Get ready to dive into the mind of a rising star in the Philadelphia hip-hop scene. Meet KFitz, a West Chester native whose unique blend of vulnerability and raw talent is making waves in the rap world. From his introspective lyrics to his fearless approach to storytelling, KFitz‘s music offers listeners a glimpse into his personal journey and the struggles he’s overcome. In this exclusive interview, we’ll get to know the man behind the music, exploring his influences, creative process, and what sets him apart in an industry saturated with hype and bravado. Get ready to be inspired as we delve into the world of KFitz. The interview was conducted by Colton Kopacz, owner of Loading Magazine. Enjoy!

Colton: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey into the world of hip-hop?
KFitz: My name is KFitz,  and I’m a hip-hop artist from West Chester, PA. I’ve lived in Philly for 5 years, so I rep both West Chester and Philly. And when it comes to my hip-hop journey, it honestly started with my oldest brother showing me The Eminem Show when I was in kindergarten. Then my dad let me buy the edited version of Get Rich or Die Tryin. The rest is history haha.

Colton: How did growing up in West Chester influence your music, and what led you to establish yourself in the Philly rap scene?
KFitz:  To be honest, growing up in West Chester didn’t really have any specific influence on me,  other than the fact that people from West Chester found out about Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller a lot earlier than most. This was just because they were both from Pittsburgh, so the music travelled to us pretty quickly and at a very early stage in both of their careers.

Colton: What inspired you to pursue a career in music, and when did you realize that hip-hop was the genre you wanted to focus on?
KFitz:  I think it was just the fact that I really have only listened to Hip Hop for most of my life. During my junior year of high school, I got cut from the baseball team. I ended up deciding to try to write music with the extra free time I now had. Naturally, the type of music I wanted to write was hip-hop because it was all I really listened to.

Colton: Are there any artists or specific experiences that have had a significant impact on your musical style?
KFitz: Mac Miller is the reason that I feel comfortable writing music about my experiences as a Suburban white kid. It felt like he was the first white guy who got accepted into rap culture with a Suburban background.  Once he became well respected in the hip-hop community, it felt like I could as well, since our backgrounds are very similar. I also attribute a lot of my success to J Cole just openly being himself as an artist, which made me feel comfortable doing so as well.

Colton: Your latest release, “EARL INTERLUDE,” has been generating a lot of buzz. Can you share the inspiration behind the song and its title?
KFitz:  I have a song called Mac Interlude from my mixtape that I put out on soundcloud in 2019 called “22”. That song was over a beat that was from a Larry Fisherman instrumental tape (Run On Sentences Volume 2). So, when it came time to give this track a title, it felt like Earl would rap on this beat. So it just naturally became Earl Interlude.

Colton: What message or emotions do you hope listeners take away from “EARL INTERLUDE”?
KFitz: It represents sorrow, but at the same time, it also represents overcoming that sorrow. That’s why I was so happy when I heard Austin Fox‘s verse. I wanted to make sure that every song on my album “Balance”  ended on a positive note. So the fact that his verse was positive was perfect.

Colton: Can you walk us through your creative process when crafting a new song?
KFitz: I feel like I can’t write music unless I’ve gone through life events. At the same time, I want to try to start writing from other people’s perspectives. I think that would allow me to write without having to go through those life events myself.

Colton: Are there any rituals or specific environments that enhance your creativity?
KFitz: I swear I write my best songs in my bed. Something about sitting with my back against a cushion in my bed is like the most relaxing place for me to feel comfortable enough to write.

Colton: Every artist faces challenges along the way. What obstacles have you encountered in your musical journey, and how have they shaped you as an artist?
KFitz: I’ve been through a lot. Loss, heartbreak, anxiety, depression, Etc. I spent most of my life burying my problems. So, writing has been the perfect outlet for me to get the things I buried out of me. Most of the songs I’ve made have been directly correlated to things that I’ve gone through. I’d say like 90% of the songs I’ve made apply to what I just said. Ultimately, I live my life by the saying that everything happens for a reason, even the worst things that are hard to justify. The reason I say this is because everything I’ve gone through I’ve been able to overcome. And in every instance, overcoming these things has made me a stronger and better person.

Colton: How do you measure your growth as a musician from your early works to your current projects?
KFitz: I didn’t like my music until like 2019,  and I started writing in 2012. There were occasional verses between 2012 and 2019 that I enjoyed, but I felt like I wasn’t capable of making a good song. So,  around 2020 I decided that I was going to focus more on making good songs with replay value, over solely focusing on the writing element. I think I spent too much time in the early phases of my career only focusing on songwriting and not making things that sound good sonically. So,  that was a huge leap for me.

Colton: What can fans expect from KFitz in the rest of 2024? Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or performances on the horizon?
KFitz: I have a lot in the works at the moment. Nothing that I can really speak on at the moment, though. Just know that I’m working harder than ever and I’m more motivated than ever. I’m really excited about these next couple moves I’m about to make. 2024 is going to be a great year.

Colton: Is there a specific direction or theme you’re aiming for in your future music?
KFitz: I guess there is one thing that I can speak on. I’m in the midst of forming a band. The reason I’m bringing this up is because I’m looking to do a lot more singing this year. So, the band and I are going to practice a lot of more laid back Hip Hop along with some R&B thrown in as well. That way I’m hoping we’ll be able to do some unplugged or acoustic performances at some point this year.

Colton: What advice would you give to aspiring hip-hop artists who are just starting their musical journey?
KFitz: My biggest advice would be to buy your own equipment. You shouldn’t have to pay an hourly rate just to record. I spent so much money early on in my career just to record. Also, any person who asks you for money on Instagram is probably scamming you. I think those would be my two biggest lessons that I learned.

Colton: Looking ahead, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave with your music?
KFitz:  I’ve always said that I want my music to be successful at some point, even if that means that it happens after I die. I’m probably my own biggest fan, and it feels like people are finally coming around to my music, which has been cool to see. Regardless, I just want to make an impact on this Earth through my music, if nothing else.

Colton: Are there specific goals or milestones you’ve set for yourself in the coming years?
KFitz: I used to try to calculate success with numbers and I still kind of do that. Although, I’m trying to move away from that but it’s tough. I guess I just want to be heard more, whatever that entails.  ultimately, I have a really good feeling about this year.

As our conversation with KFitz comes to a close, it’s clear that his passion for music runs deep. From his humble beginnings in West Chester to his current status as a rising star in the Philadelphia hip-hop scene, KFitz has remained true to his authentic voice and unwavering commitment to self-expression. Through his music, he has carved out a unique space for himself, inviting listeners to join him on a journey of introspection, resilience, and triumph. As he continues to evolve as an artist, one thing is certain: KFitz‘s impact on the world of hip-hop will only continue to grow, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of listeners everywhere. Thank you for reading.

Check out his latest music video “EARL INTERLUDE” Here: