How Being Broke Can Make You A Better Rapper

KXNG Crooked discusses growing up in Long Beach and what pushed him to start rapping with The Gangster Chronicles

Rapper KXNG Crooked shares his story of how growing up poor and learning to be resourceful helped him become a better artist. From learning to turn his own electricity back on to getting a record deal and having to walk away with his masters, KXNG Crooked explains how his experiences have shaped him and his music.

Struggling to Survive
Growing up in Long Beach, KXNG Crooked experienced poverty first-hand. He recalls having to go out and turn the electricity back on himself, and learning how to get his water back on by cutting two inner tubes from a bicycle and twisting them onto the hanger. He says, "I can turn my lights on every day you. I can open my front door every day. I can eat every day and eat comfortably. I can wear what I want to wear. But to be able to still maintain and not forget where you came from, you know that's the type of [__] I am."

Getting a Record Deal
One day, KXNG Crooked was on his way to meet up with some friends to come up with music ideas for Warren G when his friend Big C Style pulled up and told him about the 19th Street compilation. He jumped at the chance and recorded 10 songs in two days.

It was then that Malik Levy of Capital Records heard the compilation and offered him a solo deal. He was then signed to Virgin Records and was in a boardroom with people in suits and ties signing the contract. KXNG Crooked thought he had made it, but he soon found out that there was still a lot more to do after getting a record deal.

Unfortunately, the Urban Department at Virgin Records was shut down right when KXNG Crooked's album was ready to go. But he was able to walk away with his masters and the advance he had been given.

The Takeaway
KXNG Crooked's story is a testament to the power of resilience and resourcefulness. He was able to take his experiences of poverty and turn them into something positive.

No matter what your circumstances are, it's important to remember that you can always make something out of nothing. KXNG Crooked is a prime example of how you can take your struggles and use them to your advantage.
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