Hip-hop artist Hundred Round Kado recently released his new album, Never Lost A Gun Fight (Allegedly), via Organic Music Distro.
Hundred Round Kado
Born in a Miami federal prison, the 32-year-old rapper has spent one-third of his life in jail. The son of a Haitian immigrant, his name – Kado – means ‘gift’ in his native language of Haitian Creole and foretold his gift for lyricism.
While serving time as a juvenile, Kado released his debut mixtape, King of the Triple Beam, Vol. 1, in 2009, followed by dropping Vol. 2 in 2011. In between multiple arrests and incarcerations, he delivered eight more projects.
A prolific bibliophile, Kado reads a lot, devouring books by writers such as Toni Morrison, Octavia Butler, and Zora Neale Hurston.
The byproduct of systemic racism, violence, and poverty, Kado elevated himself to the position of a successful businessman in Boston, where he owns a barbershop, hair salon, clothing store, and art gallery.
Currently out on bail while awaiting trial for a gun charge (allegedly), Kado, despite his history with the criminal justice system, is not only intelligent but has enormous creative talent.
Tattoo.com spoke with Hundred Round Kado to find out more about the person behind the music, his ink, and his captivating sound.
What three things can’t you live without?
God, music, and my daughter.
What inspired your latest album, Never Lost A Gun Fight (Allegedly)?
My current legal situation and just wanting to tell my story unapologetically. “Allegedly” is to cover my ass from any further prosecution.
Of the 14-tracks on the album, is there one that means more to you personally?
“The Intro” because it sets the tone.
You grew up surrounded by systemic racism, violence, and poverty. Now you’re the owner of multiple successful businesses. How did you go from there to here?
My partner Alabama Jones is my big brother and mentor. I wouldn’t have been here and had this information without him. He made me love business.
How did you get started in music?
I was locked up at a young age and started writing and fell in love with it.
Where are you from?
I’m Based out of New England. Boston MA to be exact. But I was born in Florida, Lived in Atlanta, Florida, Bahamas, and Brooklyn NY. That’s why my music sounds the way it does. I’ve had a little of everything as an influence, plus my Haitian heritage played a major part in my sound as well as my upbringing.
Did your hometown impact your sound?
I’m not from anywhere so it allows me to experiment through my experiences no matter where I was living at the time.
If you had to explain your sound to the uninitiated, what would you say?
Kokaine Gospel is the genre I’m introducing to the world.
Did your sound evolve naturally, or did you deliberately push it in a certain direction?
I had to package it because at a point it didn’t make sense and wasn’t being received as it is today.
What can you share about your writing process?
I just go.
Do you have any other projects coming down the pipeline?
My next project “God Got The Rest” is next on the menu.
Do you have ink? If so, how many, and which is your favorite?
I lost count and I don’t have one really.
Does your ink carry significance or is it merely body art?
Yeah, my face is dedicated to my daughter because she’s my twin. And I have a few big ones on my head. I love tattoos been getting tattooed since I was 18 and my brother Chizzy B McFlyy tattooed me, then died in 2011. That happened right after I got out from fighting a fed case, so all my tattoos are sentimental in value.
Which artists in your opinion are killing it right now?
Me and my team; just need the world to tune in.. Shout Out to No Attempts and Shooterz Muzik..
What can your fans look forward to over the next six months? New material? Live gigs?
God Got The Rest.
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