Interviews Next Wave

TCR Talks “FashionablyLate” With Kenilworth Katrina

“April showers bring May flowers,” Kenilworth Katrina reminds us, “but what happens in June?” She knows that listeners can

By TCR Staff

July 31, 2024

TCR Talks “FashionablyLate” With Kenilworth Katrina

“April showers bring May flowers,” Kenilworth Katrina reminds us, “but what happens in June?” She knows that listeners can put in work and watch it blossom — but if they’re hungry for something more than a modest bloom, there’s no road map for them. They’ve got to follow your ambition and make their own rules.

The Washington, DC-born, Bay Area based artist assures us on “Fashionably Late,” her newest single. On a track animated by productive impatience, the rapper packs an essay’s worth of ideas and meaning into two and a half minutes of hard rhyme. She’s tasted success, but she wants more — and even though she faces obstacles, she knows she’s got the talent and drive to overcome them. Everything about the single broadcasts the emcee’s determination to be heard and her frustration with the impediments that all emerging artists face. With “Fashionably Late,” Kenilworth Katrina recognizes that we’ve all got a limited amount of time to make our mark, and she’s reclaiming hers with both hands. Of course, she’s also testifying to her freshness. No matter how late she shows up to the club, she assures us, she’s going to look fantastic and steal the show.

The creative directors at New York City animation house Negative Kitty concur. This year, they held a contest to find an undersung artist to create a clip for, and Kenilworth Katrina took the prize. They’ve matched the emcee with a video that reinforces the song’s themes and amplifies the artist’s leftfield sense of humor. Kenilworth Katrina’s cartoon avatar is energetic, impertinent, and tough not to cheer for, especially when she’s stuck in beachside traffic on the way to a gig. She wants a lane for herself, but there are obstructions in the way. What’s more, time erodes all things: the wind nearly sweeps away her prize scarf. Yet she’s got some tricks up her sleeve, and abilities that the average driver can’t even dream of — and when she puts them into practice, the night comes alive.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in the music industry?

My dad was a famous drummer/singer and my mom is a poet/writer, which is where I got my talent from. I began writing and performing at an early age. I’ve been doing music all my life but it wasn’t until I was a teenager that I knew the music industry was where I wanted to be. So at 13 I was recording my music and started performing at school talent shows etc.. Since then, I have worked with various artists all around the world, which is how I made a mark in the music industry.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?

Some of my musical influences are Lauryn Hill, D’Angelo, Nirvana, The Foo Fighters, Earth Wind and Fire, The Clark Sisters, The Carpenters, Donny Hathaway, and so many others. They all have shaped me into the artist that I am today, from their songwriting to arranging performances. I am a lover of music and a sponge that soaks up everything when watching artists who inspire me.

What was the inspiration behind “Fashionably Late”? What message or story are you trying to convey through this song?

The inspiration behind writing “FashionablyLate” was just to make a fun record that was relevant to today’s sound, which is why I rapped over a drill-type beat. I also like to look nice whenever I step out to go anywhere so I talked about that in the song but made it melodic with a catchy hook. I had no idea it would get this big of a response from everyone.

How did you find out about the contest run by Negative Kitty, and what motivated you to enter?

I found out about the contest run by Negative Kitty while on Instagram and saw their post about it. I then submitted a song (which was not FashionablyLate) and prayed for the best. A little while later I was contacted by Seby and was told I was the winner. I was so happy and honored, especially after seeing how good their work was and who they were and have worked with.

How involved were you in the creative process for the animation? Did you have any specific ideas or themes you wanted to see in the video?

I was very involved in the process but didn’t need to do much because they had done their research on me and knew everything to do, which impressed me. I saw the whole animation process from start to finish and it was amazing. Everything from the video treatment to the concept, they put together. They even picked the song “FashionablyLate” which is a direct reflection of me and because of them capturing that in the visual, it has become my favorite video out of all my videos. The only specific idea I and my family asked for was to add the gap in between my teeth and they did

What was the most exciting part of seeing your music brought to life through animation?

The most exciting part for me was seeing a character created to look exactly like me and seeing it do stuff that I do or would do . Every time I watch it, it’s like looking at it for the first time all over again…it’s amazing and I’m always blown away watching it. I can’t believe it’s me. They did the Big One

Can you share any behind-the-scenes stories or interesting details about the making of the video?

Something interesting about the video people may not know is that when it was getting put together, Seby thought it would be cool to have humans as well as animals, aliens/creatures play a role throughout it and I thought that was dope.

What has been the overall reception to “Fashionably Late” and its music video from your fans and the music community?

The overall reception I’ve been getting back has been great. The video has been going crazy everywhere. I’m blessed and thankful for all the looks and support it’s been getting. They even stream the song too.

How do you see this collaboration with Negative Kitty influencing your career moving forward?

This collaboration with Negative Kitty has helped my music career tremendously. It has introduced my music and me to a whole new lane of people as well as networking with the likes of HIP Video Promo and more.

Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you can tease for us?

I will be releasing my follow-up single/visual “F.T.C” (From The City) before the year is up as well as other visuals from my album “The Archives Volume 1”. Also be on the lookout for the album “Divine Timing” by myself and D.C’s own Uptown Shane!