We still have some people who still have their heads in the sand when it comes to police corruption. The recent shooting deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile by the hands of the police officers involved have sent this nation into an uproar. There are many in the community who has a serious distrust of the police due to their abuse of power and the blue wall of silence.
I was able to have a conversation with King Myers as he tells me his encounter with the two officers involved, how important it is to give back to the community, the upcoming video for "AmeriKKKa", his disagreement with Ebro of Hot 97 and more.
Sincere: Recently, you and your friend Taz Li
were involved in a traffic stop with two Suffolk County police officers. Can
you describe what happened and why did the officers pulled the both of you
over?
King Myers: I wish I could say why we were actually pulled over, other than for being 2 black guys. They had someone pulled over already and once we rolled by and made eye contact with them, they stopped what they were doing to catch up with us.
Sincere: The one officer knew who you were and wanted you to kick a few verses, but little did he know you were going to kick a verse about police brutality and he removed himself . Were you surprised that he walked away?
King Myers: Yeah, I was surprised he walked away, especially since he asked me to hear something! As I was getting pulled over, I already had my mind set on filming the stop. He just made it better for me by asking me to rap, then walking away.
Sincere: Once you have uploaded the encounter on social media. Did you think the video would go viral?
King Myers: Of course. I knew that I could use it to my advantage, especially being that I had just released a single speaking on police brutality / racism and all that. I had no intentions on rapping though, just wanted to make sure my camera was on record because of all the unfortunate events dealing with police & black folk. But I definitely didn't think the news would pick it up! I was interviewed by 3 different outlets in less than 24 hours.
Sincere: I applaud you for standing up to address the issues that affect people of color. Your recent single, “Amerikkka”, touches on police brutality and the criminal justice system. What type of feedback have you received from your fans?
King Myers: Much love! Believe it or not, they suggested that I write a song about the current events. I was getting ready to release a different single, so I posted about it, They asked me to speak on Alton Sterling getting killed, & I thought it was actually a dope idea! Had it done the next day. So the feedback has been great! They got what they asked for, and it was even more than they expected.
Sincere: Do you have a release date for when the video will be released?
King Myers: It'll be out in the next 2 weeks. I'm actually going to release the official trailer for the video this week. You'll have it!
Sincere: How important it is for you to give back to your community?
Sincere: People are truly concerned with the U.S government militarizing the police. Conspiracy theorists have been warning us for years about this very issue. I was reading a Russia Today article which was published last year titled Have police departments across the U.S have declared war on black people? In your view, do you consider this fear mongering or is this something every American should take heed?
King Myers: Of course we should all prepare for the worst, but still pray for the best. With everything that's been happening recently we shouldn't put anything passed us. And as a public figure with a heavy influence on the youth, as well as people around my age & even older, it's my job to speak out and let everyone know what should be happening! The overall message in my single "AmeriKKKa" is not to start killing police, but to unify and be aware of what can happen. Everyone needs to be aware because at any moment, it's possible that it can happen to someone in your family, or even you!
Sincere: Building and maintaining trust between the police and the public is vitally important and the violence between both sides need to cease. If given the opportunity, what would be your solution to start the healing process?
King Myers: Days after I was pulled over, I began filming the video for "AmeriKKKa". I had a "peace & unity" day in my town, Wyandanch, where I rallied/marched with the local law enforcement, also known as the Suffolk County Police Department. I believe that's a great start!
Sincere: We have the 2016 presidential election and it's a choice between Trump or Clinton? There are many people in this country who are not thrilled with either candidate. Do you think it is time for the rise of a third party?
King Myers: I'm honestly not sure what to think anymore. As Americans, it is up to us to choose a great leader for our country, but sometimes the options aren't as great as they should be. At the end of the day, we all still have the power as citizens of this country to come together. All of us can be much greater than just them..if you know what I mean.
Sincere: You had a few choice words with radio personality Ebro Darden of Hot 97 on twitter for not supporting "real music" and not breaking new artists. Unfortunately, radio will not support local artist, but the internet has given the underground artist a voice. Ebro doesn't mind being the bad guy so why did you decide to call him out?
King Myers: I didn't actually call him out, I just voiced my opinion based off of a tweet I saw him send to someone else. He said "I always play shit I think is corny, wack & basic...I'm a DJ". It kind of pissed me off because as a DJ its your job to break records, whether you like them or not, but most importantly if they're hot! He challenged me, told me to "get hot" on social media 1st. Coincidently, everything just happened w/ myself & the police, & social media went crazy. But there's still no sign of Ebro. Where's Ebro?
Sincere: I agree with you that it is the job of a DJ to break records but unfortunately things have changed. I was talking to a friend of mine who is based out in the West Coast and he said local artists out there are having the same problems getting airplay on commercial radio. However, I think the advantage still favors the artist as the internet is a useful tool and the whole world can hear your music. What say you?
King Myers: Definitely would say the Internet is a huge tool for aspiring artists to be heard. Shoot, I was able to reach Ebro / Hot 97 because of the Internet! I've gotten a lot of my shows booked because of the Internet.
Sincere: Do you believe if New York artists put their egos aside and work together as southern artists are doing. The NY hip hop scene would be a force to be reckoned with again?
King Myers: I think it all starts with us daring to be different again. Not so much of working together because that's already happening, we used to sound different than everyone else & it was still lit! Another thing is the DJs. These NY DJs gotta look out for NY more. Now they're just going with the flow and what's poppin at the moment, even if it's wack. And at the same time forgetting that there's other music that's actually dope, but hasn't been heard, and giving it a chance.
Sincere: You're right about that. Some of the DJs are looking for that microwave rap or the latest gimmick. Speaking of gimmicks, did you see this rapper who gained publicity for shooting himself in the face in a music video?
King Myers: Nah I really don't pay attention to stuff like that. I work hard for any attention I get. I don't go out and do stupid stuff for attention. I grind hard.
Sincere: You’re the CEO of Urge Music and you have already worked with some top notch emcees from Erick Sermon, Dave East, Keith Murray, Bumpy Knuckles and your godfather Rakim who is a big influence with your career. What advice Rakim offered to you in regards to the business aspect of the industry?
King Myers: Of course Ra keeps it funky. He told me never switch up and I can last forever.
Sincere: Thanks for taking the time to conduct this interview with me. Do you have any final shout outs and for the people who want to follow your movement. Tell them your social media handles.
King Myers: Shout out to God for blessing me with such a powerful talent. All my social media handles are @RealKingMyers
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