Kage

What was your inspiration for Day 26's, "So Good" and Playaz Circle's, "We Gettin' Rich?"

Kage: "So Good" almost never got completed. I'm really picky, when it comes to tracks, and I remember doing half of it and then leaving it alone for a day or two because I didn't like the way it was going. Luckily for me, I was on the phone and I pulled up the tracks. My friend, on the other end of the call, was like, "Man, that's hot. You should finish it." So, I did and the rest is history.

The "We Gettin' Rich" song is a song that I produced a long time ago. The inspiration just came from me listening to a bunch of old records and I heard that sample and was like, "I gotta freak it." Once I did the track, I just started singing on it and it actually ended up on the final record. I knew it was a banga. My manager, "M," gave it to DTP and Playaz Circle got on it.

What are you working on, currently?

Kage: Currently, I'm working with Qdakid, who's signed to Tag Records/Def Jam. I'm A&R'ing his new mixtape, "I Am Him, Part II," and also producing 5 tracks for it. I'm also working with new and established writers and building my catalogue and my brand. There's other stuff in the works, but I don't want to let the cat out of the bag just yet.

Where are you from, originally?

Kage: I'm originally from N.Y., but have also lived in South Carolina for a couple of years with my grandmother. My mother thought I was getting into too much crazy stuff in the city and thought that living with my grandmother would slow things down. I used to be so upset with my mom for sending me down south, but that probably was the best thing for me because I've found some of the best undiscovered talent comes from the south.

Who is your musical mentor and why?

Kage: Wow, I have quite a few, but I'd have to say the person who has had the most profound effect on me musically has to be Bryan Michael Cox. He took me under his wing and showed me the do's and the dont's of the business. I remember leaving the studio late feeling accomplished and he would be finishing one song and getting started on another one. His work ethic is incredible and he also has a great ear; he knows when a track is too much or if it needs more work. His track record is insane with his number ones and he's an all-around good guy, but don't get it twisted; Bryan also knows that I'm gunning for him, so watch out Billboard.

What was your first introduction into the music industry?

Kage: My first introduction to the music industry was when I was a kid. My mom was good friends with people in the industry, so she used to take me to video shoots with her. I used to watch how the videos were made and I saw acts, like Cameo and Doug E. fresh, lip syncing to the music and dancing. I just liked the whole lifestyle and I wanted to be apart of it. Not to mention, we had catered food service at the shoots, so I really liked that; I was eating that free food up.