Kyle Lewis better known by his stage name Kyl3wis, was born on September 6th 1995 in Woodhaven, Queens. He’s an aspiring rapper who began writing rhymes as a hobby and it quickly became his main aspiration. Kyle currently studies Business Administration at Borough of Manhattan Community College. The word Kyle uses to describe his life is dichotomy, explaining that his brain works so complicated yet he remains simplistic in every form. Kyle has graced the stages of Lox Lounge, 5ive Spot, Lit Lounge and even performed at Springfield High School. Kyle’s passion and love for hip-hop has him walking on a path to become a better version of himself, for his music and for those who tune in to listen.
Post high school graduation, a summer routine between a group of friends led to the start of Kyle’s interest in becoming a rapper. Kicking back and hanging with his friends, sharing rhymes, Kyle was introduced and invited into the freestlyin’ world. Innocently giving it a try, he then realized it was something he loved, starting with Snapped. “Once I started walking on this path, it was the only one that I knew would lead me to where I wanted,” said Kyle.
In an era where hip-hop isn’t as valued as before, lyrical ability is diminishing and the meaning behind the music has lessened, the desire is to become its savior. Yet, many rappers don’t have the answer or key behind the question “Why?”
“It lacks technique, there’s no effort anymore, rappers don’t take the time to put something different out that no one has. They don’t rhyme words no one has thought of, they don’t challenge flows, everything is all repetition,” said Kyle.
Underground rappers aren’t as respected and very looked down upon, mainly because they aren’t given the time of day. Being apart of underground hip-hop community, it doesn’t seem to scare Kyle, he has it all figured out.
“No one actually seeks out music like before, they don’t get the recognition or credit they deserve, I feel because most upcoming artist are one dimensional, people are diverse, they want and seek diversity,” said Kyle.
When pursuing your dream, believing in yourself is key. In order to connect with others, you must first understand and know yourself. Kyle prides himself on intriguing himself before others. Pursing a rap career was a test for himself, to beat his own odds.
“Its taken me time to develop as a person so that I could show myself to people, if you don’t know who you are and you try to show yourself to others, they will create an image or have an idea of you in their mind that you can’t grasp or don’t come to terms with, you lose yourself because you don’t even know who you’ve become because you didn’t know yourself in the first place,” said Kyle
Competition is heavy when it comes to who wants to make it to the finish line. Kyle understands that there’s many in the same spot as he is, but what makes him different is what he offers. Kyle explained that being a “work in progress” is what sets him apart. Acknowledging that many want and portray themselves as finished products ready to become the next biggest rapper, he prides himself on growing daily when it comes to his craft.
“I want everyone to have something to listen to, I don’t want to be categorized in my music, I have rap music for everyone, I want people to depend on me when it comes to being that rapper that can satisfy anyone’s mood,” said Kyle
Doing things his way with songs like Beginner and Stayin’ Right, Kyle is tackles mastering diversity in his raps and understanding that growth is crucial to his craft. With being the most honest with himself, Kyle can most definitely stand up and say “I’m the truth.”