Interview: Florida’s Natural with Kie Money

Florida's Natural

As many local fans are aware, Florida has one of the most overlooked Hip Hop circuits, not only in the region, but the entire country. While it can be tough for local creatives to break out from the scene, Citrus Rap makes strides to continue to uplift the Floridians who are on their way up. Said creatives, seen all over CitrusRap, can be found making moves statewide— some even venturing out of state. Still there are several unanswered questions for these rising stars, so we went ahead and formulated a questionnaire to clear the air. This is a new interview series we call “Florida’s Natural,” so that fans can gain insight on the individuals who we believe have the juice.

#GetYaLifeGaurdGameUp ?

A photo posted by #KieMoney$$ #FreeBam$$ ? (@kiemoney954) on

List your current rap Alias(es):

If you knew me since middle school, you’d call me Kiwi, because I always used to have kiwi and strawberry-kiwi Capri-Sun. If you know me from the last several years, you would call me Money or Kie Money.

Where do you reside; what’s your hometown?

Right now I reside in Coral Springs but just left out of Margate. I was in [Coconut] Creek at one point. My home is Broward County.

Why do you rap?

Honestly, I started for the fun of it. When I was 16, I was locked up. My cousin was rapping at the time, so I started when I was in there and would rap to him over the phone. When I grew up, I knew I wanted to do it seriously. Now, I do it for the money and to provide for my family.

Who do you look up to?

Honestly, I look up to no one. I just have my own path and do what I do. I know there are people out there that have influenced me, but I don’t necessarily look up to them. Music-wise, Lil’ Wayne is my favorite artist of all time.

How old are you now and how old were you when you first released your music on the internet?

I’m 25-years-old. My first shit was when I was 17; I was in this group called the Posta Boyz.

What 3 albums of 3 different genres shaped you as an artist?

Lil’ Wayne – The Carter

Michael Jackson – Thriller

The Notorious B.I.G. – Ready to Die

What do you bring to the live stage setting that captivates crowds?

Basically, I’ve hosted a lot of shit before, so I have a good stage presence. I through a lot of fuckin’ water. I tell the left side of the crowd to get turnt, I tell the right. I just do a bunch of turn-ups.

How do you portray your personality in your music?

What I rap about is what I do. I portray myself as a street rapper because I’m a street dude first. When you hear that “Aye!” come in, you know I’m ’bout to come through with some shit!

Do you care about social media?

At this point, you have to. As far as caring about what people say, I don’t pay attention. But as far as the fans on social media reaching out, I definitely care.

Is it ever difficult to express yourself?

Never. The music definitely helps, but I tell it how it is wherever I go, not just in the music. If I feel a certain way, I’ma let you know.

What song describes your current mood?

Shit, I’d say my song with Curren$y called “Ain’t No Blowing My High.”

When can people expect your next big project?

I’m in the works with Nuez. He’s mixing down this track with Zaytoven. We’ll probably drop that in a week or two. I’m dropping my EP after YOTS, probably in late October. It’ll be called Street Stunna.

Anything else to add?

Look out for my brother Robb Bank$’ mothafuckin’ album YOTS October 2nd. That shit’s gonna be a classic. Shoutout to Pouya, Fat Nick, Lano, the whole SS team.

Kie Money is on Twitter & SoundCloud