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by People’s Minister of Information JR Valrey, SF Bay View Oakland Bureau
Oakland has always been a menagerie of Black talent and musicianship, at least since the ‘40s when 7th Street was a major stop in the blues world during World War II and the Great Migration. In the last 40 years of the hip hop era, that chain of creativity has not stopped, with the Town by the Bay creating a myriad of acts, from people like MC Hammer, Askari X, Too Short, Souls of Mischief, Del tha Funkee Homosapien, Kamaiyah, Luniz and more.
Today’s scene is dominated by a lot of rappers who sound the same, but there are exceptions. Ian Kelly is a breath of fresh air in a Town that is contaminated with cookie-cutter artists yearning to be signed by Empire. He is not acting out an image to be an artist, he is himself. He may rap over an alternative rock beat or he may scream on the track.
After being in the studio with him, I am clear that he is going to do what he feels, and do what feels true to himself. This year, he will be performing at the Oakland Hip Hop Festival, Hiero Day. Ian Kelly is definitely a Bay Area artist that people should watch closely. Check him out in our first exclusive interview.
JR Valrey: Where are you from? How and when were you inspired to become a musician?
Ian Kelly: What’s good fam. I’m from Oakland, Calif., and I got inspired to become a musician around the age of 18. It was something that was a hobby but nothing I took very seriously.
Around the age of 20 is when I really began to dive in. I was freestyling around 19 and a friend looked at me and was like: “Ey you really can rap tho. We’re all messing around, but it doesn’t sound like you’re playing with it.” And it took me by surprise because I was just having fun but I realized then it was something I loved as well.
JR Valrey: Which artists inspired you growing up, and why?
Ian Kelly: Artists that are storytellers and who always paint a picture tend to be my favorite artists. So listening to Pac, Jay-Z, Andre 3000 and OutKast, 50 Cent, Eminem, Busta Rhymes, E-40, Too Short, Dru Down and many more, I always found myself connecting with artists that can captivate you and make you feel like you’re right there with ’em while they are talking to you.
JR Valrey: What is your relationship with the legendary producer 9th Wonder like? How did y’all meet?
Ian Kelly: I met 9th through a homie of mine by the name of GQ. He was signed to Jamla Records, 9th’s label, before I was introduced to him. Took a trip out to North Carolina to record in the studio with them and the camp and the rest was history. 9th is a teacher in multiple aspects, so I view him like a college professor. He has certain gems you can pick up on, just about if you’re paying enough attention to catch ‘em.
JR Valrey: How would you describe the type of music that you make to people who have never heard of you?
Ian Kelly: I would describe my music as music that comes from the heart. Music that comes from life in my eyes. Some may call it conscious but I view it more as honest.
JR Valrey: How would you describe the type of production that you like to rhyme over?
Ian Kelly: I love soul beats that slap, something that can put you in a trance as well as keep you going. I like funky sounding music as well. But I also love beats where space is given and it allows me to paint. I’m learning that post production is where the real magic is at. As long as I feel the beat I can definitely make a song to it.
JR Valrey: How did you become a part of the Bay Area supergroup Grand Nationxl?
Ian Kelly: Well, I’m not really in Grand Nationxl. Those are the homies. I collaborate whenever they’re down to collab. We were doing these large artist sessions back a couple years ago and that’s where I got to meet a lot of dope folks. From there it just became a large networking family, as well as friends and loved ones. Kevin Allen reached out during those early stages, and that’s how I got introduced to everyone.
JR Valrey: Do you like being in a group more than being a solo artist? Why or why not?
Ian Kelly: I appreciate aspects of both. The group I’m in is called MacArthur Maze. And it’s been a blessing to have a supportive cast and just people always down to rock with you. I believe the group sees the bigger picture so it’s refreshing. And what I love about being a solo artist is just the freedom to make moves that align best with the trajectory I see with my career. There can be a lot of pressure with being a solo artist but also a lot of freedom.
JR Valrey: What are you currently working on musically? When will it drop?
Ian Kelly: Currently I have a few projects in the tank, and I’m just fine tuning things before releasing it to the world. I have an EP with DJ D Sharp that’s close to completion so I’m excited about that. But within the next couple of months I should have something for the people.
JR Valrey: Do you have any performances coming up in the next month?
Ian Kelly: I’m actually performing at Hiero Day on Sept. 5. I’m excited about that day because I’ve almost been to about every Hiero Day and it’s always an experience. I’ve seen loved ones perform, future stars perform and just seeing the community come together like that for a day is always special. Also have a show at Cornerstone in Berkeley on the 9th with J. Lately, LOE Gino and Poo$ie.
JR Valrey: How can people stay online with you?
Ian Kelly: You can find a lot of updates on my socials such as IG and Twitter @firstnameian.
That’s for both handles as well. I’m also working on a website and more newsletters, so soon I’ll be able to stay tapped in even more with new fans and the ones that been rocking with me from the jump.
JR Valrey, journalist, author, filmmaker and founder of Black New World Media, heads the SF Bay View’s Oakland Bureau and is founder of his latest project, the Ministry of Information Podcast. He can be reached at blockreportradio@gmail.com, on Facebook and on Instagram @ministryof411podcast. Visit www.BlackNewWorldMedia.com to read more.
