You might think Beatboxing originated in the ’80s with Doug E Fresh and the like, but people have actually been using their mouths as instruments for thousands of years. The Chinese, Indian and the Scottish all had their own forms of early Beatboxing.
Fast forward a couple of Millennium to the present day and BeatBoxing is bigger than ever. In the UK, number one Beatboxing star Killa Kela has been doing his bit for Anglo-French relations with an awesome channel hopping collaboration with his French counterpart, the legendary Eklips.
We spoke to Killa to find out how he does it.
How long have you been Beatboxing?
I started when I was about 7 or 8.. Mainly beats an sounds, Playing with my toys and stuff like that. It was only later that I found out it was called beatboxing, so I jus expanded on what I did.
What is your preferred Mic of choice?
Mics like the Shure KSM9 are wicked. Erm, and I guess a standard Beta58 too.
How did the collaboration come about with French rapper Eklips?
Me & Eklips have known each other for ages, 8 years or so. We thought it would be wicked to create a Beatbox EP for the Beatbox fans: Two Heavyweights coming together and creating a Euro world sound.
Who were your beatbox heroes?
I came up through Rahzel and the more American type stuff. Back in the day, he (Rahzel) set precedence to what beatboxers are doing even now. For me though, I Love Bobby Mc ferrin, Timberland, with his Beatbox in production. And right now, people like Eklips, Reeps1, and myself (hehe 😉 are style defining.
Faith SFX, has some wicked sounds too..
Is it a good way to pick up girls?
Talents an attractive thing, Swag even more so..
How do you breathe while beatboxing?
It’s jus technique, you pick up tricks through repetition and practice. Breathing comes in between sounds with short bursts, an if u can make sounds whilst breathing in and out, then even better.
Have you ever tried to play a didgeridoo?
Ah, nope. I’ll leave that to FluteBox Lee! Nex style yo!
Where is the best hip hop club / night in London?
YoYo, Nottinghill Arts club every Thursday. The vibes wicked.
You can download his brilliant new single ‘Virus’ for free at www.killakela.com
We ALSO have a great competition to win a Killa Kela Goodie Bag featuring:
The Elocution Album (Feat. Neneh Cherry & Roots Manuva)
Ontourvandamage Mix CD (Feat. DIOYY, Plan.B, Dizzee Raskal, Mixed by Plus One – Jackbeats)
Rave Of The Future Ltd Ed. 7″inch (w/Stickers & Poster)
Secrets 5 & 7″inch with alternative Remix’s (Wiley & Adam Freeland)
Amplified! Album (Feat. Bashy, Martin Rushent, Hadouken, Dj Craze, Alan Braxe, Lateef of Quanum)
Killa Kela TeeShirt
Everyday CD single (Remix’s from DCUP, JakWob, TEED, LikeLike)
JawBreaker Ltd Ed. Promo (Remix from Clipz)
** This competition is now closed **
This competition is now closed, for our latest competitions click HERE