By his own admission, Music City-reared rapper Kulprit D is beyond tired of being compared to Eminem, the "other" white rapper -- or at least, the one most mention when they learn Kulprit spits rhymes.
However, if that's what it takes to get the genre's fans to lend his original sound an ear, well, then, so be it. And apparently, quite a few are listening to the 18-year-old's inaugural mixtape release, as evidenced by his top-notch ranking on his hometown's ReverbNation Rap Chart.
The indie "Stay Working At Greatness" or "SWAG," offering, which is available for free download here, hit the No. 1 spot this week on the La Vergne, Tenn., area's rap chart and the songsmith/rapper/beat-maker/producer couldn't be more pleased.
"I never thought I'd be in the top-10 (of ReverbNation) with me being such a new artist," Kulprit D told Examiner.com in a Jan. 23 interview. "The fan support I've been able to generate so quickly really caught me by surprise, but it's rewarding and I am always trying to let my supporters know their 'fandom' is appreciated."
Released digitally Nov. 15, 2012, the "SWAG" project was engineered by Gary Hurren of Gutrock Studio, including its first single, "George Jefferson," a track that's managed to find favor among even those who profess they are not necessarily fans of rap.
"It's not your typical rap beat," Kulprit said of "George Jefferson." The tune "doesn't have the same atmosphere as a typical rap song; it's upbeat, it's fun, as opposed to (being presented by) a thug trying to be hard. It's really light and catchy."
Moreover, he added, "I think that because (the TV popular show) 'The Jeffersons' appeals to more people in the mainstream is one of the reasons the song is a favorite. I have people who listen to metal, techno, bluegrass and country tell me they've downloaded it and listened to it more than just once. So it's interesting to me to see how people who say they don't like rap or hip-hop, tell me they like this (song)."
Although the "SWAG" project is still new, already it's garnered attention for Kulprit D that extends well beyond the Volunteer State. The rising rap/hip-hop artist has garnered ink and positive reviews from music critics as far away as Oklahoma City and he's set to interview with Hooah Radio's New York-based DJ Bette at 9 p.m. (ET) come Sunday, Feb. 3.
"I am anxious to get a new demographic familiar with my music and I'm hoping that it will be received well by the troops," Kulprit said, referring to the troop-supported, online radio station. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for our military and they deserve more credit than they're given, so if they like my music I will be beyond honored."
In the singles department, Kulprit D said fans can expect a new track, "We All That," which is set for release on Valentine's Day 2013 via his ReverbNation and www.hotnewhiphop.com pages.
"I am really excited about the original production, because not too many of my original beats have been heard," Kuprit said of the Cupid Day release. "The whole package is my brainchild -- the beat, the lyrics, the cover art -- and I can't wait to see how people respond."
For info on Kulprit D, please access the aforementioned ReverbNation page or visit his Facebook or Twitter pages.
- Video bonus: To learn more about Kulprit D, please access the clip embedded on the left side of this post.
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