Kaicrewsade’s music is deeply rooted in his upbringing, shaped by the sounds of both Chicago and Mississippi. Growing up in the West Side of Chicago before spending time down south, he was exposed to a wide range of musical influences. His dad’s love for Common and A Tribe Called Quest introduced him to hip-hop’s rich history, while his mom filled their home with jazz and neo-soul. By the time he was roughly six years old, he already knew he wanted to rap. As he got older, he found inspiration in Chicago’s next generation of artists, Chance the Rapper, Noname, and Saba, who reinforced his passion for storytelling through music.
Despite his deep love for music, Kaicrewsade doesn’t follow a strict formula when it comes to creating. His latest release, “Boolin!,” was a product of a free-flowing approach. Originally, he and his friend Vooo were working on an EP, but “Boolin!” stood out as a favorite track at the moment. Instead of overthinking the process, they decided to just drop it on its own. “The inspiration is just day-to-day life, talking with my people,” he explains. He even remembers making the song on Halloween, capturing the laid-back energy of a moment that felt right. That organic approach is what makes his music resonate so easily, there’s no forced agenda, just genuine vibes.
His influences are vast, and his sound reflects that variety. From jazz-funk pioneers like Azymuth to modern innovators like Liv.e, Kiefer, and DJ Harrison, Kaicrewsade draws inspiration from everywhere. He also credits Saba, Matt Martians, and Outkast’s André 3000 as key figures in shaping his artistry. “The list goes on and on,” he admits, showing how his musical world is constantly evolving. His ability to weave together elements from different genres keeps his sound fresh, bridging the gap between nostalgic vocals and forward-thinking production.
Outside of music, Kai keeps things simple, he enjoys spending time with his people, going to the movies, digging through record stores, and hitting the beach when he gets the chance. A balance that keeps him grounded, giving him space to recharge before diving back into his craft. His music may be personal, but it’s deeply connected to the world around him, shaped by real experiences and the community he surrounds himself with.
Recently, he’s started to see the real impact of his work. With people reaching out to tell him how much his last project, Yvette, meant to them, it’s hitting him that his music is more than just an outlet, it’s something people genuinely connect with. “I lowkey can’t stop rapping,” he jokes, realizing that his art holds weight for listeners. That kind of recognition fuels his motivation, pushing him to keep going even when the journey isn’t always easy.
Looking ahead, Kaicrewsade has plenty in the works. His annual Kai’s Poetry Club event is coming up in Chicago, a space dedicated to mental health and vulnerability in the city, something he’s passionate about fostering. And, of course, new music is on the way. But for now, Boolin! is out, and he’s letting it ride.
Make sure to check out Kai’s music below + check out his socials @kaicrewsade
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