Klive Kraven is my artist name formerly known as IQ among several other aliases.
Where are you from?
Born in Baltimore, Maryland. Raised in Pasadena, Maryland now residing in East New Market, Maryland.
Are you a rapper/beatmaker or DJ?
I am a emcee and producer. I have been emceeing/writing since I was a mere 6 years old. As for production I picked that up a little later in 2001 at the young age of 13. I have stuck with both since and continued to hone my craft on the microphone and on the boards. There is always something new to learn if you dig deep enough!
Do you have a crew?
Yes, Goldminded Records is my team. We were established way back in 2001. We have evolved quite a bit over the years. Different artists, different logos, different staff. Things definitely change in time. The evolution of Goldminded Records is actually quite intruiging. So much has happened over the last couple decades.
How old are you?
Currently I am 29 year old. I will see the big 3-0 in February of 2018. I suppose I am getting old hahaha.
What kind of music do you make?
I make grimey hardcore Hip-Hop overall but I delve into many sub-genres of Hip-Hop as well. I feel I have a unique blend of sounds in my array. From the "Mountain Man" series which is a spaghetti Western vibe. To "Hobo With A Shotgun" which is a more funkadelic vibe. All the way to my "Death Comes..." series which is a more Horror vibed sound. Each of these vibes have a specific and certified sound.
What kind of artists are an inspiration to you?
Over the years many artists have inspired my from my production to my lyrics. To mention a few: Big Pun, Canibus, Eminem, R.A. The Rugged Man, Ill Bill, Necro, Havoc, Rza, Premeir, Large Pro, Muggs and more. Those are specficially just Hip-Hop influences. Outside of the genre there are many as well, but to name a few: The Beatles, John Carpenter, Rick Wakeman, Tiny Tim, Frankie Laine, Ennio Morricone, Hans Zimmer, Frank Sinatra, John Harrison, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Vivaldi, John Carpenter and more.
How long have you been making music?
Is music your job or just a hobby?
I think it is am a mix of both to be honest. I do have a 9-5 because the business can be hard to keep STEADY money coming in. But I do have contracts with some companies that purchase production from me in bulk. Also there is always a fan/artist who wants to build so verse/beat/studio services net nice side cash. Additionally, merch and digital sales help as well. But always nice to havea back up plan. I am actually working on getting my second college degree because of that very same reason haha.
Can we expect some albums of you this year/next year?
100% you will see a TON of new music from myself and Goldminded records. I am getting ready to unveil something never seen before in music period. I am quite proud of this and details will soon follow. I can however announce, that a FOURTH Mountain Man album is happening. "The Resurrection of Mountain Man" will drop in 2017. I am also working on "Unique Universe" as well. My "Detox" if you will, haha.
Can you name some artists you want to work with?
Some heads that I would like to rock with would be: Action Bronson, R.A. The Rugged Man, Ill Bill, Necro, Chris Rios, Snowgoons, Apathy and Premier. I could go on for days though haha.
How can fans check you out and get your merch/material?
Our official website is about to launch and likely will be up by the time this goes public, check us out at: www.GoldmindedRecords.net. You can find us on all major social medias including: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, Snapchat, Pinterest and more. Just search for Goldminded Records or GMDRecords. Finally, you can find us on all major streaming/digital services such as: Pandora, Spotify, Itunes, Amazon, Googleplay, Napster, Emusic, Bandcamp and more.
Thanks for the interview.
Thank you for taking the time for ask the questions and helping keep the culture alive by supporting independant recording artists. The opportunity is greatly appreciated. Respect and salute.
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