Interview with OC Hip Hop Artist King Thylacine

Budding Denver born rapper, King Thylacine grew up in Orange County, California and is representing the OC in his music as well. Just as elusive as the allegedly extinct marsupial thylacine that once feasted on the domesticated animals, then obliterated from existence by Australian farmers, King Thylacine, the rapper, can be almost as elusive. I finally caught up with him to answer a few questions.

KW: What made you come up with your name?

King Thylacine: My name derives from an animal that is said to be extinct, but is also still said to have been seen. This animal was hunted by both the Australian government as well as farmers throughout that region. I chose this name because I feel that what I consider reality music is in a sense extinct from the mainstream. I believe I am one of the artists who can still display what's real and find those who can speak of it as well. I feel like the so called "elite" will not allow what is real to be explained to the children so they filter our main artery of knowledge to reflect a fantasy that they would love for us to live. For this reason I feel that I am just another form of the hunted predator.

KW: How would you describe your music?

King Thylacine: I describe my music as being good for the mind and soul. Though fully conscious, there is an edge that can only be described as true Player-ism on both the street and business level. What I speak is a combination of enlightenment and the endangerment we face by making some of the decisions we make. I'll still throw out the occasional "party" or "club" cut but there will always be a message to gain within it all.

KW: Who would you compare yourself to?

King Thylacine: Not to sound arrogant at all, but no one. I rhyme at a quickened pace because I feel I have a lot to say in a short amount of time. Also, it allows for the message to be continuously felt over time 'cause some listeners hear different things at different times. I crave longevity.

KW: Who manages you?

King Thylacine: At this time I manage myself with help from my family (Carol Martin - Operations/A&R, Marques Wright - Marketing/Promotions/A&R, and Craig Bush - Clothing/Cover Art Direction/Web Design).

KW: What do you like most about what you do?

King Thylacine: I like the fact that I am able to speak to the people and so far they dig my angle on things. Most people at shows rather than bug out or dance usually just stand, watch, and listen to what I do. To me, I am only competing with the music behind me on these cuts. I have to make people hear me through the production and love it even more after they are in complete tune with what I am saying.

KW: Who are the people who inspire you?

King Thylacine: There are far too many old school artist to list, but on just a musical level, I'll say Philip Bailey; Marvin Gaye; Stevie Wonder; Sam Cooke; Tupac/Makaveli; Eazy E; Ice Cube; The D.O.C.; DJ Quik; W.C.; Rakim; Guru; X-Raided; Brotha Lynch; E-40; and the rest of the real lyricists out there. These artists inspire me because they are lyricists above all. Though it is in many different degrees they all display reality in the majority of the music they release.

KW: What is your life's mission?

King Thylacine: I want to provide successful situations for the generations after me. I am tired of watching the same cycle after cycle go by. It is time for cultural progression.

KW: What is your mission with your music?

King Thylacine: To enlighten the listeners and speak of some of the life changing experiences that both me and those close to me go through everyday.

KW: What was the last event/gig you did?

King Thylacine: Club Rewind in July/07

KW: What is the next event/ gig you're going to do?

King Thylacine: Not sure yet mainly focusing on producing new product, an animation series, and a comic book.

KW: What is your favorite day of the week?

King Thylacine: Friday because I am a working man who does what he loves to do mostly during the weekends. Friday is the beginning.

KW: Describe a typical weekend for you.

King Thylacine: Writing, recording, networking, relaxing,

KW: What is one of your short term goals?

King Thylacine: To sell 500,000 independent in California alone. There's a lot of haters so this goal means a lot to me.

KW: What is the title of your album?

King Thylacine: Royaltiez Requezted because I feel like I am challenging myself to be the best I can be.

KW: Where can we get it?

King Thylacine: It'll be ready for purchase summer 2008 (7/27) and can be purchased through the MySpace or at a show. We got that Paypal crackin' so go get a RushCard if you ain't got credit.

KW: Who is the most interesting person you've ever met?

King Thylacine: My Grandfather RIP. So much knowledge, so much game, gone way too soon.

Perhaps taking cues from the alleged sightings of the elusive Australian thylacine, the pictures available on his page are dark and obscure but you can check out King Thylacine's music on MySpace by going to www.myspace.com/kingthylacine727 .