King Cydal: The Crown of EPA

KING CYDAL | Photography by Ken Hamel Photo

Hailing from East Palo Alto, King Cydal made his mark with help from EPA duo Mac & A.K., appearing on Hood Legend Volume 1 and Legendary in 2007. His debut solo, Ya Block’s Host, dropped in 2008, and he’s been grinding nonstop ever since. Staying true to the streets and his craft—King Cydal’s here to stay.  

Q: Let’s hop into this single, "Royally Insane" — how did this particular track even come to fruition?

A: When I first approached Ad to do the album, I came up with the name "Royally Insane" which infuses the Totally Insane name wit King Cydal. Our first single, "Weed Song," produced by Stagmotta, was one of the first tracks we completed. We followed up with the "Royally Insane" track, produced by Slapmaster, which we'll be filming a music video for as well. I felt it would be dope to do a collaboration album with 1 of the Pioneers of East Palo Alto, and he agreed to my idea, then we proceeded to pick all of the beats and recorded weekly until the project was completed.

Q: Aside from the obvious, how then does "Royally Insane" compare to or differ from your previous songs?

A: It's actually the first song on the album, and I felt it deserved to begin the album as it sets the tone for the album by having a cinematic feel to it with the beat having a heavy baseline, accompanied with a cold guitar riff that offers a strong presence that drew me in to inspire me to place it as not just the title track but the first track to begin this collaboration project as it sets the tone for the entire project.

Q: "Royally Insane" comes courtesy of your still forthcoming collaborative album of the same name -- Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you? 

Paying homage to the legacy of the City, an area where I'm from, and also being able to combine art from two different generations. In order to tell the story of Menlo Park and EPA culture, starts with those such as Ad who've helped lay the foundation for the whole area.

Q: Now as a lyricist, where do you draw inspiration from?

A: I love all forms of music, as great music is universally accepted regardless the language. Anyone can speak, but to command attention as a lyricist it's not just what you say, but it’s also how you say it that makes it pleasant to the ear, which great lyricists master after years of dedication.

Q: Tell me about your musical beginnings. When did this journey start for you?

 A: As a sophomore and junior in high school, I made a few demo songs that caught the attention of my brother, Cool Breeze, and towards my 12th grade year in high school is when I began working on my album, which was originally called The Come Up, which later became my debut, Ya Block's Host. 

Q: Growing up in East Menlo Park, CA, who were some of your biggest influences?

A: Michael Jackson. My brother, Cool Breeze, of the legendary group Rated X was one of my direct influences; seeing him and his journey firsthand, and also being a fan of hip-hop for years. Run-DMC, Dr. Dre, 2Pac and the list goes on…but those names are some of the few to stand-out when it comes to my influences.

Q: How do you define your style?

A: Aggressive, but controlled energy. Lyrically uptempo, but can cater to any style of production. Also, adding a melodic twist when necessary on specific tracks.

Q: What do you hope people take away from your music?

A: The messages in my songs, my versatility and the overall sound I created. 

Q: Dream collaboration — who would it be?

A: Michael Jackson and 2Pac. 

Q: If you could play any venue in the world, where would it be?

A: The Sphere in Las Vegas. 

Q: How do you feel about the current state of hip-hop?

A: Artists are now able to directly interact with their fans, which resulted from shifted algorithms and uneven stream / pay ratios to where now the artists are creating products to directly market to their fans personally rather than through a record label who does everything for artists but at a cost. Now artists have the power to take control of their own destiny, and get their product directly to the consumer. 

King Cydal | Reign

Q: What’s the key to your longevity?

A: Consistency.

Q: Beyond music, what else, if anything, do you want to do?

A: Movies, and exploring new business ventures.

Q: Biggest career moments thus far?

A: Recording songs with multi-platinum artists and producers. 

Q: What’s an average day like for you?

A: Active; as I prepare multiple projects set to be released, and constantly creating ideas for future releases. 

Q: How do you interact with your fans?

A: Through social media platforms, as well as in-person meet & greets. 

Q: Favorite and least favorite parts of this work?

A: Favorite is the enjoyment from listeners to the music, as well as the performances. Least favorite parts is travel delays.

Q: What advice would you give to someone following in your footsteps?

A: Nothing happens until you make it happen.

Q: Five to ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

A: Creating and enhancing future talent & stars of tomorrow.

Q: What’s next for King Cydal? 

A: Releasing a series of solo projects and producing for multiple artists, as well as making a few film acting appearances.

Q: Any parting words for our readers?

A: Follow me on Instagram: @King_Cydal @RulerSquad @GummyAlert  @BlockmovementRecords, and subscribe to my YouTube, on X / Twitter: @KingCydal650. Channels: www.Youtube.com/KingCydal as well as www.YouTube.com/KingCydalVevo.

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