Q&A: Kryptik

This week, we caught up with the talented KRYPTIK to discuss his evolution from graffiti and beatboxing to producing, DJing, and emceeing. With support from legends like Chuck D and an ever-evolving sound, Kryptik continues to push boundaries, while also curating Scotland's hip-hop scene and promoting new talent.

Check out our Q&A below:

You started in the Hip Hop scene through graffiti and beatboxing as a teenager—how did those early experiences influence your evolution into a producer, DJ, and eventually an emcee?

Graffiti not so much to be fair, like, in my early years of grabbin the pen, I would occasionally make a graffiti reference. It was certainly handy for knowing desolate spots where we could shoot videos. I actually love scoping out locations, jumping fences, accessing hard to reach or off limit areas to get better shots and that’s defo from my graff years. Beatboxing was a major benefit because of the breath control. I knew which flow patterns worked and used the same techniques, just switching sound effects for syllables and into words and bars. From a production level, beatboxing’s helped me find rhythm in samples. I can could be listening to something obscure and start doing a DNB break over it and piece things together from there with the software.

Performing underage in clubs in Paisley and Glasgow must have been a thrilling experience! How did breaking into the scene at such a young age impact your confidence and drive as an artist?

It certainly was and it was always well received. Beatboxing has always been that glue that held emcees together in a cypher at parties or outside clubs, everyone loved it so we’d be invited along to jump on open mics or the radio. It always sounded better through a system and there was a big show at the Carnival Art Centre when I was like 17 where the place just went crazy for it. It was addictive so we grabbed as many mics as we could n let rip. It was an animalistic and primal attraction to get on the mic and that confidence has never left me, it’s just changed form into rap.

Your 2019 album Collective Thoughts raised awareness around mental health, and you’ve been open about the themes of addiction and music therapy. How has music played a role in your own mental health journey, and what led you to share these personal stories through your work?

I’m actually pretty volatile without music so it’s played a vital role in helping me understand my own mind and behaviour patterns. Vocalising my experiences and getting things off my chest has kept me sane. Once it’s on paper or recorded on a track, it’s no longer this inescapable noise in my head, going round in circles and frying my brain. Writing allows me to think clearly and get a bit of perspective on situations. I just kinda stumbled on the mental health thing to be honest. I did a track called “Shattered Dreams” and the feedback was encouraging. I got a lot of unexpected messages from people saying that it helped them and that became the catalyst to not shy away from those topics. I was genuinely surprised how relatable people were finding it. I always thought it was just me who was fucked up but turns out everyone’s had a hard life and it’s good know that I’ve turned that into something positive that people can tap into.

You’ve gained support from iconic figures like Chuck D of Public Enemy. How does it feel to have someone with such a monumental presence in Hip Hop acknowledge your work, and has this changed your perspective on your career trajectory?

It’s been pretty surreal. Honoured and blessed to have support on that level and it inspires me to keep doing what I’m doing. Keeps my foot on the gas.  

Given that you’ve run events, started your own label, and contributed to a magazine, it’s clear you’re more than just an artist—you’re a curator of culture. How do you juggle all these roles, and what’s the driving force behind your wide-ranging involvement in the music scene?

Hahah! I don’t know about that, I just love music and bringing people together. Dental Rekords isn’t at the forefront the way it used to be, we’re all a bit older now with families but we always help one and other promote tracks and projects etc. With Wordplay Magazine, I just try and keep my ear to the ground and push music I’m feeling from Scotland through the platform to shine a light on it. My main drive is to see more artists get the recognition they deserve.

Your latest tune “Reload" is described as a hard drill track, blending fiery flows with a high-energy beat. What was your creative process like for this track, and how did you approach its intensity?

I linked up with Louis Seivwright in the studio and we built the beat from scratch. Being a producer, I knew how to explain what I was after to Louis and it didn’t take long to make it slap. I came up with the hook and outro idea then just filled in the blanks for the verses. The beat demanded that level of energy so that’s what it got. Thats always my approach to be fair, read the beat, identify the sections and try my best to compliment it.

The track features a catchy hook and a psychedelic sitar—what inspired you to incorporate such an unconventional instrument in a drill track?

It was just a sample that Louis had sitting. I’ve always liked that Eastern sound. I find it quite hypnotic and alluring so as soon as I heard it, I knew it would work. My beatbox brain built the beat around it I guess. We made light work of it.

What’s next for KRYPTIK?

What’s next??? There’s another 4 tracks coming out this year to complete that project with Louis. The album is called “Unplugged” and there will be an additional 2 bonus tracks on there too. I’ve also got a BoomBap album in the works with Crink and a some DNB, UKG and dubstep tracks to keep it diverse. Shows… I’m keeping to a minimum until “Unplugged” is out so I’ve got a clean slate for 2025.

I wanna give a shout out to everyone who’s got my back and supporting me. You know who you are. I also wanna make a special shout out in remembrance of Crimzon Ink who was one of the founding members of Dental Rekords. He was an incredible artist who unfortunately lost his battle last week. I would encourage anyone who’s going through hard times to reach out and speak about what they’re going through before doing something that can’t be undone. Keep the heid! Big Love - Kryptik