Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Brame Jr. and Phresh Kyd.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born in Cincinnati, OH on April 25, 1995 to Thomas & Shirley Brame, Sr. I was raised in the Silverton/Amberley Village area with my family, which consisted of my mom, dad, younger brother, and grandmother. It was a pretty quiet childhood. I would hear stories about my family and the shenanigans they would get into, so my parents wanted my brother and I clear of that, especially my dad not wanting us to be in the same environment he grew up in.
I’ve been an artist since I could remember. The artistry started with drawing and visual arts. I used to graffiti my notebooks and names for friends all the time, unknowingly unlocking my passion for hip hop.
I was introduced to hip hop by my dad. I would always go with him to run errands just to listen to the music he had. I remember the first verse I ever memorized was Biggie’s verse on Notorious Thugz. The summer of 2008 is when I realized hip hop was for me. I did a talent show at summer camp and everybody loved it, so I kept going on with it. 8th-grade year, I went to the studio with my friend, Steven Cannon, and recorded my first song, Talk Shit Now. Since then, I would release music yearly, sometimes doubling up, just to showcase my skills are always getting better.
After high school, I moved to Nashville, TN where I went to college at Tennessee State University. I graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor’s in Mass Communication with a Focus in Film/TV Production. In college, I was gaining more fans for my music by constantly rapping at talent shows and showcases on and off-campus and also being on the radio station all four years.
Senior year is when things started getting rocky for me and I had to buckle down and understand the true hustler I am. Even though I was broke constantly, I still managed to make money in some way, which fully translates to my music; for the people trying to make some money. I was also in a bad headspace from 2016-early 2019, constantly in states of depression because I didn’t know what I wanted to do in life and I felt like I was letting everybody down and myself. Now that I’m better and out of that funk, I realize what my purpose is and who I cater to.
Please tell us about your music.
I’m a hip hop artist in all sense of the word. I rap, write, make beats, and engineer. I can shoot videos and do photography when I really want to as well. I learned how to do everything because I didn’t want to pay for those services when I was broke and now they are gifts I can profit off of. The inspiration and message I want people to get from my music, which is my main art, is that you can do whatever you put your mind to. There is never too much or too little you can do. Coming from a person who was told constantly to stop rapping because I sucked (which in hindsight, I did), keep going. You’ll only get better if you keep practicing and forget what everybody else is saying.
My music is rap/hip hop in the full sense. The best way I can describe my music is imagine yourself rolling a blunt on fine china. My sound is sophisticated and gritty at the same time. It’s something you can turn up to and chill out at the same time. The sound is all me. Yes, I have my influences like Big K.R.I.T., all of TDE, UGK, and T.I., the vibes I create is unique.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Budget everything out and have multiple hustles. The way I make money is by selling beats, studio time, graphic design, drive for Uber, and I substitute teach. If you can’t have multiple hustles, save your money. You don’t need the latest fashion or have to go to every party; know what you’re putting your money into.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Google “Phresh Kyd” and everything you need will be there. My social media is @phreshkyd_ and my website is www.ishaboyohresh.com. My music is also on all streaming platforms.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ishaboyphresh.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phreshkyd_
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/phreshkyd_
Image Credit:
@_wizardkel3, @_donshel, @drewisafoo, @_julyalsina
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