Meter

Issue date: 3/31/08 Section: Arts & Culture

Whitfield and Kobie Randolph interview with Kristyle at The Blaze, TSU campus radio. (Kenneth Cummings)

Rap group Kinfolk Thugs visit the campus of TSU.(Kenneth Cummings)

By Gregory Brand, Jr.
Arts & Culture Editor
One member of the Memphis-based, chart climbing hip-hop collective known as Kinfolk Thugs reveals solo potential while lamenting dedication to his group as he moves forward toward nabbing a major label deal.

The 19-year-old emcee is called Kristyle and his reputation as a credible artist has been steadily growing since he first burst on the scene while he was still in high school.

He enjoyed regional stardom on several locally produced tracks, but became a major fixture when he dropped a highly acclaimed track on the now-infamous Gangsta Grillz mixtape series at the age of sixteen.

"I've been rapping since I was nine," Kristyle said. "I just want to take it to the next level and keep doing my thing."

His stardom was further cemented with the release of his Jodeci-sampled, Something 4 The Ladies featuring southern great, Tela.

In high school he met up with the future members of Kinfolk Thugs and began reaching for stardom. Though he joined forces with kindred musical spirits, he continued making tracks for himself.

He has independently promoted himself on various mixtapes. His Ride it Like a Cowgirl single made its public debut on DJ Crisis' latest mixtape.

The idea of marketing to college listeners came from a familiar TSU face. Kobie Randolph, former TSU student and prominent promoter, is working with the artist.

"We want to take a 'from the streets' approach," Randolph said. "By hitting the streets and (college campuses) Kristyle can build a real fan base."

Kristyle's hard work for both himself and his group has created a bidding war for the young artist.

His status as a powerplayer in his hometown Memphis has only extended his potential.

"A lot of labels are (interested) off the first single," Kristyle said. "('I Want Some' is even) hot in the strip clubs."

Counting his influences in hip-hop as T.I, Ludacris, 3-6 Mafia, Yo Gotti and 8-Ball and MJG, the young rapper might be ready for the big leagues.

"I was impressed when he said (he was shopping for a deal) on the show," said Latoya Grimes, a junior psychology major from Harrisburg, Penn. "I hope he gets a good deal."

His new upcoming album, Long Over Due, is set to hit stores later this year and will feature production from the likes of Rocco, Jazze Pha, and Plies producer Drummer Boy.

The single currently in radio rotation is "I Want Some" and his strong following in the south is currently pushing his name and trademark "swag" into the stratosphere.

As far as the Kinfolk Thugs are concerned, their smash single, "Dump Truck" has pushed them towards success.

With hundreds of spins running throughout the south, they show no sign of falling off.

Kristyle spent time reflecting on his plans for the future. The plans include more music from he and his crew and even expansion into clothing design. The line, Royalty, will feature hip-hop fashion as well as loungewear.

"The motto of the line is 'Loyalty is Royalty,'" Kristyle said. "I'm a prince and I feel like everyone out there should feel the same."

When asked about how he felt about the state of hip-hop, his answer was simple: "I'm up next; y'all be on the look out. Atlanta had its run, now its time for Memphis to take over."•

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