Interview: 21 Questions with Kidd Called Quest

DEFNITION OF FRESH presents you to the talented, creative, Hip-Hop producer Rochester, New York's own Kidd Called Quest. This producer's extraordinairy music speaks to a bygone era, a time when skills were more important than marketing, producing meant more than cutting & pasting, and being real was more than a catch phrase. Now it's time to check out the interview 21 Questions with Kidd Called Quest.

What's On TV?: I really don’t watch tv like that these days. The only show I really paid attention to. Been Raising Kanan, that’s actually the only Power series I’ve watched. But other than that I don’t really watch too much television.

What's On The Playlist?: Currently I’ve been listening to a lot of late 80s and early 90s hip hop. I also been listening to a lot of 80s R&B and 70s soul jazz.

Favorite Movie?: My favorite movie I would say is Disorderlies. That movie was actually my first introduction to hip hop. Fat Boys was my favorite group as a little kid.

Favorite Book?: Be honest I really can’t think what my favorite book is. But if I had to pick a book. It might would be Lord Of The Flies. I like drama based novels.

Why do you "Love" music?: I love it because, it allows me to step out of my element and be creative. I also like it because sometimes music can remind you of certain moments growing up. Music also saved me from getting caught up into trouble. I have a lot of reasons why I love it. But no matter if I’m feeling up or down music will always be there.

Favorite Artist?: My favorite artist dam this a hard question. My top favorite artist is Ghostface, Kool G Rap, Scarface, Prodigy and AZ. I don’t know I can’t narrow it down to just 1 artists. I get inspired by many artists. But if i really have to pick 1 artist, it would probably be GFK.

Favorite Group?: Dam this is just as hard as the last question. Wu Tang, Gang Starr, Lox, Mobb Deep and many more. This is almost an impossible question for me.

Favorite Producer?: Hi TeK, Beatminerz, Dr Dre, DJ Shok, Premo, Nottz, Erick Sermon and many many more. I’ve been influenced and inspired by so many producers over the years growing up. But Hi TeK is my top favorite producer. His style is like no other. I love how he chopped his samples and play keys over them. His drums was always super crispy. DJ Shok would probably be #2 for me. That bounce in his beats I always loved. Beatminerz they shit always knock. The way they filtered samples and dirty drums hit just sound so amazing. Premo his stuff was just soulful and funky the way he manipulated was crazy. I can’t just pick 1 producer so many inspired me.

1st Album, CD or Download you ever purchsed?: The first cassette I ever purchased was a DMX album. I was pissed when I cop that shit from K Mart. Because they only sold the edited copies back then. I remember buy “ Flesh Of My Flesh Blood Of My Blood” thought I had the official joint. I ended dubing a copy off the vinyl copy my brother had. But X was my first official purchase.

How old were you when you reaized you wanted to be an artist and/or producer?: I would say 13/14 I knew making music was what i wanted to do. But during that time I did not know I was going to take as serious as I do now. Soon as I cop my first MPC back in 2003. I knew I was going to end up trying to pursue something with the beats. I been grinding it out since 2005 and I’m still working.

How would you describe your music?: I try to make music people everywhere can feel. As of lately, people been saying I have my own sound that has a traditional hip hop feel. I always try to stay in my own pocket with the music.

How has your life changed since becoming and artist and/or producer?: To be honest I haven’t really hit a life changing moment yet. I’m still working towards that situation. But I will say this, the music has introduced me to a lot of people over the years. I met some of my favorites in person. I built relationships with people over the years, I had opportunities that allowed me to featured on projects with some of my favorite artists and producers. But far as a life changing situation I haven’t experienced that yet. At least I don’t think I did, I’m just hoping when that time do come I be fully prepared for it.

