On The Line w/ Kyle Rapps
"Surf or Be Drowned"
Photographer: Omar Nour
“Surfing has legitimately been a life-changing experience...I learned 5 years ago, and it has influenced everything I do, especially my music.”
Kyle Rapps first caught our attention about a year ago with his scroll stopping "Clock Surf Orange" video. We were instantly hooked by his impressive flow and insightful lyrics. But it was the unique blend of hip-hop and surfing culture that intrigued us – a combination we rarely encounter. Despite the challenging backdrop of recent wildfires in Los Angeles, Kyle graciously took the time to answer a few questions for our "On The Line" series.
Thanks for your time. Can you let us know where your hometown is”:
Originally from New Jersey, Now I'm back and forth between L.A. and Mexico City."
Who was the person that got you into music? Are you still in touch with them?
My dad was a minister and very musical. Roberta Flack was his high school music teacher....He was always bumping everything from classical to soul, jazz, pop, and folk." He forced me to take these piano lessons when I was a kid...which I am now grateful for. He just retired from the church and we are def still in touch.
What's been the biggest non-music inspiration for you lately?
Besides surfing, it's definitely been these hikes. I recently summited this mountain in Mexico called Iztaccihuatl...took me 3 different tries over the course of the past 3 years. I trained my ass off for that...and the discipline and pushing my body to the limit...that inspires me for real...plus the views and the nature.
How did surfing enter your world? Has it influenced your approach to music?
Surfing has legitimately been a life changing experience...I learned 5 years ago, and it has influenced everything I do, especially my music. I learned through an LA-based organization called Color The Water, who gives free surf lessons to people of color.
What do you think is the biggest challenge that artists face?
Making money.
Is there anyone you'd like to collaborate with? Other artists to appear on a song or even a visual artist for an album cover or merch?
My upcoming EP was produced by Dan the Automator, who is one of my musical heroes. I also got some very talented friends to do feature verses...Coast Contra, and Jarren Benton. As far as future collabs...The dream would be Jordan Peele directing a video with Tyler featuring on the song and doing collab merch with Union.
We know you've worked with KRS-One, did you ever hear his intro on the NY Hardcore band Sick Of It All's album?
I just listened to it after reading this question...ha...love that...KRS is an all time favorite artist for me.
Do you think the term ‘woke’ has been redefined?
Yes...'woke used to be such a great term before it became co-opted by ‘woke’ people.
Do people talk about Poor Righteous Teachers in NJ? Criminally slept on group in my opinion.
Trenton's illest group...We def talked about them growing up...but they have not gotten the overall credit they deserve for the hard-hitting, relevant music they put out...They were overshadowed by P.E. and NWA ...and then Naughty by Nature took over the 90's NJ rap scene
What's been the best thing that's happened since you started releasing music?
Building with different artistic and cultural communities, and when my family says they're proud of me.
You Know The Vibe, Older, Sober Guy Watching Cobra Kai, As My Wildest Dreams Die Below The Sky, You Know The Vibe. Surfline Bonafied Overhead Pipeline Ultra Ride, Vince Vega, John Travolta High, You Know The Vibe. Unless You Ain't Been Notified, Roe V. Wade In The Water, Get It Codified, Flowing Like A River And An Oceanside Multiplied. Yeah, There’s Only One Commandment #$%%** Moses Lied, Thou Shall Not Chill At Home When The Stoke Is High.
Kyle Rapps ‘Clocksurf Orange’
Have you had a "it happened for a reason" moment in the recent past? Something you weren't happy about at the time but turned out to be a good thing?
Not sure about "for a reason", etc...but def have had a couple tough breakups that turned out to be for the better
What platforms have been the most helpful with getting your music heard? Bandcamp, YouTube, IG etc.
IG has def been very helpful
How would you define success?
My favorite definition of success is from the Ralph Waldo Emerson quote...to laugh often and love much, win the respect of intelligent people...find the best in others...know that one life has breathed easier because you have lived..etc. My mother had that on a corkboard in our bathroom growing up...so I would see it everyday and I took it to heart.
Can you share one of your lyrics from your songs that sums up your state of mind RN / feels representative of you?
"Surf or Be Drowned"
