Conducted by Vikki Hankins|

Based out of Atlanta, Ga., Ken the Coolest Nerd is a highly intellectual individual, so much so one would think of him as a philosopher, doctor or high end educator but instead he is an artist that ‘educates’.  Kenneth Stevenson has deep, reflective insight on the topic that surrounds NERDS and how cool they truly are. He further enlightens us about his music/work, his perspectives and what it truly means to be ‘self’ no matter the status quo; he’ll definitely leave and impression on you! So beware!

 

 

Here’s what he shared with Fine Success Magazine:

Vikki (FSM): What is your definition of a ‘nerd’?

KEN: I get this question asked quite frequently. A nerd is somebody who is highly intellectual and has a thirst for knowledge. A nerd is someone who expresses himself freely and believes in the alienable right to the freedom of creative expression. A nerd is someone who ultimately Never Ever Resists Destiny.

Vikki (FSM): How did you come to the stage name Ken the Coolest Nerd’?

KEN: The word NERD has always had a negative connotation to it. When most people think of a Nerd they see them as being awkward, socially impaired or even unattractive. From where I’m from the so called Nerds was none of this. It was the complete opposite. When I say I’m the coolest nerd, I’m taking 2 words that stereotypically should never be associated together and I’m bashing the stereotype. I want to show people that Nerds can be cool, sexy, and smart at the same time.

Vikki (FSM): Tell me about your message in the ‘Wrong Side of the Cool’?

KEN: Well the phrase “Wrong Side of the Cool” is just a metaphor for being uncool. Nobody wants to be on the opposite side, in this case the “wrong side” of cool. Society teaches us that being cool is the most important thing to be. Everybody’s chased cool sometime in their life. The video for “Wrong Side of the Cool” is actually a satirical view on trying to catch the train in the city of Atlanta. Trying to look cool and catch the train at the same time is a hard thing to do.

Vikki (FSM): You have a deeper perspective when it comes to the overall appreciation of music or the lack thereof, can you give us clarity on this?

KEN: I feel as if music has become disposable. Things are changing. I’m used to going to record shops and digging for music. Now those record shops are gone and Itunes has replaced them. People don’t feel they have to pay for their music now, especially when they can get it for free. If you love the music, you should purchase the music. To me that’s good business.

Vikki (FSM): Your raps are very smooth and understandable, has this always been a talent for you?

KEN: Yeah I’ve been putting words together since I was young. I was always infatuated with the bending of words to make them rhyme. And then it became about telling stories or relaying a message. Anybody can put words together and make them rhyme. But if you can tell the truth, make it rhyme, and actually say something at the same time you become an artist. Not just a rapper.

Vikki (FSM): In one of your songs/video there is footage of a real life story, where a 7-year old boy says he just wants to do Hood Rat Stuff; tell me about this song/video and the inspiration behind it?

KEN: I remember coming across the now viral video about the 7 year boy a few years back. It was so outrageous but yet honest. The boy’s rationalizing of why he did what he did was on point. One of the things that stuck with me is that he said “it’s fun to do bad things”. That’s a very intuitive statement. You can look at the statement in many ways.  I’m in no way condoning bad behavior but I understood where he was coming from. I had the chorus for “HOODRAT STUFF” in my head for years but never found the right track for it. The song is about rebellion. It’s a look into the mind of the 7 year old boy Latarian Milton.

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MP3 to HOODRAT STUFF!

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Vikki (FSM): When it comes to performances, etc. you take the initiative and coordinate events for your fans, what prompts you to do this?

KEN: More control, I get to dictate what I can or cannot do. No limitations. I hate limitations. The open mic circuit in Atlanta can be a dead end passageway. It’s a good way to hone your skills but there’s a ton of people trying to take advantage of up and coming artists. Artists do you research.

Vikki (FSM): Based on your experiences, any tips for independent   artist regarding the music industry?

KEN: Know exactly what you want for you as an artist and never compromise your integrity. Finding your target audience should be a high priority on the list. Be mindful that this is a business and your marketing and promotion is just as important as the music. Devise a strategy and implement it.

Vikki (FSM): What can we expect from Ken The Coolest Nerd in the near future?

KEN: “Death of a Nerd” the short film will be going into production soon, I’m currently working out the kinks with the screenplay. You can also check out the “Death of A Nerd” soundscape at KENTHECOOLESTNERD.COM/music. The Suki Yaki Hot Saki Cool ft. Amadi Jae, Brown NewColor video is also in the works. Be on the lookout for the next project entitled “Eskimo Iota” coming early next year.  Follow KENTHECOOLESTNERD.COM for updates. Big shouts out to Fine Success Magazine.