PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland artist Kai Blanco, formerly known as Anti23kaii, is stepping into a new era with the release of his nine-track album Mad, available now on streaming platforms. The project, which dropped June 13, marks a turning point in Blanco’s career as he transforms pain into purpose following the loss of his father earlier this year.
Blanco, who has built a reputation as one of Portland’s standout rappers, has been carving his own lane since first stepping into music as a kid who “wasn’t too good at other things” but found his calling in hip-hop. With roots in a musically inclined family — his father and stepfather were both managers, his grandfather was a musician, and his peers are known session artists in the city — Blanco’s story is one of persistence. “Life got hard, I went harder. I didn’t give up — that’s what this new era is about,” he said.
The artist’s career highlights include the Tuff Luv Tour with Thouxanbanfauni, selling out Portland venues, and earning recognition as one of the city’s top rap voices. But behind the stage lights, his journey hasn’t been without struggle. Losing his father earlier this year left him questioning whether to continue. Instead, he poured his energy into Mad and its companion project No1se, created in collaboration with his close friend and collaborator Xannywick, who also appears as the album’s sole feature.
“Working through it, making the A side and B side with my boy Xannywick just helped me out a lot,” Blanco said.
Looking ahead, Blanco envisions a future where his music builds a solid, lasting community of fans while allowing him to tour with his son or enjoy stability through streaming royalties. “Music changes so much, but I want a core following that withstands any wave,” he explained.
With Mad now streaming, Blanco is focused on promoting the project and highlighting standout tracks that reflect his resilience, authenticity, and refusal to quit.
Fans can listen and connect with Kai Blanco here:
Blanco’s latest era is one marked by growth, reflection, and a dedication to his craft — proving that even in the face of loss, his voice and vision are only getting stronger.
