Klazik, the celebrated lyricist and Iowa Music Award winner for Best Performance in 2022 and Lyricist of the Year in 2023, is gearing up to release his latest single, “Get to You,” featuring DJ Luke Nasty, on September 6th. Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, and currently based in Des Moines, Iowa, Klazik has built a reputation for crafting deeply resonant lyrics that reflect both his artistic prowess and personal experiences. His evolution as an artist is marked not only by his lyrical skill but also by his ability to connect with audiences on a profound level.
Over the past year, Klazik has made significant strides in his career. His performances have been a highlight, including a spot as a finalist at the “It’s Your Time Music Conference,” a headlining gig at the Media Matters Soundstage during SXSW, and an opening act for DJ Luke Nasty. With a history of standout singles and collaborations, including his recent track “Poker Chips” and features on projects by CF KAINE and Tone Da Boss, Klazik is clearly on a roll. Each release showcases a different facet of his talent, pushing boundaries and exploring new sounds.
As the release date for “Get to You” approaches, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Klazik to discuss his new single, the creative process behind it, and what fans can expect from him in the future. Here’s a deep dive into our conversation with the artist.
Inspiration Behind “Get to You”
Urban$ound Team: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your new single “Get to You” featuring DJ Luke Nasty?
Klazik: The inspiration for “Get to You” came from a beat that really struck a chord with me. It has this old-school, sexy vibe that feels fresh and contemporary rather than dated. I wanted to create something that fits perfectly into the modern R&B night scene, blending smooth, nostalgic elements with a current twist.
The Collaboration with DJ Luke Nasty
Urban$ound Team: How did the collaboration with DJ Luke Nasty come about? What was it like working with him?
Klazik: Luke Nasty was actually a judge at a showcase I competed in back in Wisconsin, where I ended up winning first place. After that, we arranged for him to perform in Cedar Rapids, IA. The next day, we got him in the studio, and the chemistry was great. He laid down his vocals, and it all came together seamlessly. Working with him was a fantastic experience; his energy and creativity really added to the track.
The Message of the Track
Urban$ound Team: What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from “Get to You”?
Klazik: I want listeners to feel the vibe of the track, especially if they’re in a relationship or starting a new one. It’s the perfect track for cuffing season or for setting a mood when you’re looking forward to a special night. Even though it’s a rap song, it has a smoothness that fits well with R&B night vibes.
Production Challenges and Solutions
Urban$ound Team: Were there any challenges you faced during the production or recording of this song? How did you overcome them?
Klazik: One of the main challenges was coordinating studio time with Luke Nasty. We had planned to get him in the studio right after his performance, but due to some scheduling conflicts, it almost didn’t happen. Fortunately, we managed to pick him up just in time before his flight, and we got the recording done. It was a tight squeeze, but we made it work.
Evolution in Sound and Theme
Urban$ound Team: How does “Get to You” differ from your previous work, both musically and thematically?
Klazik: “Get to You” represents a shift from my usual lyrical focus. While I’ve always been about crafting intricate, thoughtful lyrics, this song leans more into a vibe and mood setting rather than pure lyrical prowess. It’s designed to be more palatable and entertaining, and it’s definitely a new direction for me.
Creative Process and Vision
Urban$ound Team: What was the creative process like for this single? Did you have a specific vision in mind from the start?
Klazik: The creative process was pretty fluid. From the moment I heard the beat, I knew I wanted to craft something that was both nostalgic and current. I didn’t have a rigid vision, but I wanted to create a track that would resonate with listeners in a different way than my previous work.
Vibe and Atmosphere
Urban$ound Team: Can you describe the vibe and atmosphere you aimed to create with this track?
Klazik: The track is more than just a mood setter; it’s designed to be played when you’re looking forward to a special night with someone. It’s got a smooth, sexy vibe that sets the tone for an evening you’ve been anticipating. It’s all about creating that perfect atmosphere.
Views on the Current Rap and Hip-Hop Industry
Urban$ound Team: What are your thoughts on the current state of the rap and hip-hop industry, and how does your music fit into it?
Klazik: The industry is in a transitional phase, with audiences becoming accustomed to a certain type of music. I think it’s important for innovators to push boundaries and show what’s possible beyond the mainstream. I see myself as part of a new wave, offering something fresh and different from the norm.
Influences and Inspirations
Urban$ound Team: Are there any particular artists or influences that have shaped your style and approach to music?
Klazik: I’ve always been influenced by the greats. Big Daddy Kane is a major influence on my style, while Biggie’s raw, emotional delivery inspired me to start rapping. Fabolous and the Carter 2-era Lil Wayne have been favorites of mine for years. More recently, Akeem Ali has been a new artist I admire.
What’s Next for Klazik?
Urban$ound Team: What can fans expect next from you after the release of “Get to You”?
Klazik: Fans can expect more music and more frequent updates from me. I’ve got a lot of material ready to go, and I’m excited to share it. I hope to keep them engaged and interested in what’s coming next.
Stay tuned for Klazik’s latest single “Get to You,” set to drop on September 6th, and follow him on Instagram ,Spotify and YouTube for more updates on his upcoming releases and performances.