We recently connected with Karl Keels and have shared our conversation below.

Karl, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I released a project last year known as 4 below Freeze. It has a lot of significance because the music was a direct reflection of where I was mentally and emotionally the few years leading up to that process and what was currently going on in my life. My collaborative partner Becker and I operated a studio in the Towson area; where in my free time I would work on music. In 4 months I recorded about 75 songs. One of them was my most successful solo record to date, “Palo Santos”. When i release that song ahead of the project, I got an overwhelming wave of support that i did not experience before. That pushed me to complete the project and release it as soon as possible. The project means a lot to me because I felt I displayed the best impression of my skills as an MC and songwriter. The project performed well without any ads or paid playlisting. The music touched my peers and newer associates in an organic fashion that made them fans of my content. It definitely was a time to be alive !

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My career path started from my love for hip hop. I read all the liner notes to the albums I bought, I watched the BET & MTV segments about the developing culture of Hip Hop as well as doing my own research about the business. As time went on I saw how this art form was a soundtrack to how Black people, lived ,communicated, and identified in America. Most of my teens into adulthood I was in pursuit of a career in Hip hop music. I taught myself how to write, create a relatable persona, and foremost how to network. I started off making videos of me freestyling on Myspace, to making songs for love interests as a way to woo their attention to starting an independent record label with close friends of mine. As time went on , life took form and I realized that I had a story to tell; so I spent many nights in the studio writing and crafting my “style” . In 2015, I made the transition to to joining local media in Baltimore. I’ve written for blogs, helped developed art galleries and gave countless hours of consultations & advice to peers in the local scene. One of my proudest moments is writing the chorus for “How I’m Coming” a record by artist Tracksmith and famed rapper Desiigner. I’m most proud of that moment because I never left my practice of writing music. Though it was not a primary focus of mine, to be called upon to contribute to records and lend my ear is an honor. I believe the one thing that separates me from my peers is knowledge. Since I was a young boy I’ve made the fundamentals, techniques and history of Rap music my area of study. I noticed that my knowledge made elgible for more than just a career as a rapper. I’ll continue to write and create music, but my end goal is much much bigger.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I get a huge joy of seeing people react to my execution of skill. It ranges from me coming up with a strategy , to me playing a well put together song, or my ability to create in the studio. I compare it to Micheal Jordan setting the then-NBA record for most 3s in a Playoff game in the 1992 finals. I remember there was a time when I wasn’t the most skilled person in the room and did not get taken serious. Now seeing my practice and ideas manifest into impactful moments is a blessing

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2015, I made the pivot from full time recording artist to a media specialist in my city. Sincere, friend and collaborator introduced me to someone that was starting a internet radio show and needed a co-host. One of my main strengths outside of recording music was my knowledge of the business structure and culture. I turned out to be a perfect fit, soon exploring more media opportunities that grew my visibility and portfolio. At that point I received more acclaim and support for my media efforts than my music, though the itch to record and be present never left. I would treat the studio like body builder would treat the gym. I soon would return to music, writing and crafting some of my best work.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: koolestofalltimee
• Facebook: Freeze karlito
• Twitter: manimouthere
• Youtube: streamfreeze

Image Credits
Daiizy Tevin Washington