This is my first time putting thought into creating an Artist Of The Year accolade.  As I went through an enormous list of emcees it became apparent that a few names would rise to the top.  Ultimately, I believe there is one person who was able to separate themselves from the rest of the compestion: K. Sparks.

K. Sparks is the consummate professional. Along with being a supremely talented artist.  His ability on microphones goes unquestioned.  He has demonstrated hundreds of times this year alone his gift to rock mics.  But there are lots of talented emcees and talent alone may not merit this accolade.  What does separate K. Sparks from the rest of the pack is his committment to his craft.

K. Sparks defines what it means to be “prolific”.   He has released so many projects in the last few years and in this case increased quantity does not diminish quality  by any stretch of the imagination.  Each of K. Sparks’ projects have illustrated an incredible display of dopenesss.

I strongly encourage you to check out a few if not all of K. Sparks albums or mixtapes.  He has so much to choose from.  You can download and purchase music from his website.   I would recommend checking out the album A Day In The Life as that is a personal favorite.

Also be sure to seek the man out on Twitter, Facebook, and You Tube.

Below you will find that K.Sparks took time out of his busy schedule to answer some of our questions.   I found his responses very thoughtful and insightful.  I had no idea how organized the man is in his business.  It was actually quite inspiring.  Check It.


HHD: What has inspired you thus far in life to pursue a career as a hip hop artist?  Where do you continue to draw inspiration from?‬

K. Sparks: My father was my initial inspiration in regards to music. He had a jazz band and that cultivated my appreciation for music at a young age. After that I started listening to Hip Hop artist such as LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim and etc. Those artist took my inspiration to the next level because they were so filled with passion for their craft. At the present moment I draw inspiration from life. Everyday is a new experience that I draw inspiration to create content. Regardless if the experiences are positive or negative I use them all.

HHD: I read in a previous interview you did in 2008 with Bloggerhouse, that your were given some advice: “persistence wears down resistance”.  That interview was done two years ago and you have not let up one bit.  I would describe your contribution to hip hop as prolific.  Relate that advice you were given by your father to where you are today.  Has the persistence been paying off in your mind because you have been grinding hard?  How has it paid dividends?‬

K. Sparks: My father is the type of person that is a very deep thinker. He always offers sound advice, but over the years that advice is what stood out the most. Persistence always wears down resistance in any situation. If you knock on a door long enough someone will open the door, if you call enough someone will answer the phone. Life is all about staying persistent until you obtain what you want. I’ve applied that philosophy to my music career and it’s been paying off. From a financial stand point it has been paying off as well. I’m in a great position due to my Independent situation. Years ago when I Incorporated my Label Imprint Double Up Entertainment I signed myself. So I obtain the revenue of my music from dual ends, from being an artist and a business owner. ‬Most people have a misconception that being an Independent artist means that you are struggling, and that artist on Major labels are well fed. That’s not always the case, and in most cases the roles are the exact opposite.

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HHD: Earlier this year you dropped an album called, A Day In The Life, on HipNott records  which I consider to be one of the best releases in 2010.  Can you speak on the project itself and how you and Kevin Nottingham hooked up for that release?‬

K. Sparks: When I first started my online series entitled Manic Mondays in 2008 DJ Z from DJ Booth along with Kevin were some of the first websites to support my movement. After that our relationship grew from there and we continued to build. Kevin later presented the opportunity to release an album through his imprint HiPNOTT Records. We agreed as a collective on the Album concept and I decided to record the project in one day to stick to the theme/direction of the album. I actually recorded that album in less than a day, more like a few hours. My artist Dave Barz engineered and mixed the project in CT. In all honesty I like the album, but I feel we could have did a better job. Normally when I record albums I like to take a more eclectic approach in terms of experimenting with sounds and different types of beats. In retrospect I feel it was a little too boom bap and not diverse enough with the over all sound. But conceptual wise I think it delivered what myself and G.C. Set out to accomplish.

