JON MORENO — Arts & Entertainment Editor
Kayshawn Jolly is a business administration major and is in his sophomore year here at Southern. Fan of a lot of newcomers in hip-hop such as Drake, J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar, Jolly says at the age of seventeen was when he realized his love for music can possibly be a career one day. Jolly goes by the stage name of K-Cohiba and is part of the Undefined Music Group, also known as UNDGM.
Q.) First off, how did Southern become your school of choice? Bring us back. Also, what’s your major/year. Give us the basics: what makes you tick and makes you unique.
A.) SCSU is my school of choice because its affordable, the campus is cool and the education is good. I’m a business administration major with a focus on management, and I am a second semester sophomore.
Q.) How did it all start for you? What was the first moment that you realized music is a passion for you, and what made you pursue it to this point?
A.) Since I was a child I enjoyed music. Around 14 I started writing songs, and at the age of 17 I knew music was a big part of my life. It became a consistent outlet for me. Music was the most positive way for me to cope with everyday issues and I began to gain fans; that’s why I continue to pursue it.
Q.) Who are some of your favorite artists and how have they influenced you musically or personally?
A.) I’m a big fan of artists that are entertaining and have meaning behind their music. Kendrick Lamar, Drake, J. Cole, Joe Budden, Wale, etc. They’ve influenced me musically to grow as an artist and make music that is appealing but has substance. Personally I am inspired by the problems they have overcome and their drive to succeed.
Q.) Where would you like to take the music you do? Are you a solo artist or part of a band or group? Are you trying to get a deal somewhere or is this simply for the love?
A.) I’d like to spread the music internationally; I think it’ll be successful. I am a part of the Undefined Music Group and we’re currently pushing for a deal.
Q.) Who has influenced you most in life (not musically) and how so? What would you like to tell this person?
A.) My mother has influenced my life the most because she was the main one there through thick and thin. I just want to say thanks; I can’t repay you but I’ll try to anyway.
Q.) What is your advice to local artists who are trying to get their music heard or who just feel discouraged sometimes? What do you do to get yourself out of a rut if you are ever in one musically?
A.) If you want to get your music heard, network with everyone (bloggers, promoters, artists, djs, etc). When I have writer’s block I tend to walk away from the project and come back to it with a clear mind – it’s usually from overthinking. Just clear your mind and come back to the task at hand.
Q.) What is a way for people to go and listen to your music and when can we expect new material?
A.) You can hear our most recent project “Elevation EP” on SoundCloud. More material is on datpiff, YouTube and rapmonster. The simplest way to access our music and videos is Google searching “UNDMG” or “Undefined Music Group”. New material should be coming late October to early November and we are working on UNDMG hoodies, crewnecks and other apparel.
Q.) What is something about you that most people don’t know? It can be music related or not.
A.) There’s a lot most people don’t know about me. You have to find out what you want for yourself though. I make music but I am human too. Just ask me a question (about anything).
Q.) What are you plans once you graduate from Southern?
A.) Post-graduation I plan on continuing to make connections within the industry and hopefully make this a career. If the plan isn’t successful I’ll find a career in business and pay the bills.
Q.) What is your fondest memory here and what would you like to tell the Southern body for those who don’t know you?
A.) I’m a new transfer student so I don’t have too many fond memories of the school. So I guess the best answer is I’m looking forward to making some. Stay tuned for more projects presented by Undefined Music Group. Thanks for having me.
