Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio during the 90s, K-Bo was always moving. Between playing basketball, baseball, and making music, he found different ways to stay active and express himself at an early age. Cleveland was home, and the experiences of growing up in the city helped shape the person and artist he would become.
Music became part of K-Bo’s life when he was just 7 or 8 years old. While still in elementary school, he joined the band and picked up the trumpet. He also played drums in church, giving him an early understanding of rhythm and musicianship that would eventually become part of his identity as an artist.
K-Bo never looked at one particular artist as the reason he started making music. In his words, he believes the gift was placed in him by God. Still, he became a student of the game at a young age. His mother introduced him to the oldies of the 70s and 80s, while his own taste continued to grow through hip hop and rap.
He listened to everything from No Limit and Cash Money to UGK and Bone Thugs. Tupac, Biggie, Jay-Z, Dipset, and underground rap also became part of his musical education, with the Bay Area making a particular impact. That wide range of influences helped give K-Bo what he describes as a “wide ear,” allowing him to pull from different sounds, eras, and cultures without being boxed into one lane.
Outside of music, one of the places K-Bo spent a lot of time growing up was Fairfax Recreation Center in Cleveland. It became a familiar spot where he took part in extracurricular activities and continued developing away from the studio. Sports, music, and the city around him all played a role in shaping his mindset.
Today, K-Bo describes his sound as the New “Ohio Players.” His music is built around motivation, encouraging people to get on their grind, stay focused, and reach their full potential. It’s music rooted in ambition and the idea that you should always be working toward becoming better.
When it comes to recording, K-Bo keeps things close to home, often working out of his home studio. When he wants to step into a professional setting, he also records at Connect Studios, a top-tier studio near downtown Cleveland.
His latest release, “Real Ism,” is a collaboration with his homie Armand Rashad and is currently available on all streaming platforms. Visuals for “Take 5” and “US 1” are already out from the project, giving listeners another way to tap into what K-Bo and Armand Rashad have been building.
And the work doesn’t stop there. K-Bo is currently putting together several collaborative projects with other Players while also working on his next solo album. There’s plenty more in motion, and he’s continuing to build without taking his foot off the gas.
From picking up a trumpet as a kid in Cleveland to finding his voice through decades of hip hop, church, sports, and life experiences, K-Bo has always kept music close. Now he’s bringing all of those influences together with his own vision and using his platform to motivate others to get on their grind and stay Player.
K-Bo gives a shoutout to the entire First Class and AvZ, while reminding everybody to always keep God 1st and no matter what, always stay Player.
Throw them Wingz Up. 🪽
