A SCOTTISH rapper has released a new track as he prepares for the release of his latest album later this year.
Lloyd Ross, known as Kryptik, has established a name for himself across Scotland’s hip-hop scene following his entry into the industry more than 20 years ago.
His latest single, a track titled Roses N Daisies which he described as “deeply personal,” is set to be part of a new album which he says he is only a couple of tracks away from completing.
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Speaking to The National, he discusses how his journey into music started and his hopes for the future.
Starting out
“My journey started around 2002 with beatboxing when I would jump on mics and stuff like that,” the rapper explains.
“I got introduced to the production side of things in 2006 but didn’t really know much about the sounds I was making or any of the technical side of things.
“I taught myself how to produce and then I had mates who were DJs so I started making tracks and giving them demo discs.”
Keen to learn more, Ross (below) went on to gain a degree in sound engineering before things really started to take off.
Within a year of leaving college, he was performing at the Solar Eclipse Festival in Australia before releasing his debut album, Necessary Evil, in 2015, which started to gain him more attention.
Further success
Asked to describe the kind of music he makes, Ross said: “I would say it varies. I always try and write in such a way that will reflect well in a live environment.
“This particular track for example is quite deep and personal though so I try and do a mixture of things.
“I try to be energetic but I’m also not afraid to jump on topics which might be brushed under the carpet whether it’s mental health or addiction so it’s not all just about party anthems.”
Indeed, his 2020 album Collective Thoughts helped to raise awareness of mental health issues.
In 2019, he found himself nominated for a Scottish Alternative Music Award and in 2020 took the title for Scottish Hip Hop Track of the Year on North Highland Radio.
He’s also been featured on BBC’s Introducing in Scotland programme which aims to promote “under the radar” artists across the country.
Considering his debut album only came out in 2015, it’s been a fairly rapid rise.
“I never really knew then I would be where I am today, doing international showcases and travelling about places like Sweden and Rotterdam,” he explains.
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“It’s good to have these industry moguls or bigwigs I suppose having your back. There’s always a sense of self-doubt before a release about how something is going to land so when you have established industry figures backing you then it adds a certain amount of confidence.
“It’s been a good journey so far. I’m working on my next album and am maybe two tracks away from completing that.
“I’m trying to be more reflective with it and am hoping to have it out in the next few months.”
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