Biography
Killa J (born KJ Harkness) is a Georgia native, hailing from the city of Athens. KJ currently attends Virginia Tech where he studies at the Pamplin College of Business. At the age of seven, Killa J began composing rhymes which allowed the groundwork formation for his later success. In 1999, Killa J relocated to the small town of Martinsville, Viginia where he attended Magne Vista High School. A year later, he produced his first full song–at the age of 10.
KJ’s debut mixtape, 4th and Inches, was released on April 20th, 2011. The mixtape to date has over 15,000 downloads and has been featured on over 50 blog and hip-hop websites.
The debut single “Monster” began as a sensation and is now receiving radio, DJ, and major label attention across the country. “Monster” will be officially released as a mastered single on iTunes in November of 2011. To date, “Monster” has over 25,000 downloads and 50,000 plays. He has has been scheduled to open for acts such as Wiz Khalifa, Big Sean, Mac Miller, and Dr. Dre.
Killa J’s latest mixtape titled, “Caviar Dreams”, is hosted by DJ Ill Will & DJ Rockstar. The mixtape features artists such as “J.R. Writer”, “Tha Joker”, “Ricky Ruckus”, and “Los”.
Killa J has a remarkable and tenacious work ethic. He strives to construct at least one song a day. At only 20 years of age, his potential to dominate the hip hop industry is becoming ever so obvious. His use of literary devices as well as his masterful wordplay is inimitable in modern times.
Interview
What made you decide to get into rapping?
I grew up listening to hip hop all my life and I knew that I could make music just as good and even better than some of the music I would hear on the radio. I was writing songs for about 4 years before I ever recorded my first song and that just evolved into what I am today.
Where does the name “Killa J” come from?
I chose that name when I was in middle school because my nickname had always been K.J. and Killa J sounded like a dope rap name and I still got to keep my initials.
Who have you worked with in your past mixtapes?
I’ve worked with XXL 2012 Freshman candidate “Los” out of Baltimore, Dipset artist “JR Writer” from New York City, “Tha Joker” out of Jackson, MS, and Ricky Ruckus out of North Carolina.
Who would you like to work with in the future?
I would like to work with artist like Wayne, J Cole, Meek Mill, Ace Hood, Kanye West, and the boss…Rick Ross.
Do you produce your own beats?
I didnt make any of the beats on “Caviar Dreams” but I have produced beats before. Once I’ve established myself as a successful artist I would like to get back into producing too.
What’s your motivation to continue making music?
My motivation to continue making music is my city, Martinsville, VA. I just want to put it on the map. It’s a small city that’s unheard of to the majority and I want to be the one that changes that. It also just feels like rapping is what I have to do and since I haven’t really made it yet, my motivation is success.
You can download Killa J’s latest mixtape, Caviar Deams here.
this kid a joke. he’s not a student at tech, he dropped out to pursue his dead end “rap career.” his lyrics are terrible and he just paid out his nose for features and hosting to compensate.
Hokie, nigga you dumb, Killa J shit is mad cray
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good job Rebecca…
Someone has too much time. Its hilarious though.