the streams, further solidifying his burgeoning presence in the music world.
Amidst his commanding presence in the rap scene, Kai remains a passionate advocate for his community. Following his graduation in 2020, he established a poetry club that serves as a haven for individuals seeking to feel seen and heard. Inspired by his enriching experiences of bible studies in school, Kai endeavored to create a group focused on unity through poetry and meaningful dialogue. This club is a testament to his commitment to fostering deep connections and providing a platform for authentic self-expression.
Through his unwavering commitment to his musical journey and community engagement, Kai’s recent achievements mark just the inception of what promises to be an illustrious career. We eagerly await the unveiling of his inaugural full-length project, poised to encapsulate his evolution thus far while heralding a future brimming with boundless potential and artistic brilliance.