Artist Spotlight: Kwon

Interview w/ Troy Ewers

SouthSide San Jose artist Kwon released his first full length album “LVL NINETY9” right at the top of 2021 and already has a buzz around the Bay Area, I caught up with him to see where this up & coming star is headed after such an impressive debut.

Troy: Well let me say first and foremost bruh the project you just released “LVL NINETY9” is already one of my favorite projects of the year. How did this project come about because it sounds like you really took your time and had a big budget for the album?

Kwon: Much appreciated, this album took a lot of time because it was my first full project, it really started as an Ep, but I just kept getting back in the lab and figured why not make it a complete album. I also wanted to pick the right people to put on here. I did a lot of critical thinking about who would sound good on what song and all that.

T: What was the song or moment you realized. this is my album! I know when I was working with Flammy Marciano on his album, we got that feeling when we heard a song and knew what he made was a real album.

K: The first song that made me realize that it needed to be a project type shit probably was the 4th song on the album Mind Made...that was after my dawg Isa passed away and a whole bunch of other shit was going on with my case.

T: I love that song because it’s such a deep song in between 2 slappers. Was that something you thought about when sequencing the album? Like let me put Mind Made in between Hood Hero and It Ain’t Luv so I can sneak some vulnerability in the mix.

K: Shit not really, I felt every song was a banger and had their individual message. I did place My Thugs Don’t Cry at the top though because I felt that that song would set the tone for the rest.

T: That makes sense, even on the hardest songs that I’d play at a party, you’re still talking about real life topics. Is music a good way for you to deal with these real life situations because man you saying some shit on here?

K: Music for me is just a way to let people know what’s going on in my life whether it’s bad or good, even on the most party/jumpin song I have, Like Onna Gang or Same Nigga.I’m still talking about real shit but in a playful/turnt up manner.

T: Fasho I got a couple more questions.. I first heard your music about 3 years ago from your brother when I was with EMLN. Seeing how much your music has grown since then do you have any goals for the next 3 years?

K: Yup you heard the first of the first haha shit. Tbh the goals I expect for myself the next 3 years, I’m tryna reach them by this year. I’m tryna be as big as possible this year fuck waiting.

T: I love that answer man. My last questions are 3 rapid fire questions.

1. What 3 artists are you listening to right now?

2. Favorite Movie?

3. What would be the name of your documentary if you had one made today?

1. Shit, Lil durk my top rn, Lil Baby, and I just be slappin my own shit rn .

2. My favorite movie at the moment is probably any Marvel movie haha

3. I would name the documentary “Stuck In Between’

T: Stuck In Between is fire!!! Kwon thank you big dawg, I appreciate you answering my questions and I’m saying this now before it happens.. You’re gonna blow up!!! The music is way too good and you way too real of a dude to not blow up!

You can find Kwon’s album “LVL NINETY9” on all streaming platforms

Follow Kwon on Instagram: @ygunna_kwon