KJ-52 Talks 'Mental' – Album Speaks to 'Weirdos, Gay Kids, Losers, and Broke Down Zeroes' [INTERVIEW]

KJ-52 chatted with BreatheCast about his upcoming album Mental, and shared his thoughts about his guest features, Christian hip-hop evolving, and making music for "the least of these."

BreatheCast: So you are coming out with Mental, your first record in about two years. In this quick span, Christian hip-hop has really blown up in the mainstream. What do you hope to add to the mix as guys such as Lecrae and Andy Mineo are really taking off?

KJ-52: I mean for me, it's continuing what I've always done for 15 plus years. My take on things is unique to my circumstances. I've definitely seen things change since I've started, but I think that's just a natural progression as the powers that be get older. I'm just trying to be myself, as simple as that.

BC: While on that subject, why do you think Christian rap is infiltrating the mainstream now? Is it that the public is ready for it, or have all the emcees stepped their game up?

KJ: To be honest I think that's just a misunderstanding. I think it's always been in the mainstream, I just don't think people have paid attention or don't know about it. You've had guys holding it down on the same mainstream outlet for years. It's just so much more easier to know about it these days.

Grits was on BET. I've been on VH1, MTV, MTV3. T-Bone way back in the day. There's always been guys, I don't think it's a new thing. I just think back in the day it was just a misunderstood thing.

BC: As someone who is bold in their faith, how do you stay real in your rhymes and yet keep your message consistent?

KJ: I think that's just a matter of being true to yourself, true to what God's showing you. I think a song like "Island of the Misfit Toys" is really my way of showing a little bit of transparency, but also trying to show a little relatability to those who are going through the same thing currently. I feel like it's more a matter of people can sniff out a fraud. I think in those cases people are more attracted to relatability, so I just try to keep it as what comes across.

BC: Your music has always stood out as striking a chord on certain topics. I felt this especially on Behind the Musik. On Mental you are delving into and quote, "weirdos, gay kids, losers, and broke down zeroes." How do you consistently write on these topics, and do you think enough Christians speak on these topics?

KJ: I think they are starting to speak about it more as the church starts to get more engaging in culture. I think we are getting better. I think the day and age of hiding and sweeping everything under the rug is going the way of the Buffalo. I've never really been contained to that. I just try to listen to what the fans are saying. That might be a Christian kid, that might not be. I try to listen to them and understand what they are going through and speak to that need.

BC: "Gameface" is a pretty unique track for you. Having Soul Glo's energy is great too. What was it like working with some of these younger faces in Christian hip-hop, and as a veteran did you learn anything from these guys?

KJ: I've known most of these guys for years. I think I've just learned that hip-hop is a genre that constantly changes, the sound of it. I think for me it's just taking notes on what has changed and what is popping now versus years ago. Absolutely, I would watch what Tedashii is doing, what KB is doing. These songs were just a natural progression. Working with Solly was in a lot of ways a game changer because the record was heading one direction and on a whim I did Mental. Mental was originally a beat and a song idea that I had been sitting on but I was stuck and knew it was where it shouldn't be. I bounced it off him, and he took the diamond and polished it. It changed the whole direction of the record. There's a new energy that wasn't here before.

BC: You are someone who has been so consistent in their career. I feel like you had an album coming out every year in the early 2000s, which I think you did...You even experimented with Soul Purpose and Peace of Mind. How do you keep finding the motivation and energy to put out as much as you do?

KJ: There will always be things to talk about. I stay in the constant state of writing down concepts and song ideas. If you're hearing five finished songs, there was probably 15 to 20 demos before we whittling that down. It's really a maxi EP is what Mental is. EPs are the new LPs, things have just changed.

KJ-52's Mental will be out on October 21 and it can be pre-ordered on iTunes here.

The album features KB, Soul Glo Activatur, Lecrae, Tedashii, and others.

"Gameface [1st Half Edition]" can be heard below: