Stuby Kas (fka Fundamental)
I'm just a regular dude from the Midwest who moved out to his birthplace (Southern California) after graduating from college. I have been pursuing the elevation of my musical/lyrical talents for 10+ years, and I've gotten to the point where I am looking to get started with making Rap a profession.
However, in the current state of Hip-Hop, can a cat that's a 'progressive rapper' make it in the industry? Probably not. But that doesn't mean that there aren't people out there that are looking to hear music that can also uplift them or inspire them WHILE entertaining them.
I'm not the best, and that's not what I'm striving to be. I'm just trying to be the best me. That may be the best, at the end of the day, but that's not important to me. I look up to Hip-Hop's progressive acts, taking it all the way back to the mid-to-late-80's with De La Soul and MC Lyte.
Nobody's gassing me up, because I'm my own worst critic. In light of that fact, I still get people really encouraging me to go all out with this music thing, because anybody that knows about lyricism within music knows that I have a leg up on most people in the industry (and a lot of the underground cats, too).
I intend to gain my share of the Hip-Hop tapestry, one verse at a time.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Started writing in like '97-'98, when I was a sophomore in high school. I didn't start recording until January '03 when I bought a computer mic and some recording software. Then I got a hold of fruity loops, and I started FINALLY making my own beats--none of which are much to sneeze at yet. I should spend time to make more, but it's hard. I need free dopeness ;)
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
I perform spoken word poetry and rap around the Los Angeles area, and I'm looking to continue my pursuit of this aspect of my artistry.
Your musical influences
Since I was about 15 or so, Hip-Hop has become such a big part of my life. I can't see how I could live any other lifestyle. Hip-Hop has become my outlet, letting me voice my opinion in style.
I'm feelin cats like J. Cole, Tanya Morgan, Homeboy Sandman, Kemba, Little Brother, Blu, Common, Talib Kweli, Mos/Yasiin Def/Bey, Rapsody, Royce Da 5'9", Masta Ace, Wordsworth, Elzhi, Eyedea (RIP), J Dilla (RIP), Pharoahe Monch, Slick Rick, J-Live, Kendrick, De La Soul, The Roots, Jurassic 5, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Sean Price (RIP), DOOM, Jay-Z, Sa-Roc, and Nas, but overall I prefer progressive rap. I just like how you can be hit with such a profound, provocative, positive thought, all in rhyme. It just makes sense.
I'll be a Hip-Hop head forever.
What equipment do you use?
For now: Audacity and an AKG P120 condenser mic.
Anything else?
All of this here is my old stuff from before I changed my name to Soon 2B Known All-Star (Stuby Kas for short). I don't have anything past 2010 on here, but my soundcloud will have all my new ish. I have work to do when it comes to my own beats, but I don't have time to make beats like I'd like to.
