Interview With King Spydamann IG @KingSpydamann720

1 – Let’s rewind to the genesis. Was there a specific moment, a song, an artist, or maybe even a feeling that sparked your journey into music?

King Spydamann – When I was in elementary school at Glen Haven Elementary, in sixth grade, I think, my homie Addarious, who became an artist named Malicious Tone later on, and I were having a conversation about rap music. I felt like it was easy to rap because I did it all the time to myself at home while playing NBA Jam. He dared me to write a rap and bring it to school the next day, so I did. My friends were impressed, but I didn’t take it seriously until I started attending high school and participating in freestyle sessions. My friend Octavious inspired me to actually try to write. When I moved to Florida, I met a group of artists known as the CMC Allstars. They were actually recording like the older guys from my hood in Decatur, so I was fascinated. When I came back to Georgia, I felt like I had learned what I needed to take it seriously.

2 – Who are your biggest musical influences?   

My favorite Dragon Ball Z villain is Cell. He is composed of the cells of the greatest fighters in the world, but he drew the most from four main individuals. So, I always say my style is made from the cells of Playa Fly, Canibus, Rah Digga, & Gangsta Boo. Still, I also draw inspiration from artists like DMX, The Dungeon Family, Wu-Tang Clan, UGK, Westside Connection, Eminem, Nas, Redman, T.I., Ludacris, and Three 6 Mafia. I actually learned how to count bars by listening to The Lox and how they structured their verses.

3 – Beyond the usual suspects, who are some of the lesser-known or perhaps unexpected musical figures who have truly shaped your sound and approach?

 That’s artists like A-Dam-Shame, The Attic Crew, Pastor Troy, Baby D, Lil Jon & The Eastside Boys, Twista, Kilo, and Field Mob.

4 – Your stage name is King Spydamann – it’s intriguing! What’s the story behind it? Is there a hidden meaning, a personal connection, or a funny anecdote there?

 I grew up in Decatur, mostly downtown, but I lived all over the eastside. Everyone who knows me from Downtown Decatur knows me as Spydamann, a name my cousin, Ebony, gave me one day, and I just ran with it. It became my street name, so when I did my time, that is what I went by. One of the guys I did time with suggested I change my rap name to the name everyone knew. At the time, it was JKS (JerseyKidd the Shogun), an attempt to pay homage to where I was born and where my family is from, New Jersey. However, I figured it made more sense to use my street name, but I wanted it to be unique, so I put “king” in front, because I am the king of my own world.

5 – If you were to paint a sonic picture of your music, what colors, textures, and emotions would be on that canvas? How would you describe your unique musical style in a way that goes beyond genre labels?

Different shades of red, yellow, and green with black and blue filters, a lot of excitement, some anger, some joy. My style is a mix of East Coast lyricism and Southern flow, from the perspective of a geek from the hood, inspired by gangsta rap.

6 – Take us into your creative sanctuary. What does your writing and recording process feel like? Is it a solitary journey, a collaborative explosion, or something in between? Walk us through the emotions and energy involved?

I always prefer to have my track ahead of time so I can take time to really feel it, but if I have to write on the spot, I like to step outside of the studio, like outside outside. I listen to the beat and basically memorize the cadence I want to use, decide how the beat makes me feel, and I go from there. I do what the beat calls for. And I always prefer to smoke before, after, during, lol.

7 – Music has the power to move and inspire. What conversations do you hope to spark with your music? What core message or feeling do you want listeners to walk away with?

Embrace your freedom. Freedom to speak up, freedom to create, freedom to be yourself, despite your past. Freedom from fear. Freedom to talk about what you want to talk about. Say what you mean and mean what you say.

8 – Let’s dive into your latest project, Act Like You Know Me, Know Me (Deluxe Single Edition). What was the driving force behind this creation? What themes did you explore, and what makes this project stand out from your previous work?

The song was written while I was incarcerated, inspired by my homie Hooks. When he saw me in the hall, he’d always be like “HEYYY, what’s up, my boi! Act like you know me, know me!” And I thought that was just a catchy phrase, and I could talk about being authentic and down to earth enough that you could just act like you know me, even if you don’t, and it’s cool, if you’re cool. But, if you’re not…

9 – The creative journey isn’t always smooth. What’s the biggest hurdle you face when bringing your musical visions to life, and how do you navigate those challenges?

The most significant hurdles are balancing time and finances. You need time to create, and you need finance to market your vision. If you don’t have a regular 9-to-5 job or a constant hustle, you have time to develop, but without those things, it’s hard to market your vision. It takes a balance. You must have your personal life somewhat in order to pursue an entertainment career; otherwise, it will overwhelm you. I use credit, a day job, and other hustles to navigate, and it isn’t easy, but it’s the best way.

10 – Criticism is part of the game. How do you personally process feedback, both positive and negative? Is it fuel, a filter, or something you try to tune out entirely?

I accept feedback wholeheartedly simply because I know I can benefit from it. There’s always a different perspective to consider.

