Mus AbubakerKeenon Rush is a recording artist working in hip-hop hailing from East Point, Georgia. His music blurs the boundaries of pop and trap, sometimes veering one way completely, but is consistently rooted in a very hip-hop ideology. Like many Southern-bred recording artists, he was first exposed to music in the churches and choirs. In those East Atlanta congregations, his interest in sounds and creative collaboration was piqued. On the eve of the release of his latest project Keen Is Abel, Rush sat down with Immersive Atlanta for an encompassing interview that hopes to get to the heart of the artist’s identity and musical philosophy.
How did you come up with the project title Keen Is Abel?
My brother Tyree and I were talking about dope ways to build a movement around the music. He came up with the trilogy idea and the titles for each EP. They all have meaning. This one is the sound of self-discovery.
What was the first song you wrote for the EP?
The first song I wrote on this album was probably “Headlock.” At the time, it was just a really dope record that I wrote for a score to a short film I starred in of the same title. That film was directed by brother John Dierre. Talented eye.
The last?
The last song I recorded was “Neverland.” We had really big ideas for that record and Tim Maxey helped take the production to a place I’m sure fans will be grateful for. The song is abundant with emotion.
What were you going for with the production on this album?
I really wanted to collaborate and get out of the comfort zone of my creative process. I worked with five new producers. I think they helped to push me as a writer. I wanted to say more by writing less. I think that’s where we kept the focus when choosing instrumentation and vibes. We wanted it to sound like someone discovering their calling.
How did you approach the lyricis on this project?
I might have spoken too soon in the last response, but it all ties together. I just wanted to simplify my cadence and give people things can digest. That is not to say I wanted to write simple shit. I wanted to simply state what must be said, shared, felt.
How much creative input did you have in the album art?
I’m a creative director and have curated/designed every single one of my covers. I enjoy communicating through aesthetic.
You’ve shot videos for “My Party” and “Headlock.” What was it like putting those videos together?
For me, it was beautiful because my foundation was forming while we created those videos. Some of my first videos were just me and whoever I could get to shoot at the time and now we’re out here looking like a whole production company when we pull up to execute things. My team is A-1.
What have you learned about making music since your last LP, Citizen Keen?
It takes some time to be somebody, and it takes time to build a team around you—not below or behind you. I spent this year building my team and accepting the energy that supported me. Now we look at everything as an opportunity to earn something.
What is a typical studio session like for you?
A typical studio session for me depends on what’s going on in my life. I wrote and recorded a song by myself last week just because I was feeling anxious as fuck that I hadn’t created anything new in a while. So, sometimes it’s very impulsive. Other times, it’s very curated in the sense that I hit up my bros who rap or produce and we all come together at my crib to laugh, brainstorm, premiere. It’s a really seamless flow of energy when that happens. I have been blessed to be able to create in the space I’m in right now.
What do you want listeners to learn about you from this project?
That I make iconic music. That I’m an anomaly. But most importantly, I want to spark an interest in them that drives them to learn more about themselves through my music.
More Info
Web: keenonrush.com
Facebook: @KeenonRushOfficial
Instagram: @keenonrush
SoundCloud: @keenonrush
Twitter: @KeenonRush