‪HHD: As an artist you have put out both projects that are free to the masses and more traditional ones that one can purchase.  Do you make a distinction in the quality of a free release that you put out versus that of one that someone can pay for?‬

K. Sparks: Definitely not, the level of quality is always the same. Regardless if an album is for retail or free download I always give 100 percent creative wise because I’m a perfectionist and the fans deserve that.

‪HHD:  What is an average day for you like?  How much of your day is dedicated to your craft?  When you are not being an artist, what do you do with your time?‬

K. Sparks: At the start of my day the first thing I do is check E Mails. I get hundreds of E Mails everyday so it’s really time consuming to sift through messages. That’s why I normally start early to get a head start. After that I spend a good portion of the day communicating with my artist and DJ’s in regards to up coming releases, individual projects and etc. If it’s the start of the month I normally send an Update discussing business strategies for marketing and other plans of action. After that I record a great portion of the day in the studio coming up with new concepts. When I’m not being an artist my life is like the average person…hit the gym to work out, catch a movie with my fiance, walk my dog, hit up Gabby’s or Margaritas Pizzeria in Queens to grab a slice, and etc.

‪HHD: Aside from your own tracks, whose music are you feeling right now?‬

K. Sparks: I listen to a lot of different kinds of artist, but I’ll try to narrow it down to a few that get burn in my iPod. Ras Kass’ first album Soul On Ice is solid, Chino XL’s first album is dope, Panacea’s project The Scenic Route is quality music, and Dwele’s first two albums are flames too. Other artist I like are Esthero, T0n3x, Glenn Lewis, Lupe, Chico Debarge, Eryka Badu, Nas, Big Punisher, Pac and etc.

‪HHD: You have worked with quite a few other artists in your career.  If you had to have a dope beat in 24 hours, which producer would you call on to come thru?‬

K. Sparks: I would definitely call either Kurser or Pajozo. They are both genius when it comes to crafting beats from scratch. On top of that their both quick and efficient.

‪‪HHD: What has been your most satisfying moment as an artist? In turn, what has been the most frustrating thing for you in the music industry?‬

K. Sparks: To be honest, I haven’t had the most satisfying moment of my career yet. I know what I’m capable of and I haven’t reached my potential yet. Everyday I’m working towards getting more goals and milestones accomplished. In regards to the most frustrating thing for me in the music industry, I would have to say dealing with people that don’t follow through. I always say this industry would be way better without all the liars, and slime balls. It’s frustrating because those individuals make it harder to get things accomplished. ‬For example, everything is a domino effect. When an artist says their gonna do a verse for a song and doesn’t follow through that holds up the song. That song then holds up the album. That in turn holds up the Label being able to release the project so things fall apart on the promotional end in regards to provisions made for the album release date. At the end of the day I understand things happen, but my whole perspective is keep it 100 from jump.

‪HHD: What in the end is going to define success for you as an artist and a person?‬

K. Sparks: Artistic integrity. I feel that is what separates myself from every other artist out nowadays. I pride myself in being honest in regards to my subject matter to create product people can relate to. I think that’s a large part why people appreciate my music is because they can relate to the content.

‪HHD: 2010 has been a great year for you as an artist.  What does 2011 have in store for you and your fans?‬

K. Sparks: 2011 there will be a lot more live shows. I’m presently in the process of setting up dates for a 2011 College Spring Tour. Fans can expect to see me performing at their college shortly, and if their college is not yet booked they can make a request. Also, myself and Pajozo will be working on our up coming album that has yet to be titled.

‪HHD: Any other thoughts you want to relay to our readership?‬

K. Sparks: I want to thank everyone for their continued support, and show my appreciation for every single one of you. Your support keeps me motivated. Be sure to check out my latest album release A Day In The Life (Kurser Suite) available at all digital retailers. Also, be on the look out for Double Up Entertainment’s up coming releases from our artist and DJ’s.

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Published by stefanoneder

2 thoughts on “Hip Hop Dependency Artist Of The Year: K. Sparks”

  1. K. Sparks def deserves this. He is one of the best in the underground right now. I know he will go mainstream very soon.

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