11 – Every artist faces roadblocks on their path. Can you share a pivotal moment where you faced a significant obstacle in your musical journey, and what did you learn from overcoming it?

August 3rd, 2002. Two of my closest friends and I were arrested for Armed Robbery and several other violent charges. By February, we were convicted and sentenced to 15 years, with 10 years to serve and the balance to be probated. At the time, we were a part of a collective called Mystyc Family. We had become established artists in the city and were about to take the next step. But being teenagers who ran the streets cost us our opportunity. While incarcerated, I took time to write my first superhero novel, The Red Bricks of Krusck. I have learned to make the best of the most dire situations.

12 – Let’s dream big for a moment. If you could collaborate with any artist, living or not, who would be at the top of your list and why? What kind of magic do you think you could create together?

DMX without a doubt. I always felt like DMX was the first artist, along with Canibus, that I genuinely discovered by listening to new music, and I became a fan instantly. Still am. My original rap name, JKS, was partially inspired by DMX’s name. His music kind of shaped a lot of things for me, and I believe I could have made an epic track with him.

13 – Creative blocks are a universal struggle. Can you recall a time when you hit a wall creatively, and what unconventional or surprising methods did you use to break through and reignite your inspiration?

The thing I do to try to break a block is I listen to the music I grew up listening to. It’s the same idea as putting gas in your car. You have to feed your creative juices with what inspired you in the first place.

14 – Looking back on your journey so far, what moment or achievement makes you feel the most proud and fulfilled as a musician? What resonated deeply with you?

Yo, ATL Raps nominated me for the Coming Out Hard award during a time when I wasn’t really focusing on my music. There were known artists at that event, and I was there without even trying. It was a small thing, but huge at the same time because it let me know that I have been doing something right and I should double down.

15 – Every place has its own rhythm. How has your hometown and community shaped your sound, your stories, and your perspective as an artist? Are there specific sounds or experiences that are woven into your music?

My generation in Decatur grew up listening to a lot of Memphis music, including Three 6 Mafia, Kingpin Skinny Pimp, Gangsta Pat, Playa Fly, and Tommy Wright III, among others. That is part of how crunk came about; it evolved from buck. But we also listened to artists like OutKast, Goodie MoB, Wu-Tang Clan, Eightball & MJG, UGK, so there was a blend of flavor only found in that era, and you can hear it in my old and new stuff. Through the cadences I choose for each track, the subject matter. I do my best to update my lingo, but I’m from the old Decatur, so some things are just in me.

16 – If you could go back and whisper some words of wisdom to your younger, aspiring artist self, what would you say? What’s the most crucial piece of advice you’d offer to those just starting out?

Secure your living situation and source of income before you do anything. No relationships, no kids (if you can help it), no extracurricular hanging out, no chasing dreams until you can get stable. If there is an opportunity to secure funding, trust but verify before making a decision. Also, be sure to have all your registrations together before releasing anything, so that you own your name and works, especially in publishing.

17 – When you step away from the studio and the stage, what recharges your creative batteries? What passions or hobbies do you indulge in to find balance and inspiration outside of music?

I smoke weed and watch anime/superhero shows and movies. Right now, One Piece is my favorite. I also spend time fleshing out my Red Bricks universe.

18 – The music industry is a complex landscape. What aspects of it do you truly appreciate and find rewarding, and conversely, what are some of the frustrations or challenges you’ve encountered?

 I love the camaraderie amongst most artists and their drive to collaborate and help each other grow. On the other hand, some try to exploit young and new artists at every turn, and they are becoming increasingly difficult to spot. Also, the surplus of artists who aren’t truly serious, having so much access, is making it hard to find those who truly deserve to shine, due to gatekeeping. That’s not to say everyone shouldn’t get a shot, but it seems like the standard has been hilariously low for the last 15 years or so.

19 – Your fans are the heartbeat of your musical journey. How do you cultivate that connection and create a community around your music? What does that relationship mean to you?

 I created a company with my homie, Boss Frank, called D-List Celebrities. We are the creators of the Annual Stonerz Ball ATL. We had the idea to throw our own parties and perform at them to build our audience, and we turned that into a company. This will be our fifth year.

20 – Your musical journey is a constant education. What’s been the most profound lesson you’ve learned so far, something that has truly shaped your approach as an artist and as a person?

Your attitude determines your altitude, seriously. You have to put feeling and emotion into your art for it to be worth investing in. You have to be social to a degree so that people want to work with you.

21 – Take us back to a performance that’s etched in your memory. What made it so unforgettable? Was it the energy of the crowd, a personal breakthrough, or something unexpected that happened on stage?

I performed at Goofipalooza 2025 dressed as a version of Straw-Hat Luffy from One Piece. It was my first real performance in over a year, and I was concerned the crowd wouldn’t like my music, but apparently, my music is pretty decent lol.

