The First 5 with BK-One

Published by Justin Elgie on January 4, 2010 at 7:25 am

bk-one

From studying classical piano and jazz theory at an early age to constructing hip-hop beats that feature artists such as Brother Ali, Raekwon, Scarface and Murs, BK-One has evolved significantly over the years. After moving to Minneapolis in 1996, things started to happen. He helped establish an independent hip-hop radio show (a first for the city), hit the road to DJ across town with his record collection, became a member of Rhymesayers and ended up meeting Brother Ali, a hungry hip-hop artist who he now permanently disc jockeys for. BK has released a handful of popular mixtapes which have worked up to the release of his first solo album, “Rádio Do Canibal”, which was highly anticipated and well-received. We hooked up with BK-One to get his thoughts for our First 5.

1. Tell us something nobody knows about you?

When I’m not on the road DJing, I spend a couple days a week working at a group home for folks with developmental disabilities. I help the residents make good choices with their time and money, I pass medications, and I create all the menus and do the cooking. For years, I’ve made enough money from music to pay my bills and mortgage, but I get restless without a “real job”. Having the schedule and structure of a job makes me use my free time more productively. Plus I love the folks who live at the home.

2. What do you want people to take away from your music?

My favorite albums are the ones that leave me wanting to learn more, the ones that open a new door for me. Hopefully, my new album with Benzilla will make people want to check out the Brazilian music scene that we were so inspired by. And of course, I want people to feel good when they’re listening to my music.

3. What is one of your biggest regrets?

I don’t believe in regrets. Looking back there is always gonna be things that I would do differently or say differently, but I am who I am because of my history… mistakes and all.

4. What is your greatest memory in hip-hop?

Hands down, it has to be touring with Rakim and Kid Capri. In a way, it legitimized all the work I’ve done over the last 20 years. At this point I’ve met a lot of my heroes, but that tour was something really special.

5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I probably won’t be touring anymore… I’ve already spent 10 years of my life touring relentlessly and I’m not interested in raising kids from the road. I’d love to still be involved in music somehow though. That might mean expanding my skills as a producer, or working on the radio, or teaching piano to middle-schoolers… Half the fun of life is that we don’t know what’s coming next.

Check BK-One out on Rhymesayers, MySpace and Twitter.