First Word Records are thrilled to announce a brand new addition to the label – LA beatmaker and producer 14KT.

Known for his deft, soulful hip hop production, KT has broadened his palate for his FW debut to create 'For My Sanity', the first offering from his jazz-influenced project IAMABEENIE.

The album will be released in early 2019, but we couldn't wait that long to share this taster of what 14KT created as a form of escaping from his "normal" ways of making music. Case in point: the first single taken from the project – 'The Power of Same' feat. Muhsinah.

Strongly rooted in KT's spiritual practice, 'The Power of Same' is a bass and synth-heavy ode to consistency and unconditional love, laced nicely together by his signature drum lines, harmonious guitar riffs (played on the track by Stro Elliot) and the unmistakable sound of James Poyser (The Roots). Vocal powerhouse Muhsinah adds layers of emotion via her endearing delivery of the core message, and, deep in the background you can hear KT sharing a very personal routine with us all - giving thanks to God.

How much of a personal project this is, in 14KT's words? "This was inspired by a bible study plan I was reading called The Power of Same. It spoke about the power of being consistent in our lives. I thought about how consistently God's love and my family's love have gotten me through my journey of life. Once I made a "skeleton" of the song, I reached out to the brother James Poyser who I was extremely blessed to work with. My brother Stro Elliot was living right down the street from me at the time. One night he walked over to my house, I played the record for him, he picked up my electric guitar and played the first thing that came to mind - which was perfect. I played the record for my brother Tall Black Guy, who suggested I reach out to Muhsinah to add vocals. I sent the record to her and two days later she sent me exactly what you hear. Amazing. That was definitely the spirit of God working. Huge shout out to my Playlist family. Love y'all."

To date, 14KT has released seven solo albums, as well as his collaborative hip hop album, 'Takin' Ls' with emcee Ozay Moore, R&B/soul album, 'Saturn Return' with singer/songwriter AB, and 'The Big Knock', together with Mayer Hawthorne as Jaded Incorporated.

Last year saw another duo collaboration album with Michigan rapper Ro Spit, entitled 'RSXGLD', a project held in high regard by the global hip hop community.14KT is also part of Jazzy Jeff's Playlist Retreat, alongside our very own Eric Lau, Tall Black Guy and Kaidi Tatham, who also turns out an unmistakably dope remix on this 7" single.

Enjoy!

The Power Of Same Ft. Muhsinah

Ypsilanti, Michigan’s own golden child, Kendall Tucker, bka 14KT, is a multi-talented Artist/Producer/DJ. His musical roots came from growing up singing in the church choir. It was there and by studying his parent’s jazz and soul records, along with piano and upright bass lessons, Kendall learned the fundamentals of music.

14KT got his start as 1/7th of this mighty Hip-hop collective, The Athletic Mic League. He started out as an emcee, inspired by the sounds of Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Gangstarr, A Tribe Called Quest and Outkast. Finding it hard to get instrumental beats, KT started using the “Pause/Play/Record” method, by looping breaks on cassette tapes so the crew could rap over them. 

14KT’s solo career began in 2008. After a rich history with AML, he entered and won his first beat battle competition, in Red Bull Big Tune Detroit. Later that year, he released his debut instrumental LP, “The Golden Hour [Soundtrack].” The Golden Hour made its mark appearing on many year-end “top albums” lists. Okayplayer said “this is the sort of striking project that can singlehandedly create an artists following.” And so it did.

14KT is the last Big Tune national champion, which he went on to win in 2010.
He’s worked with the likes of Aloe Blacc, Black Milk, Bun B, Danny Brown, Elzhi, Jay Electronica, JMSN, Masta Ace, Mayer Hawthorne, Legendary Motown Funk Brothers guitarist Dennis Coffey and many others. His music was featured in the DVD for Michael Rapaport’s A Tribe Called Quest documentary, “Beats, Rhymes, & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest.” Live, he’s rocked with the Stones Throw crew, at Low End Theory, SXSW, on tour with Mayer Hawthorne, Slum Village, and across the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia.

To date, 14KT has released seven solo albums, as well as his collaborative Hip-hop album, "Takin Ls" with emcee Ozay Moore,  R&B/Soul album, “Saturn Return” with singer/songwriter AB, and “The Big Knock”, together with Mayer Hawthorne as the “Beat Wave” group Jaded Incorporated [Universal Republic/Casablanca Records]. Jaded Incorporated was born out of their mutual adoration for the Post-Punk and New Wave music of the early 1980′s, and Ghettotech music in the 90′s Detroit scene.

14KT is currently revving up to release another duo collaboration album with Michigan rapper Ro Spit, entitled "RSXGLD" to be released in 2017.

For Beat inquiries/Booking/etc 
Contact: KaratgoldMusic@gmail.com
www.i4KT.com
www.Karatgoldmusic.com