The word is finally out and the streets of Chicago are buzzing. Up-and-coming emcees JaeOneder & Ka’Ron of the “The Skwod” are southeast side Chicago natives. JaeOneder & Ka’Ron talk with Mari’ about their debut album “The Path” and how they plan to make their mark in the industry.
The Skwod Interview:
What does The Skwod stand for?
JaeOneder: Well, it stands for everything that we stand for which is; Street, Knowledge, Wisdom, Order & Discipline.
How did the “The Skwod” come about?
Ka’Ron: The Skwod came together when we were in high school at Kenwood Academy.
JaeOneder: Yeah, Kenwood had a talent show and Ka’Ron and I did our first performance. Everything really took off from that point on (laughs).
Tell me about your upcoming album “The Path”
Ka’Ron: This album sets the foundation of who “The Skwod” is. Hey, and you can quote me on this; “This album is the end of the start of a new beginning”.
What is your favorite track on the album?
Ka’Ron: I’m gonna say, “Spotlight” is my favorite. It’s commercial and conceptual.
JaeOneder: I’m gonna go with “The Hangover”.
What genre of music you are?
JaeOneder: Hip-Hop
What other artist would you like to work with?
Ka’Ron: So many to name…Devin the Dude, Eminem, Lupe Fiasco, Donell Jones and Musiq Soulchild.
JaeOneder: Method Man, Jay Z, Nas, Billy Paul and many many more (laughs).
What inspired you both to want to become artist?
JaeOneder: I remember like it was yesterday…Grant Hill had just came out with his shoe in 1995 by Fila. I wanted those shoes so bad. I begged my mom to get them for me and she finally bought them (laugh). Anyway, right after I got the shoes Method Man and Mary released the You’re All I Need video and Meth had on the Grant Hills in the video! In that moment, I knew I wanted to be an emcee. Seeing Meth with the shoes and I had the same shoes, it really inspired me to write. So, in fourth grade I started writing and haven’t stopped since.
Ka’Ron: Well, when I was a kid my brother use to be in a rap group and I use to sit and listen to his group rhyme all the time. But, I remember I was in seventh grade and at the time R. Kelly had a song out called, “Etcetera”. His song inspired me to write my own song called “Pure” and I been writing ever since.
What was your most memorable performance?
Ka’Ron: We performed at Kennedy King in 2006…Man, we had dancers, a big stage, we were throwing cash in the crowd (laughs) and everybody was having a good time. That was a great performance.
JaeOneder: We performed at the Lebron James “More Than a Game Tour” here in Chicago. We had a great crowd response and that stage was just so big. I had a great time!
Who has been the most influential person in your career?
Ka’Ron: SC has been most influential, he is a producer. He is a great mentor to us and he has been around for a while. He’s done beats for Diddy, Mary J and many other artists.
If you could do a remix to any song that’s out right now what would it be?
JaeOneder: Kanye West’s “I’m So Appalled”.
Ka’Ron: Drake “Show Me A Good Time”.
What message do you want people to get when they listen to your music?
JaeOneder: I want the people to feel something…as people we go thru different emotions. So, if it’s a party song I want people to be ready to dance, if the song is more chill I want you to be able to chill while listening to the track.
Ka’Ron: I want people to identify with the music and make some kind of connection. So, whatever that connection maybe as long as you connect that’s all that matters.
For more info on “The Skwod” checkout the website Itstheskwod.com
I heard the album and I was like ” Yo, its not even wack. In fact its actually kinda hot”. Keep rasing the bar !