Kyle Lewis better known by his stage name Kyl3wis, was born on Sept. 6,1995, in Woodhaven, Queens. He’s an aspiring rapper who began writing rhymes as a hobby and it quickly became his main aspiration. Lewis currently studies business administration at Borough of Manhattan Community College. The word he uses to describe his life is dichotomy, explaining that his thought process is complicated yet he remains simplistic in every form in character. Early in his music career, Lewis performed at Lox Lounge, 5ive Spot, Lit Lounge and even performed at Springfield High School. His 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.
Photo by: Melanie Cordova
Post high school graduation, a summer routine with a group of friends led to the start of Lewis’s interest in becoming a rapper. Kicking back and hanging with his friends, sharing bars Lewis was introduced and invited into the freestlyin’ world. Innocently giving it a try, he then realized it was something he loved, starting with his first song debuted Snapped . “Once I started walking on this path, it was the only one that I knew would lead me to where I wanted,” said Lewis.
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 Lewis.
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 Lewis, 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 Lewis.
When pursuing your dream, believing in yourself is key. In order to connect with others, you must first understand and know yourself. Lewis 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 Lewis
Competition is heavy when it comes to who wants to make it to the finish line. Lewis understands that there’s many in the same spot as he is, but what makes him different is what he offers. Lewis 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 Lewis
Doing things his way with songs like Beginner and Stayin’ Right, Lewis is tackles mastering diversity in his raps and understanding that growth is crucial to his craft. Promoting his music through his Soundcloud and Instagram Lewis takes any opportunity that comes his way. With being the most honest with himself, Lewis can most definitely stand up and say “I’m the truth.”