Knowing and appreciating the culture and music scene that Houston, Texas has to offer, I caught up with up and coming hip-hop artist Wes K. He not only gave me an inside look into his music and aspirations, but also into his great city of Houston.
Southern rooted artist , Wes K, can be considered what you would call a “one stop shop” for music. The young artist, born & raised on the southwest side of Houston, Texas, grew up on the sounds of many different types of sounds such as early 90’s rap, down south blues, and old school r&b just to name a few.
Collectively he incorporates these sounds into one which gives all listeners a musical satisfaction. Given his first effort in 2010 with his mixtape “MUSIC ON CONSIGNMENT” he was able to introduce his sound to the world. Wes K then joined forces with a relative, and long time friend to release the “TOP FLOOR” compilation, which was widely accepted under the alias “L_Avators“.
Growing as an artist, Wes K later released projects under his now owned indie label L_AVATOR MUSIK GROUP, such as “Twitter Tape” and the 90’s tribute mixtape, “1995” in 2014 , consisting of all remixes to the classical hip hop sounds he grew up listening to.
While having his street single, “STOP PLAYIN” in heavy rotation at surrounding colleges & numerous blog sites. With his competitive drive, and learning experiences, Wes K is taking his talents to Atlanta where he plans to study the engineering & production side of the business, as well as further his career as an artist/writer. He is also planning the release of his first official EP in 2015.
HollyDayz: What sets Houston apart from all the other major cities in Texas?
Wes K: To me, Houston is one of the most influential cities in the country, let alone Texas. I feel most of the trends that are popular in the music industry today were influenced by Houston’s culture. Everything from screwed and chopped mixing to double white cups. Houston is everywhere and people don’t even realize it.
HollyDayz: What is the music scene like in Houston?
Wes K: The Houston music scene is primarily made up of up and coming or underground artists making a name for themselves. I feel even with a lot of Houston culture thriving throughout the industry, we really haven’t had that authentic solidified representation that we deserve in a while. Besides Kirko; our last solid representation was back in the early 2000’s with Swishahouse artists such as Mike Jones, Slim Thug, Magnificent, and Paul Wall. We also had Chamillionaire, Lil Flip, Big Pokey, and Hawk to name a few. And I definitely cannot forget the late great D.J Screw. There’s a lot of serious artists on the rise that are musically inclined. Keep an eye out for Texas.
HollyDayz: A lot of recording artists, like Drake embrace Houston even if they aren’t from there, what do you think that does for the Houston music scene?
Wes K: Honestly I love the fact that Drake embraces the “H” like he does because with him being the hottest artist of our generation anything he likes the people will like. Just so happens H town is one of those things. Really all he is doing is exuding a city that’s been robbed for its culture and giving it the props that it deserves. With all do respect to other cities coast to coast Houston is thriving in every aspect. As a matter of fact we were one of the few cities to be least affected by the recession. Now everybody sees what we’ve been trying to bring to the forefront for years. Shout out Drizzy for that.
HollyDayz: There are a lot of venues in Houston, what has been your favorite to perform at? Where would you love the opportunity to perform in Houston?
Wes K: My favorite venue that I’ve performed in probably wouldn’t be many others favorite, because it isn’t as popular, but I would have to say Midtown Lounge. It was one of the first venues where I was able to “own” the venue week after week. It is also where a lot of my day 1 fans and followers were convinced I had potential, and they’ve been rocking with me ever since. As far as venues I have to check off my list one day, of course it would be the Toyota Center. Kind of like the way Jay Z held it down at Madison Square Garden for the home team. It’s just one of those things you gotta do before it’s all said and done.
HollyDayz: I know there are a lot of different areas of Houston, which one are you from, and how is it different from the rest of Houston?
Wes K: Southwest side is where I reside “dubs up never down” lol.. I was born and raised on the southwest or “west” as we call it for short. Really the west consists of multiple hoods such as the Braeswood, Fondren area, SWAT , and Missouri City which makes us technically one of the larger hoods in the H. And I always say its simply more of a city vibe on the west with a bunch of high rises and 50 story office buildings. When I wake up and see a bunch of lights and buildings it motivates me like no other. Theres cranes and construction everywhere…well the entire city for the matter. Houston is getting money and I don’t see it stoppin anytime soon.
HollyDayz: What is the most common misconception you have heard in regards to Houston that is so far from true?
Wes K: Numero uno biggest misconception in the H is that everybody rides horses lol. Straight up I’ll never understand why people still think that… at all. Never seen 24’s on a horse bro lol.
HollyDayz:Everyone knows you can’t go to Houston and not get some great food, where are your favorite places to eat?
Wes K: I don’t think this interview can go that long for the whole list of good eats in the city. Couple of my favorites though is Mikkys Soul Food. When I say it tastes like grandma been slavin’ in a hot kitchen all day, I mean it! The plates are so big you can eat off of them twice. Along with Frenchys, and the infamous Timmy Chans (the one off 610 though.. all the others are imposters!) Also, I’m a crab man myself so when I need that seafood and cold beer fix I hit up La Fisherman formerly known as The Boiling Crab. “ooooweee mayne!”
HollyDayz: I know you can throw down in the kitchen, what is your favorite meal to make?
Wes K: My favorite dish to throw down in the kitchen is “none” hoping I got somebody to whip something up for me lol. But when I do get my hands dirty I like to try different types of dishes such as Italian, Philippine, and other exotic types. I take pride in my cooking because I know women love a man of many hats that can cook, ya heard me!
HollyDayz: When is the best time to visit Houston?
Wes K: The best time to visit Houston hands down is in the summer when all the girls that been working out, getting tummy tucks, the whole 9 and wanna show it all off. In Texas we have a different type of heat called “hot as hell” and its that degree everyday during the summer lol. But there’s a lot of pool party’s, kick backs, and concert type events that go on then. Theres something to do everyday from noon to night
HollyDayz: What are some things or places a person should check out when visiting Houston?
Wes K: If you visiting the H you have to check out the Ensemble Theatre. They always have talented actors putting on plays. You for sure have to stop by Breakfast Klub… another good eating spot that Houston is known for around the country. Our art district is pretty prominent as well.
HollyDayz: Is there a place you go to that brings out your creativity?
Wes K: As far as being inspired to create; really it can hit me anywhere. I can be out at the club and catch chills when I see a mainstream artist move the crowd or even at home watching CNN and moved by a story. That’s the thing about being creative, it really doesn’t have an on and off switch. Once it hits you; you gotta act on it.. Otherwise you’ll just be forcing some premeditated material that’s gone hit or miss, simple as that.
HollyDayz: Do you have any performances coming up in the near future, if so where?
Wes K: Right now the focus is strictly on music, so no performances are even being thought up as of now. I’m in the process of revamping my whole artistry with new energy in my music, as well as speaking on subjects that I haven’t been the most comfortable with in sharing with the world. I’m real excited about it though. And im also taking my talents to ATL (Lebron voice) because as an artist I feel the ATL stage is simply a better platform for an artist such as myself to flourish.
HollyDayz: What are some slang words used in Houston?
Wes K: Maynnnnne hole’ up (slang) don’t get me started.. it’s too much to name. But for the most part it’s really our pronunciation of words that’s different. Ask a Houstonian where he from bet he tell you “h tine” .. But like I say though we’re a city of our own identity and I think that’s more so of the reason a lot of people got love for us.
So if you haven’t yet had the opportunity to experience Houston, Texas and all its rich culture and music what are you waiting for? While your there see if you can catch Wes K. In the mean time check out his music and follow him on Twitter & Instagram @Bossup_WesK IG
@KingWesK Twitter
@KingWesK Twitter