Kinetik Shares His Thoughts On The Video:
After putting out the original "Year Of The Underdog" last year, I kept on getting positive feedback from various people telling me how much they loved the story and how the track was produced. For the original, I dropped a 32 bar verse with a 8 bar hook and as good as I think the finished product was, I always knew I could get more life out of the song. It was then that I decided to do an official remix.
As with most remixes, selecting the right guest appearances is a key ingredient in the recipe. This is only the second remix I've ever done, so I really wanted to take it back to how collaborations used to be made. For me, it wasn't about the biggest name or who was the most popular at the time, but it was all about finding the right voices that would approach the concept in a unique way. I decided to reach out to K-Nite 13 after hearing his verse on "The Truth" with Skillit and T.B., because quite frankly, I was blown away by what he said on the track. That verse was one of my favourites of 2011 hands down. I then decided to reach out to Jaunty, not only because of his affiliation with K-Nite 13 but once I'd heard him on "Battle Axe", I was definitely impressed by his first musical showing and I was also intrigued by his style. I also thought it would be good look to feature an artist who was on his way up to tie in with the "underdog" theme. Talent and lyrics aside, another key factor in this remix is that we all wear glasses, so I think I sponsorship deal with Specsavers is very possible in the near future.
In closing, I would like to thank TE1 Productions, K-Nite 13 and Jaunty for making this remix one of the most special memories of my musical career so far. It is always a pleasure to work with talented and like minded music lovers and I can't wait to work on some more joints with them.
I would also like to extend my thanks and appreciation to Anthony Slowley a.k.a. Toney London for working with me on the video concept and providing the original script and storyline structure. He came up with the Chinese theme in 2011 and I think his vision complimented the track perfectly. He has a very artistic eye and a business focused brain so I am blessed to have somebody like him as an additional resource.
I would also like to thank Superior Thought for co-directing the visuals especially in light of his busy schedule. Shout out to Oph-Qi for the cameo throughout the video. Much love to Daniel for taking care of the of the lighting facilities. Last but not least, you know I have to big up my friend Roxi for coming down to the set and providing some much needed "eye candy" and moral support.
Enjoy the remix! "The Kinesis Thesis Vol. III" is on the way!
Kinetik Gives You Some Background Into The Video And Song Below:
Leave It All Behind:
For those who know me, I'm a very reflective person. After listening to the "Leave It All Behind" album by The Foreign Exchange, I wanted to explore that same concept in my own way. The first verse of this song deals with me graduating from university and how daunting that can be. The education system seems to always prepare you to take tests and exams but never prepares you for life afterwards. The second verse is about a previous employer that I refuse to name explicitly but I do drop a little clue in the second verse. When I wrote the verse, I just wanted listeners to see how soul destroying some jobs can be because they can ultimately pull you further away from your dreams. I understand that bills need to be paid but when you work in a job that crushes your self esteem and makes you unhappy, then you really need to assess the situation. To anyone reading this who works in a job that makes them feel the way that I did in this song, but hangs in there to provide for themselves and their families; be encouraged and keep working for bigger and better opportunities. I know exactly what you are going through.
Year Of The Underdog:
This concept was originally inspired by Mr. Drastick. When we were working together as Grand Central, one night he spat a verse to me over the "La La La" beat by Mac Miller. I loved what I heard and asked him if I could jump on the song as well; which he agreed. We recorded our vocals (I think there is a video of it somewhere) but for some reason we never put it out officially. I decided to take my verse and put it over a beat that TE1 gave to me when we first started working together. Everything you hear on this verse is 100% true. I'll never forget that day when I sat in the executive suite at _____ Records watching the men in suits go crazy over my music and saying that I reminded them of Big L, Large Professor and RZA. Everything looked so positive and I was convinced I would be offered a recording contract or a publishing deal at least. However, it was never meant to be as they had doubts about my "marketability and commercial appeal". What made it even worse is that they offered a recording deal to _____ that very same day and I was there to watch him sign it. I was crushed. I was so close and I felt as though my window of opportunity had just suddenly closed. But like I say at the end of the song, "it's the habit of an underdog to persevere". I'm still here.
Mr 13 - Intro Prod By 7th Dan Is Another Video For 'The Best Of Firts' Available For Free @ http://mr13.bandcamp.comThis Time Mr 13 & Director K Nite went down to Ravenscourt Park on fireworks night, and let the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham pay for the pyrotechnics.
