
Khamelijon
Set To Release his sophmore effort "Unsigned" Khamelijon has spent the last year in the studio preping for the release of a more mature album. Also he's been producing tracks for newcomers "NBF" (Nuttin' But Family) and is featured on their forthcoming Debut Album "Nuttin' But Family". In addition to working on his cousin's debut album he's been working with a regionally known R&B/Soul/Funk Artist by the name of Noble Williams. I would be looking for goood things to come out of Nawt'y North Records and Khamelijon this Summer. KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED!
"Not A Thug" was the first album released by Khamelijon under his and his brothers own independent label, with production from newcomer Hosea "Nigma X" (Khamelijon's Brother). Khamelijon has also co-produced a few tracks including the first Single, "Cheat On Me" featuring Bean, along with the album's title track, "Not A thug" featuring a young aspiring singer, Rachel VanSolkema.
With the album's mixture between the lighter, more melodic pop sounding songs, and the dynamic drum lines of the hardcore hip hop songs, this LP from start-to-finish will have you singing along to every song on it.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
"Best of Both Worlds"
Khamelijon, John Lee of Grand Rapids, Michigan, has spent his whole life living in two ethnic worlds. Born a Mulatto, his father a black man born in the 30s who has known oppression all too well growing up in the inner-city of Canton, Mississippi, and his mother a teacher and well-educated white woman whom spent almost her whole life living in Michigan. Unafraid of his background hes spent his whole life mimicking between his fathers family and his mothers. He learned quickly that there is a common misconception that the Hybrid Race may have no place in society, constantly shunned by both sides of their heritage. Khamelijon and his brother Nigma, Hosea James Haralson, Jr. whom created the melodious and dynamic beats backing his brothers tracks, prove however, that its not an obstacle but an advantage almost coining the phrase all over again, The Best of Both Worlds.
Khamelijon brings everything he is and has experienced into his songs. His lyrical depth on some tracks may leave you searching for an encyclopedia, and the catchy pop tunes will have you singing along to every song. He has an innate ability to evoke into his music the very best in his life, and allow the music to flow wonderfully throughout every track. Khamelijon and Nigma have created a whole new genre of music. Rap pop, the name speaks for itself, this is a genre long overlooked yet holds some of the best money makers ever to hit the business.
The only challenge hes had to overcome in his career is the constant attack on his not so hard-core lyrics. This is easily shrugged off however, knowing that a child can listen with their parents to an album from start to finish and not have to worry about the explicitness of the song and they can focus more on the content of the music. The teenybopper image has been thrown around a few times, in a few interviews, Khamelijon replied by guaranteeing album sales for whichever label he chooses to entrust with his career. Imagine a marketable Eminem, minus (-) the controversy; add (+) the skills. Also taken into account the energetic stage performance in which he commands attention and respect from the audience, along with dance skills equaling that of *Nsync or Sisqo. This kid is almost a no miss in the music industry. Black, White, Red, Yellow, or Green it doesnt matter; when the track hits the radio and the people cant get enough, then youll know that Khamelijon has the love and support of every race.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
I do shows all across West Michigan, and have done a few shows out of the Region, the Best would be Live in Cancun on March 15th, 2003 I rocked about 3000+ College Co-eds in a tropical paradise.
Your musical influences
Bone, Kriss Kross, 2 Pac, E-40, Eminem, N*sync, & Michael Jacskon (+ many more). I believe any true artist or musician is going to be influenced by every song they have ever heard. from the low quality cuts on BET uncut to the multiplattinum super group. It all affects your creativity.
What equipment do you use?
Yamaha Motif, Sonar, Motu out board Sound Card, Alesis Studio Monitors, & a inspiration.
Anything else?
I will be a #1 artist one day, I'd like it if you were there to help support me on my way up.