To continue our brand new feature ‘A Look in the Past’ we are going back to an early interview with the homie and long time friend Kool John. This goes way back to July of 2011 when he just released his ‘S.N.A.C.K’ mixtape when his Shmoplife gear was just getting started. Check it out below (mind you that the interview is completely unaltered) and keep it locked in for who’s up next and more features on Kool John in the future. Yee!
Check out the legendary “Swaggin” video below too, this came out about a year or so after this interview, this shut down the Richmond Mall twice, catch me in the video too, this was only the beginning!
Tell us about yourself. Whats your name? Where are you from?
My name is Kool John, I’m from Richmond, California. Home of the roses that grow within the cracks of concrete. I’m $hmopliving – “Living everyday like a Saturday night.” I am a talented party animal. I am founder and designer of the $hmoplife brand. I throw big undergrad parties strictly for the party animals living in the Bay Area. I just put out a double disc soundtrack to the lifestyle “$hmoplife” called $.N.A.C.K aka ($hmop Nights and Cali Kush.)I am also apart of the #Newbay music scene emerging rapidly in the Bay Area.
What does the word “based” mean to you?
Based to me means being free and doing what you love to do and being positive…. I also have some based red vans I love to wear.
How did you get into the music industry? What inspired you?
I loved music since I was born, since I could ever start reading. Every time I walked into a store where magazines were available I asked my mom to buy me rap magazines and I would read them front to back. Music and entertainment has always been a passion of mine since I was born. I started actually rapping in the 7th grade and I made mix CS’s called “Club Mix” that I use to sell. I always had an ear for good music.
I’ve been inspired by my mother, Diddy, Master P, Will Smith, Daymond John, Richard Bronson, Jay-Z, Kid N Play, Mac Dre, Dame Dash, Baby from Cash Money Records, and the daily people I interact with.
What upcoming projects are you working on?
The upcoming projects I;m working on is the double disc project I’m releasing towards the end of this year. Its the C.F.O.P.A (Click Fill of Party Animals) / Pillow-talk album. I’m also writing treatment for some up coming promo commercial for the $hmoplife gear. Also I’m steady designing for upcoming $hmoplife gear projects. I’m also getting ready to put of the “Swaggin 2011” video which is one of the bangers from the $.N.A.C.K soundtrack. I’m also writing a script for the first $hmop movie… the shit is going to be epic! We are also planning a 90’s throwback themed $hmopfest.
Are there any artists out there you would like to work with, but haven’t got the chance yet?
Mannie Fresh.
Who are your favorite artists right now?
My favorite artists right now is everyone in the #Newbay music scene. They are all talented artists with a drive I have never seen in any other artists. $.N.A.C.K soundtrack ($hmop Nights and Cali Kush) is the only thing in my speakers.
What are some things that people don’t know about you?
A lot of people don’t know that I am a designer, and that I could dance, and that I could rap.
What’s some advice you can give the people that want to get into the music industry?
Wrap it up!
