Working in a creative industry is no easy feat. Apart from that, only some are lucky enough to achieve success in a short span of time. In fact, some people work many years before they can finally make a mark. The music industry is no exception. Musicians, managers, agents, and promoters all experience setbacks. The trick is to know your audience but, more importantly, deal with disappointment and continue to move towards your goals without getting sidetracked. One thing is sure that everyone is not capable of doing that, which is why not everyone can survive in this cutthroat industry.
The best part, however, is that the music industry has drastically changed in the past couple of years. The internet has transformed the way we create and consume music. This has impacted the careers of aspiring and upcoming musicians positively as they now have greater access to global audiences, and the new-built hierarchy and power balances have shifted the control from huge music labels to consumers. Now your success depends on how you connect with your audience. This is why up-and-coming artists with amazing talent have made it big in the industry in recent years, whether they have little or no formal training. One such individual is Joseph Ray Morales, more commonly known as Kakazi, who has carved a niche for himself.
He started off with the name Kawasaki, but Morales was never quite fond of it, as it was the name of a motorcycle brand. “I didn’t like the fact that it reminded people of something other than myself,” Kakazi explained. However, once, when he was freestyle rapping, the name Kakazi came out of nowhere, and Joseph Morales immediately stopped and didn’t think twice before choosing it as his permanent stage name. And that’s where his journey as Kakazi officially began.
When it comes to music, according to Kakazi, it runs in his family. So it’s safe to say that Kakazi was always meant to pursue music and be where he is today. However, he did not start rapping until he was 16, but when he was younger, he always looked up to his brother, Richie ‘The Rhymer’. Talking about his brother, who is his biggest inspiration, Kakazi shared, “I’ve seen how incredibly talented he always has been and still is, and I wanted to be there right by his side, shining bright like a star.”
It was not just his brother, who is a musician. In fact, Kakazi’s cousin, AJ, is also part of a Spanish rock band out of Laredo named Bajo Silencio. Growing up, his very own family members inspired him, but as far as celebrity idols are concerned, Kakazi has always looked up to Eminem and admires the renowned rap artist for his versatility. “Eminem proved that you can have success through lyricism,” he asserted.
Currently, Kakazi is in the process of releasing his album named after himself Kakazi- A New Beginning. Even though his previous mystical raps have been nothing short of extraordinary, the talented artist claims that this album will be the turning point of his life. The mantra behind each one of his rap songs is that it should resonate with him as much as it should with the audience. He believes that if something doesn’t appeal to him, how could he possibly put it out there for his audience? Therefore, Kakazi takes his own sweet time to compose a song, and so far, this has worked well for him!
For the past 16 years, Kakazi has worked tirelessly on his music. During this time, the way he works on his music has also changed. He starts off by thinking of a concept, then finds a beat he believes suits the whole idea the best, and finally works on the last but most important step, which is brainstorming the lyrics. Once he feels everything is going well with each other, he records it right then and there.
After years of hard work, consistency, and passion, Kakazi is finally making waves in the music industry. He always believed in himself and his talent, and now more than ever, this young musical prodigy is highly motivated to give accomplished rappers a run for their money. His new album: Kakazi; A New Beginning, will show the world that this young man is here to stay!
Kakazi has undoubtedly proved that with determination and a go-getting attitude, you can easily achieve your goals and turn your dreams into reality.
