LyriKal: Musical Ambassador
“This man busy boy!” We tried to lock him down for a 1 pm interview but he was busy getting the CD’s ready for his latest mix release. We finally got a chance to link with Mr. Everything a.k.a Lyrikal at 5pm. Nevertheless, we appreciate Lyrikal taking the time to sit and talk with us. We know it takes hard work to continue to rise to the challenge of Soca ambassador.
What gave birth to the name LyriKal?
My friends on the corner and basketball courts knew that I was good with words and from there they call me Lyrical. Then people in Brooklyn knew me as LyriKal Yute.
How long have you been living in Brooklyn?
I migrated from Trinidad at 13 years old.
What part of Trinidad are you from?
Belmont in city of Port of Spain
So it seems like you have been living up to the name LyriKal. How did you get so good with the word play?
I was always a good writer in school. I had no beat, no music. Just Lyrics!
Why do you think your music has such wide appeal?
I listen to all types of music. I relate to different people. I have creative talent and I am versatile. I never just roll down a one way street. (laughs)
What are some of your other musical interests?
Well I have a Hip Hop album coming out soon.
Do you produce Hip Hop music as well?
I like the culture, slang, metaphors. Hip Hop has the most metaphors of any music I know. The lifestyle, dressing, all of it.
Do you see yourself creating a fusion between Hip Hop, Soca, and Reggae?
I never thought about it, but now that you mention it. I am in the studio now, I might try it. (laughs)
Ok, remember to tell them DancehallSoca.com said it first (laughs)!
You know it all comes down to the beat, lyrics and how it can all come together.
Where do you see yourself 5-10 years from now?
The world has to know about Lyrikal. I could see myself getting Grammys.
Where do you see Soca music 5-10 years from now?
The potential for Soca music is worldwide. It needs to be not just me or Machel. We need the Soca fraternity to unite. When one person has a hit song then they bring other people to make sure the hits continue. For example, Reggaeton music 2 years ago was not saying much. They came together supported each other. Then they started to buss. Not to say Caribbeanmusic is not getting there. Machel sold out the Garden [MadisonSquareGarden] twice in one night.
Do you feel like the content in Soca music is lacking?
Somewhat, a lot of the Soca music might not leave our community.I like the jump and wave too.But, the outside people need to be able to relate as well. So we can give them something to relate and then bring them over to our jump and wave songs like we like it. I talk for myself too. You cannot just have one hit song and then forget your community. Without unity the power is not there.
What is your latest Video?
“Beg no Friends” with King David produced by Studio 53. We shot the video recently and it is doing well in Trinidad.
What else are you working on now?
The new album will be coming out around November or Christmas time.
What is the name of the album?
No name yet.
Anything to say to our readers, viewers out there in DANCEHALLSOCA land?
Big up Mighty Father, Radio station, Dj’s, fans, and supporters.
www.Myspace.com/freshmoneylyrikal