Not every day is it that you stumble across your next favourite artist.
However, today is not just every day...
For those who are unfamiliar with Krafty may not understand his vision, his way of thought and his mindset but for those familiar with who he is and what he does, you will and most probably have been blown away. Not only a brilliant wordsmith and performer, but an artist. Not only an artist but a man who strives to bring the best out of himself, no matter what the situation and despite the pressure, pulls himself through to achieve maximum status way beyond expectation.
Grant 'Krafty' Oakes from Folkestone, Kent began stringing words together at the tender age of 10 and a year later, began recording himself onto cassette tapes. Kraft' sites his influences as '90s US Hip-Hop Phenomenons such as Eminem, Big L, Canibus and Jedi Mind Tricks as well as artists such as Xzibit and Dr. Dre. In his early years, Krafty worked alongside fellow Kent emcee Sneek, recording mixtapes such as 'End of the Beginning', 'Revival' and 'Da Reunion'.
With endless material but no real recognition it was time for Krafty to move on and he did so in 2005; new artists on the scene and a better studio setup, Krafty set to work on a new [collaborative] project titled 'Replenishment of Ancient Philosophies'. Soon enough the album sold out and Krafty's name began to ring around the streets of Folkestone with popular demand. After the success of his previous album, K-Kid began work on his next project; a second collab CD this time called 'Private Project'.
Things weren't all so bright this time round as the previous success of the 'Philosophies' record couldn't be found immediately on the surface of 'Private Project'. With more setbacks, disagreements and complications, Krafty took a break from the album to focus on his solo work. During this time [2006] he put together the 'Unreleased Cuts' CD with Spit Game Music Group and Australian Producer Next Level as well as a short EP titled 'Boundless'. Neither of the CD's reached release, however, they were accounted for amongst Krafty's impressive discography catalogue.
Krafty saw out the rest of 2006 by recording more and more solo cuts before finally releasing the long awaited 'Private Project' in 2007. The CD was for sale exclusively in Folkestone's "The Music Room" and in similar fashion to it's predecessor, the album was a hit causing Krafty to build up an even bigger fan-base. Soon enough Krafty's recognition was becoming seemingly more apparent as fans began to download his latest tracks for their iPods and even calling his name in public. K-Kid was fast becoming an icon.
As the hype calmed down and the winter of 2007 was fast approaching, Krafty set to work on his next solo record, appropriately titled 'One Man Show'. However, the show was soon halted in the wake of a new era for Fo-town's finest. Little did Krafty know, following a string of unreleased collabs with Southwest MC 3sixT, a change in gameplan was set to occur; this gameplan was 'The Coalition'.
In December 2007, Krafty & 3sixT began work on their biggest album yet. Planned as a full length album featuring both hard hitting street-Hip Hop to heartfelt ballad-rap, 'The Coalition' was a whole different direction for Krafty. Throughout 2008 he continued to work alongside 3sixT on the new album as well recording more and more solo material. But it doesn't stop there; Krafty founded underground UK Hip Hop group The Spit Pit as well as being regularly featured on local radio, he also went on to turn down two recording contracts, most notably an offer from Major Internet Label, 'Red Skin Records'.
In true Kraft' style fashion, he followed his beliefs and backed his own ability to succeed, claiming that a record deal was not enough to satisfy him and he was better off finding his own way to the top. Later into 2008 saw Krafty setup his own publishing company 'Spit Pit Music' which brought releases such as 'Jump Up (single)', 'Do This Alone' and 'The Coalition'. He continued to work closely with 3sixT and finally in December of 2008 released the afore mentioned 'Coalition' CD.
So as we move on into 2010, Krafty is back to business stoking the fire with rumors surrounding the possible continuation of 'One Man Show' and plans for even more exposure. In April ('09) the rapper appeared on a very popular interactive show named B-Box. The show broadcasts out to millions of viewers and Krafty was interviewed briefly in promotion of his music.
If you keep your eyes on Krafty's progress, there really isn't any time to blink. K-Kid is certainly one for the future and if you don't already know about him, believe me, you soon will.
Biography written by G. Britton of Alternative Inc Records.