What are your thoughts on the presence and importance of music in today's society?: The presence and importance of today’s society, depending on the artist and the kind of music they make. Can definitely help people get through these hard times some are dealing with today. Music can be very therapeutic for some people. I think it’s important for artists to music here and there to help uplift some people. That’s something hip hop music really needs more of. Music that actually makes a person feel like they’re really connecting to the artist words ect..

How did you come up with the name Kidd Called Quest?: This is probably one of my least favorite question. Back in the day, I use to go by the name Jay-Quest. Long story short there was another person going by the same name. They were doing a bunch of bs. The confusion caused a lot issues because the stuff he was doing. People thought it was me, it messed up a some opportunities for. When I felt like enough was enough. I decided to rebuild and rebrand myself. A lot of people knew me as Quest I had to keep that in my name. That’s when the whole Kidd Called Quest idea came. I went by this name since 2009. It was a brutal journey people was mad at the name. But once the music started circulating and people got more familiar with the name and music. The negative response started calming down. I still get a bash here and there time to time but not as bad like I did during the beginning stages of building up my name.

What are your musical influences?: I have a lot of musical influences. It’s so many ranging from both. Artist and producers, also being around certain individuals. The influence come from all different directions. One of my main influences was a group from Rochester New York back in the day called ( Upstate Cypher). Those dudes influenced my grind heavily. Everything they did was official. Them guys influenced the upstate region back in the early 2000s.

What is the process that birthed your musical productions?: Just doing what I like to do and just being myself creatively. Sticking to what I do and Having fun with the music.

What do you think is the most important thing you have yet to master to help your progress in music?: I really can’t answer this question. Because there’s always something new to learn that can help further your my journey. I just keep learning and going.

What's your favorite & least thing when performing a live show?: My favorite this is seeing the crowds reaction to the music when Azariah and myself do a live performance. My least favorite part is being cramped up around a bunch of people in a tiny space. That has always been one of disliking. But it’s something you gotta deal with.

Where do you see yourself as an artist/producer in the next year?: Honestly I really don’t know. I’m just going to keep grinding and working. Until it puts me in the posts I need to be in.

What's up next for a Kidd Called Quest?: There’s a lot of music on the way. Young Black and Gifted “Misguided Souls” coming soon, 2100 Bagz “Ghetto Poetry” fully produced by me coming soon, Titto Lopez “808 Theory” fully produced by me we just wrapped up. Also I have a lot of singles with some great artists that’s been dropping more is coming. Also me and my brother Dee Jay Sight has a few projects coming. One of those are with V Secrets. Just planning on dropping music and building up .

Any Last Words?: I would like to give a Shout out to the everyone, who’s been rocking with me since the beginning of everything. Shout out to Curtis Coke,Azariah,Sight,Brogawd,YEAROFJORDN,Midnite, Pretty Bulli,Smoke,L Biz,Cee Gee, Dark Skinned Jermaine, 2100 Bagz, Titto Lopez, G Fisher, D Dave,Chris G, DJ Wiz, DJ Bac Spin, DJ Shok, Jerry Graham, All Mental, DJ Gates, DJ Ease, Laddie, Euphony Bars, Dave Reese, Cisco(Inno), B Predict, B$ General, Tape Deck Review, Rap On steroids, Dorian, Barbaric (Mike), TG, Divine God Allah, Jimi Kendrick, Rockwilder, Big Shug, Trumayne, Ken-C, Jaz-O, Chuck D of Public Enemy, All the artist,producers grinding 1 last big special shout out to all the DJs who are helping to push the music.

Latest Release:

Kidd Called Quest from Rochester, New York, is indeed on a roll with his recent music collaborations. His latest track, "Night Lights", features fellow Rochester emcee Mooch of Da Cloth. This song highlights Kidd Called Quest’s remarkable production abilities, complementing Mooch's impactful delivery perfectly. If you enjoy vibrant and engaging hip-hop, "Night Lights" is a must-listen. Don’t forget to add it to your playlist and share it with friends!

Follow Kidd Called Quest on Social Media at Instagram  & X