Keaote delves on his creative tastes, music influences & more
Great to have you on Xttrawave. Please, introduce yourself.
My name is Keaote’ pronounced Key-Aht-tay and its special because its my name, I used to rap under the stage name “Otti Love” but that wasn’t me, more so a character the world created and I’m from Montgomery, Al.
What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path? Tell us about your new music? And what’s the story behind it?
I’ve always loved music as a kid. I had two loves which were football and music. In college I got hurt in practice and had to have surgery and I almost died and thought that was God’s way of telling me he didn’t want me playing football so I ran to the mic. Deep down I think I was just scared and didn’t want something else to happen because I never went back to the field even after I was cleared to start physical therapy. I just started rapping.
What makes your music unique? How would you describe it?
I make christian music that doesn’t compromise the gospel and it sounds good. People can play my music in their car and rock out and vibe to it while also being spiritually fed at the same time. People tell me, “you make christian music, but it’s not lame or corny” or like this one guy who told me if he had heard christian music like mine when he was coming up as a kid or even as a teenager, it would have kept him in church. I used to make secular music before I was saved.
When I was converting over to Christian music, my pastor told me “God’s not going to take away your flow, you’re just changing who you’re rapping for and man it is the best decision I’ve ever made.
Who are your biggest music influences? And any particular artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?
Bizzle, Sevin, KingdomMuzicMinistries, RMVchosen; Even my personal friends, my brother Pollard, Jay-B, Tobias Spence, Shaquille Thomas along with some sisters in Christ as well as Keyetta Cotton and Iyanla Mosely. I listen to these amazing people on a daily basis. Extremely talented. Music aside, these men and
women of God are DOPE and they all are repping for the Kingdom and I’m not one of those people who will lie and tell you your music is good if it’s not. Lying is a sin,amen. With that being said, everyone that I have named has in some way influenced and helped me get to where I am today. I have collabed with some of these brothers and sisters already but needless to say, I would love to collaborate with everyone on this list as well as a lot more.
Which is the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?
A guy gave his life to Jesus one night after I finished ministering. It was so beautiful. I love the music but it’s just a tool God gave me to reach the broken.
How do you balance your music with other obligations – family, friends or work?
I pray. My job can get stressful from the hours but I try to change my perspective because there is somebody out there who would love to be in my shoes and have the job that I have. It’s just understanding that your situation could be a lot worse than what it is and also understanding that this is not the final destination. My friends and family understand my situation so that part isn’t so hard.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Learn how to play an instrument. It will change your life. Also , if you feel like music is what you were born to do, then go for it. I’m telling you now, it’s not going to be easy and there will be times when you want to give up but if you truly keep God first and do it for him and not money or social status, then you will exceed your expectations.
If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
You’re not a fan and I’m not an idol. I’m just a messenger using music to save souls for the Kingdom of God. Stay prayed up and seek God in all that you do!
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects?
I have an album/ep called “Validation” that’s still being put in the works that I am very excited about, you don’t want to miss it!
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