Native Houston, Texas, emcee-producer Eric ‘K-Rino’ Kaiser, has been rhyming since 1986 after first having made his official debut as one-third of Real Chill, a rap trio formed with two other friends while attending Sterling High School in H-Town.
The pioneering Southern Hip Hop veteran is also the founder of the South Park Coalition, and has spent his entire career as an independent artist having released all of his albums since 2004 on his own label, Black Book International.
First things first, last year (August 11th to be exact) marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop — What exactly does that mean to and for you?
It means everything to me, because I don’t know what I would be doing if it wasn’t for Hip Hop. It literally gave me all I have, AND taught me or led me to everything I know.
To quote the late, great The Notorious B.I.G., “You never thought that Hip Hop would take it this far!” — Was this something that you ever could’ve imagined?
Only in the beginning. I didn’t think I would be where I am now, but as time passed it started to become clear that I had a chance to do something special in this world.
What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?
I would say just meeting some of my favorite rappers, and actually talking to some of my rap heroes over the years. But also, the fans that I I’ve been blessed to have. Other than GOD himself, they are the foundation to everything I’ve done.
That said, what are your future plans and / or goals throughout the remainder of 2024 and beyond?
Same as always, to keep making good music that I hope can be timeless and life changing to all who hear it.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
Self belief, inspiration to succeed, and a connection to the creator.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Living, I would say Stevie Wonder. Dead, it would be Prince.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Good question…maybe the Apollo Theatre.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
I’m happy with certain aspects of it. I think that people let some of the negative parts of Hip Hop affect how they view the whole of it. We know that the industry has poisoned it to a degree, and we also know that there are some artists who don’t respect the history or the essence of it. BUT, there is also plenty of artists and people in general who still love it in its pure form, and they respect it and live it accordingly. We have to take ownership of it and remove the Industry demons who control it now.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
God. And, staying in tune with what is going on in the world; from a big AND small picture. As long (as) I rap about what people can relate to and continue to push creative envelopes, I’ll be good forever.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
Activism is something that I have been involved in for years, and that won’t ever change. So that would be the thing that stands out.
What’s an average day like for you?
Wake up, Pray, workout, do music. pretty much a repeat of that process everyday. I live a pretty boring life. lol!
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
I love the fans. They are the gas that makes the vehicle run. I’m always looking to talk to them, take pictures, sign autographs and interact. They have treated me so good since day one, and I learn from them as well.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
My favorite parts are the blessings of being a blessing to others through the words that God blessed me to say. Also, the freedom that I have. I’m my own boss, and I’m able to live life on my own terms. The least favorite thing would be the way Hip Hop has been hi-jacked, and the power was taken from the artists. The revenue is so disproportionately distributed that it should be a crime. Especially streaming revenue. I would love to see us figure out how to take it back from the so-called powers.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Lol! Be smarter than I was. Learn the business early and utilize that knowledge…and do your best to be an artist that transcends times and eras.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
God willing, still making music and helping people be better.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
Yes, be sure to purchase my music (physical copies, etcetera) from OFFICIAL (SPC) South Park Coalition Website, and digitally from all platforms. Also, subscribe to my YouTube channels: The real k-rino, The Underground Dialogue Podcast, and Legends 34 Podcast.
Any “parting” words for our readers?
Just want (to) thank you for having me on your platform.
