KAMAUU’s Higher Calling

The greatest evil is interruption

“Mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, I think it's all physical. My mind is local in my body. My emotions are local to my body. It's all having An impact on the physical universe.”

We met up with Maryland-born and based artist, rapper, poet, and thinker KAMAUU to discuss life and his higher calling of service. This interview took place a while ago but we are huge KAMAUU fans and wanted to revisit the conversation that still resonates. His dedication to physical fitness is inspiring. We still can’t do the 5 minute planks he was doing.

In your recent work, you seem to be reflecting on a need for personal correction.

The most recent work that I put out is Lacuna in the House of Mirrors. It was and is a beautiful labor of love and a great collaboration with a friend of mine. The album is me reflecting on what I need to correct, a lot of it. ‘Don't Play With Money’ is not just about people not playing with my money, it's telling myself don't play with your ability to provide. Stop wasting time, stop playing with your money, stop spending in the name of escapism and I didn't set out to necessarily make a reflective project…that's just where I was in my life. When you think about other cultures and the art of sacrificing things to the gods, you're asking for life to be breathed into an idea, into a dream, into a goal. Everything is exchanged, you know? I think on this planet we have an exchange. Breathing is an exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. if I were to ask for anything it would be the desire to breathe live into anything that I want…I need to give something. And so I wanna give the weaker version of me. I wanna sacrifice him.

“I'm focused on living authentically, in a way that honors my past, present, and future.”

You've spoken about the importance of consistency. How do you maintain focus amidst distractions, especially given the attention that comes with your music?

Consistency is paramount. It's the foundation of all growth. I see it as a fundamental principle, like a deity. Distractions are rampant, especially with technology. The phone is a constant battleground. I think 99 percent of it is phone based. I'm constantly striving for that unwavering focus.

When you say phone based, is it where the distractions come from?

Yeah.

What are your goals for the future, both personally and musically?

I'm focused on living authentically, in a way that honors my past, present, and future. I want to create a community that fosters self-expression. I want to continue to grow as an artist and connect with my audience on a deeper level.

Mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, I think it's all physical. And I can only do anything with my body. My mind is local in my body. My emotions are local to my body. It's all of and having impact on the physical universe.

The greatest evil is interruption.

The greatest evil is interruption! Man, that is great!

Are you living in NYC?

I was in New York City for a long time. My coming of age was here. We've been creating a community of folks that express themselves. Every time we see each other, they always teach me something new. Always give me philosophy and how to, like, show myself and how to work the crowd.

(We meet up with Kamauu’s friend Moon and Sheen)

How you doing?

Good, good, Got that kid walking me over from Brooklyn. Oh. Yes.

I went to school with Moon, he ran Frat radio.

Moon: So, I was a radio station monitor and Kamauu always came there with the homies and, you know, freestyle on the beats. I don't know. He looked like kinda dandy, you know, like a suit, bow ties, suspenders. Like a young Malcolm. There was a beam of light and love coming from him all the time.

(Another one of Kamauu’s friend appears on the street)

I love you, bro. I love you too, bro. You see his colors? If y'all have not seen his colors, go check out his colors.

Ha! Yes, it’s amazing. We’ll include it in this piece.

His new album is out now too. Y'all better go get that, play it every fucking time, all summer. That's that's that's a summer bop.

We know you need to head out, Kamauu. Thank you for your time. Any closing thoughts?

Right now, just trying to be present and to behave more and more in a way that makes me, my inner child, my future descendants, my ancestors, and family proud."

More KAMAAU: Instagram @kamauuworld | TikTok @kamauuworld | YouTube: @kamauuworld

Both images above are 📸 by @alexcalvoimagery