22 – Looking ahead, what’s on the horizon for you? What are your aspirations, your dreams, and what exciting projects can fans anticipate in the near future?

Boss Frank and I recently joined the Yoshi Crew, and we will be seen rocking stages and shows with Yoshi Crew Entertainment, as well as multiple partnerships for events and parties. Also, Y0$#! (Yoshi) and I have a track we are working on for my next project, as well as other Yoshi Crew creations in the works. We are also celebrating 5 years at Stonerz Ball ATL. We actually threw the first part of our annual event back in July. The next event is Return of the Goofi Juice on October 4th, followed by The 5th Annual Stonerz Ball ATL: Revenge of the Spliff on November 21st. We also have film projects in development, such as The Stabbing and the next installment in my novel series, The Red Bricks of Krusck – Vol. 2 – The Power of Black Gloves.

23 – Stepping onto the stage is a unique experience. What’s the biggest challenge you navigate as a performer, and how do you overcome it to deliver a powerful show?

I can’t dance, lol, at least I’ve never been brave enough to find out, especially not in front of people. So I try to lean into the chant nature in my music and use my signature adlib, “Aight”, directed at whoever I can lock eyes with in the crowd, assuming the venue stage lights allow that. When it is too bright, I substitute that locked-in moment for a chosen spot in front of me.

24 – Life throws curveballs. Can you share a time when you faced significant adversity, either personally or professionally, and how you channeled that experience into your music or your artistic growth?

My time in prison really gave me a broader perspective on a lot of things. I was able to develop experience at the absolute bottom of the life I was in and learn from it. Now, when I write, I am more aware of what I am actually saying, rather than creating the sickest flow. One thing people noticed about my style, something that never occurred to me, was that every line was coherent and made logical sense, rather than just gibberish that rhymed. To be honest, I was confused about that because I thought everyone wrote that way, but apparently, the world has come to accept a lot of hot garbage, lol.

25 – In your opinion, what’s the most indispensable quality for an artist striving for success in today’s music world? Is it resilience, creativity, authenticity, or something else entirely?

Today’s world is so fake; authenticity is rare. No one trusts anyone; people actually brag on being petty, lazy, addicted to drugs, and a host of other things that used to be frowned upon. I believe that being authentic opens you up to standing out, gaining allies, and forming bonds that are essential for climbing the ladder.

26 – The music industry can be demanding. What keeps your fire burning? How do you stay motivated and laser-focused on your goals, especially when faced with challenges?

Passion. Since prison, I’ve evolved into more than just a Hip-Hop artist, and I am enjoying every bit of this journey, the ups, the downs, all of it. It’s a form of freedom for me.

27 – Do you have a particular song or project in your discography that feels especially close to your heart? What’s the story behind it, and why does it resonate so deeply with you?

Decatur’s Anthem is a song I wrote while in DeKalb County Jail. It was supposed to feature two of my friends from my neighborhood, Lee-Boi was to do the second verse, and Alicia was going to sing an entirely different hook. I didn’t understand at the time that not everyone who can do music has the same drive or passions. I wasn’t able to get them together to record or even practice the song, so I ended up writing a solo version. The second verse features a shout-out to Lee-Boi and Money Hungry Ent, a label that was attempting to sign me and a group of other artists as a supergroup. This song became my lead single at the beginning of the Crunk era. I was performing everywhere and was getting a good buzz.

To put it in perspective, I once performed at a club called The Aquarium. Within the next few weeks of that performance, my friends and I were getting arrested for armed robbery and two acts performed on that same stage, and were discovered. They were Trillville and Lil Scrappy. I will always feel like I would have been there around the same time, if not that same night, and would have also been discovered had I not been arrested. It’s as if I bought my ticket and then immediately missed the train.

28 – Artists often reflect and shape society. What do you believe is the role of an artist in the world today?

Do you see yourself as a storyteller, a commentator, a healer, or something else entirely?

 An artist can be many things. It depends on what you feel the calling for when it comes to creativity. I have lessons and stories, but my intention is for people to enjoy my music on any level.

29 – Touring is a whirlwind experience. What are the highs and lows of life on the road for you? What do you love most about touring, and what aspects do you find the most challenging?

KS – I actually haven’t gone on a tour yet, but we are planning one soon.

30 – What exciting surprises or evolutions can your fans anticipate from you in the future? What new sounds, themes, or directions are you eager to explore?

I’m eager for this new journey with Yoshi Crew. Additionally, Boss Frank has a lot to show the world, and he and I are working on some projects as well. Not all music, some film, some events, and even books.

31- For fans who want to stay connected and follow your journey, where can they find you online and keep up with your latest news and music?

You can find me on all social media platforms as @KingSpydamann (@kingspydamann720 on IG). You can also catch up on everything my team and I do on our official website, www.dlistcelebrities.net. Follow my other company pages: @Stonerzballatl and @dlistcelebrities. Additionally, I have a book series, @the_red_bricks_saga, and a podcast about superheroes, @kravverevviews, all on Instagram.