Emerging out of Rotterdam, Netherlands, producer Kevin Slice has built his sound around soulful samples, deep basslines, and an appreciation for the foundation of hip-hop. His journey with music began at a young age, eventually leading him from writing rhymes to finding his true passion behind the boards.
Growing up, Kevin describes his parents as hardworking people who did their best to provide for him and his younger brother. Although they weren’t wealthy, they made sure their children had what they needed. However, home wasn’t always a happy environment, which led Kevin to spend much of his time with friends. During those years, music became an important escape and a way for him to express himself.
His connection with hip-hop started when he was just nine years old. After hearing the genre for the first time, he immediately fell in love with it and began rapping. By the age of 15, his interests shifted toward production. After discovering a demo version of FL Studio, he started experimenting with beats and quickly realized he had found something he wanted to pursue long-term. He hasn’t looked back since.
Growing up in Europe, soccer was a big part of everyday life. Kevin spent plenty of time playing in the streets with his friends, while a local community center provided another place to connect with others and enjoy different activities. The center also had a recording studio, where he recorded some of his earliest songs and learned the basics of working in a studio. Those early experiences helped build the foundation for the producer he would eventually become.
Musically, Kevin draws inspiration from some of hip-hop’s most respected names. Tupac and Nas were major influences growing up, while reggae music, particularly the sounds of Bob Marley, also played an important role in shaping his musical taste. When it comes to production, J Dilla stands above the rest as his biggest influence. Kevin continues to study and listen to his beats, finding inspiration in the soulful sounds and creativity that made Dilla’s production so influential.
Today, Kevin describes his sound as soulful and old-school, built around deep basslines and an appreciation for sampling. He enjoys working with different types of samples to create records that carry their own character and feeling. Rather than relying on a large studio, he creates everything from home using a small setup consisting of his laptop, speakers, and MIDI keyboard. It’s a simple environment that allows him to focus on what matters most: the music.
His latest work includes an EP titled De Toestand, which translates to “The Situation” in Dutch. The four-track project is a collaboration with a local Dutch rapper, with Kevin handling production on every record. He also recently released his first beat tape/album, Somewhere Along The Way, on November 6. The project represents a personal chapter in his life, reflecting his journey toward finding himself again after going through a difficult period. Filled with soulful production, the project offers listeners a closer look into his sound and the experiences behind it.
Beyond music, Kevin credits his faith in God as an important source of strength, wisdom, and determination, particularly over the last couple of years. He also carries the memory of his grandfather, who passed away four years ago. Describing him as his best friend and role model, Kevin continues to draw motivation from the lessons he learned and the example he set.
