Jimi Hendrix, George Clinton, and Cee-Lo Green; all gave birth to a new sound and forged a new and historic way in Black music; and now emerging artist Kameko has picked up where his musical predecessors left off. Pressing forward with a sound riddled with passion and an image yearning to break free and surpass barriers; this new artist is no stranger to an old struggle. We at MCP decided to sit with Kameko to talk to him about his sound, soul, strain; and most importantly his “Keys to Paradise.”

Jamaur: Kameko, thank you so much for speaking with us today!

Kameko: Thank you for your time.

Jamaur: We just want to say that it’s refreshing to hear a voice such as yours with an image such as your. You are truly pushing boundaries and bringing a sound which challenges barriers; you’re a bold and innovative artist.

Kameko: Thank you

Jamaur: As an emerging artist, what are your hopes for your music, and just what is your ideal vision for yourself?

Kameko: I see myself as a producer and writer for other artists. I see myself being a megastar and I also see the potential in my projects. My sound is new and complete, and in the next few years I will have a strong fan base.

Jamaur: How would you describe your sound and image?

Kameko: I call my music Evolutionary/Alternative music, its spiritual and encompasses all of my idols Chaka Khan, Jimi Hendrix, and John Lennon.; it’s a new genre of music. I don’t like the limitations placed on black artistes, in order to get out I had to create my own sound.

Jamaur: What inspires you to move forward with your music?

Kameko: ‘The Creator;’ it’s all spirit. It’s defiantly not easy doing anything authentic, there are so many artists like myself out there and there’s a platform for us, it’s my calling and it’s definitely challenging.

Jamaur: In order to house your unique sound and the direction you seek for your music, you decided to create your own music label, Evalt (meaning, evolutionary alternative). Tell us your motivation behind such a bold move.

Kameko: Everyone would always ask what my sound was, and I was constantly being put in a box of ‘Neo-Soul,’ so I got the idea from an artist by the name of Kedar. I like the fact that he came out and branded Neo-Soul, I figured if he could do it, so could I. It’s an idea of freedom to put any sound together without boundaries.

Jamaur: So tell us about your wonderfully ever eclectic name ‘Kameko,’ is it your alias or birth name?

Kameko: It’s my birth name, and it’s Japanese and means ‘Child of God.’ I’m living up to it, because everything that I do I consult ‘The Creator’ himself.

Jamaur: What artists inspire you to move forward in your musical journey?

Kameko: Aside from Jackie Wilson, Whitney Houston, Al Green, and Björk; I love Teedra Moses, and Erykah Badu. I love Erykah, she’s one of my favorite people, and she’s extremely talented; I have a musical thing for her.

Jamaur: Tell us about your debut album ‘Keys to Paradise,’ which is your favorite song on the album?

Kameko: I like “Tired of Being Broke” and “No More War,” they are both prevalent because war is the reason we are broke.

Jamaur: What is the hardest thing about being an emerging artist?

Kameko: Because America is so “cookie cutter,” everyone is so busy chasing “The American Dream,” we’ve lost sight of the love and ‘The Creator,’ and music is getting lost in that. Real artistry gets hell in American and people want real lyrics and real music.

Jamaur: So tell us, where is the next place your fans can catch you, where’s the next place we can find Kameko?

Kameko: Right now I’m doing a collaboration called ‘The Enigma Project.’ I’m also finalizing some deals and my album will be out very soon; this year will be an interesting year for me. I’m also following the Obama campaign, which deals with my single “No More War.” You can catch me on the campaign trail performing my song and supporting the cause, I’ll be the black guy with the big hair handing out singles (Laughs).

Jamaur: Well Kameko, we here at MCP are all about the inside track, you know the exclusive; so tell us something about you the ever talented emerging artists that others might not know yet?

Kameko: …Wow that’s a great question, I don’t know how deep to go, there’s so much I really want to say…Can it be about me?

Jamaur: Sure, anything!

Kameko: It’s not easy for “Us” as real artists, because people thing it’s so easy, and that hurts me. It hurts when judgment is placed or when investors back out because they don’t see “it” happening over night. It hurts when onlookers judge, it’s not easy to do what we do as artists, it hurts when they assume it’s easy. I’m sure there are those who can relate; and someone needs to say, “Back off its not easy!” When you are constantly being judged by whom you are its hard.

Jamaur: Well Kameko, you’ve definitely dropped some knowledge on us. We here at MCP want to let you know that it is refreshing to be able to experience an artist like you who, while you are not mainstream, you are also not diluted. You are truly what the industry is missing today-you are truly speaking from a real place with your heart and we commend you for that. You are stepping out of boxes, being different; daring and challenging “ordinary” labels, all while moving with a sense of familiarity and relate ability.

Kameko: Thank You.

Jamaur: You have our support and we can’t wait to talk to you again when your album drops. Much Success!