Born in San Jose, living in Houston, rapper PKT is an artist you can't help but to like. His songs have been featured on AllHipHop.com and he has been featured in several magazines.
He was recently on Chamillionaire's Won't Let You Down remix, and has his own mixtape hitting the streets on January 19th.
I recently had the opportunity to talk with PKT and this is what he had to say.
Profit: First off, what's behind the name PKT?
PKT: I started off doing Gospel rap as a youth so I chose a name that actually would create controversy to teach people not to judge a book by it's cover. PKT is short for Pimp Killa Thug which actually means "Professing Intelligently Much Praise Keeping the Image of the Lord Lifted Always Humble Under God."
Who were your biggest influences?
I was born in San Jose, CA so I grew up early on Bay Area cats. But the 5 most influential artists I can attribute my style to are Brotha Lynch Hung, Twista, MJG, UGK and Ludacris. But the pioneers are the reason I do this and the greatest rapper to ever touch the mic is the God emcee Rakim, chuuurch!
How long have you been in the game?
Too long to be just getting my break but obviously not long enough because I haven't broken mainstream yet! lol Seriously, I have been rapping for about 16 years now which is more than half of my life.
What's your take on the current state of hip hop?
Hip hop is starving right now. The people are hungry for some truth and the artist are being deprived of being human. I don't think it's dead, but the skill is definitely gone. I think once the people start buying music again instead of images then the culture will be put back in it's proper placement. The saddest part is the youth of today don't really know what hip hop is, all they know is rap- 2 completely different things.
Listening to your song that was on AllHipHop "Right Here", I would have never thought that you were in the Houston rap scene. You have a different sound than other artists that are from Houston. Do you feel that alone will make you stand out in the game?
I don't know if it makes me stand out, but it does make me stand alone. I think all local markets have their own sound and any artist who doesn't fit into that box has a hard time. I love the H to death, but I never call myself a Houston rapper because our music scene has been misrepresented and I don't want to be placed into that box. When people start thinking of Houston as Scarface, South Park Coalition and Street Military again, then I'll start calling myself a Houston rapper.
You used to be in the group, SleepWalkazz with Paul Wall, and Chamillionaire, what happened with that group?
The same thing that happens to all groups with major talent- head bumping and eventual splits. The only good thing that came about from this group is the fact that there were never any egos, just different opinions and ambitions. I still love Paul and Cham like family and vice versa, that's why we still talk and work together....but I am a little envious! J/K
What other Houston artists have you worked with?
I've worked with Magno, Kiotti, Killa Kyleon, Mike Jones, Tha Goldenchild, Big Mike, Lester Roy, Archie Lee, Papa Smurf and the list goes on.
Did you ever get the chance to work with Pimp C, if so, what was that experience like for you?
Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to do so, but I don't think there is a bigger fan of his work than myself. He was a musical genius and the influence his production had on me is abundantly apparent in what I do.
Tell me a little bit about your mixtape that's coming out Jan. 19th.
It's called "The Last Man Standing" and it's actually the album before the album. All original production composed by Breallant, Rick Flare (check out his myspace here) - who produced the "Right Here" that's on All Hip Hop, Beats Official- Kevin and Shom up in Canada/New York who are responsible for the "Free" joint on here, BTP(Black Tee Productions) and my Houston homey Lil Kano. All I can say about the project is is definitely solid and overall versatile. It's being hosted by DJ Keyth 3 Times aka The Greenspoint Grizzly and has been stamped by The Real DJs squad. Not trying to toot my own horn, but this is one of the hottest joints I have ever done.
Is Paul Wall featured on that mixtape?
I didn't get Pee-Wee on this joint because I kept it more personal than usual. Other than my own artist Alejon(pronounced A Legend), all you're getting is a big dose of PKT.
What is it like working with Paul Wall?
It's always good to work with Paul. Most people don't know this, but dude is a riot! lol My dawg Pee Wee..KNOWHATUMTALKINBOUT!
What other artists are on your mixtape?
Alejon.....and oh yeah, I do have Kiotti aka Hard Body Yiotti on one joint. There are a lot of major artists drops though, the kid has been cosigned as official.
What's your biggest goal for 2008 as an artist?
At this point, I just want to get my respect as an individual. By the end of 2000 and Gr8t, I want PKT to be the flagship artist of Houston.
Any major or indie label talks going on right now?
I have my own label called Southern Majesty Entertainment, and our work does have some majors lurking. I like my independence so the only thing I'm looking for at this point is a P&D [Publishing and Distribution] deal. Real talk though, if there are any investors out there get at the kid, I would much rather stay independent and get this real money without the hangups.
What's next for PKT?
I don't know what the man upstairs has in store for me, but whatever His will is I just pray that I am ready to accept it whole heartedly, be it what I want or not.
I wanna thank you for the interview! Any last words for the readers?
God is love, PKT is real, and my music is the truth. Pimp Killa Thug aka Hoody Hoodpecker, The Swagger Bird General..."We Flier Than Dem Otha Suckazz!!" Look out for me in 2000 and Gr8t, it should be a promising year if these first 3 days are any indication of what is to come. If you haven't heard of me just look me up, they dont call me the Google Monster for nothing!!! lol
Check out one of PKT's latest joints:
Free
If you can't click on the player, click here to listen to Free .
Be on the lookout for "The Last Man Standing" hitting the streets January 19th.
Also, be sure to check out his website, http://www.pimpkillathug.com/
