KIU

During the 2010s, KIU -- a rapper, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur -- emerged from the New York-area underground with dozens of independent singles, all of which were made freely available as downloads.
Inspired by JAY Z, Nipsey Hussle, and Drake as well as the many cultures he absorbed as a youngster in Brooklyn and Philadelphia, the Harlem-born creative began gradually recording songs in high school at the age of 16 which resulted into the development of his cadence and style that captured the ears of both regions. After a short period of enrollment at Full Sail University, KIU began working on his independent debut effort, Winners Worry About Winning, which was released late 2017. He gained a significant following through word of mouth and exposure from intermediate entertainment publications. In 2017 and 2018, his career really picked up with cuts like Right Back (feat. Lit Hamilton) and What They Gone Say which were among his most popular recordings to that point. KIU is known for his lyricism, versatility, and ability to mesh thought provoking verses with relaxed vocalized hooks. Building his own movement and brand -- the independent artist and business mind is showing why he's here to stay as he continues to climb the ranks.