We connected with Philly based rapper KingTay for an exclusive interview to discuss the newly released visual to his song “Sad and Lonely”, which is about dealing with depression, and pushing past it. We also got a chance to pick KingTay’s brain about what he wants the listener to take away from the song, his musical goals for 2020, thoughts about the hip-hop scene in Philly for emerging artists, and much more.

After reading our Q&A with KingTay, be sure to connect with him on social media, and check out more of his music on Spotify.

Congratulations on the release of your new music video for "Sad and Lonely". The song itself is not just the typical rap song; it addresses a serious topic, which is depression. What initially inspired you to write the song?

I created “Sad & Lonely" as a way for me to vent. It is a reminder to what I'm fighting for. A reminder of how I felt and don't want to feel anymore. I don't like being sad, I don't like being in a state of depression. My emotions inspired me to write. My desire to help others, inspired me to turn it into a song.

Regarding the visual, how did you and the director, J99, come up with its treatment?

Honestly, J99 came with me to get footage at a show that we had. We were just sitting in the dressing room and then decided to go out and shoot a video. Wasn't too much thought put into come and go with the treatment for the video.

When someone who is dealing with depression hears the "Sad and Lonely" song or watches the video, what do you want them to take away from it?

Anyone dealing with depression or may know someone dealing with it, I want them to know that they are not alone and they can get through it. I was fortunate enough to have a few good people in my corner who paid attention enough to know something was wrong. They tried to help how ever they could, when I really just wanted to be alone. I truly appreciate all of them and their effort, it helped. Still none of them could understand what was going on. It was something I felt, at the time, I had to deal with alone. I didn't like being sad and not wanting to do anything. Wanting to talk to someone yet not wanting to talk to anyone. I felt like I was missing out on life, I was not happy. Eventually I was able to build up the mental strength to concentrate on the positive things. It wasn't easy but I eventually started to look at my some of my negatives I was dealing with as a positive.

Depression starts with me; they're my emotions. I decided to control my emotions, the best I could, instead of letting my emotions control me. I'm still working on controlling my emotions in other areas. Not perfect; still a work in progress😁but I've gotten better.

Anyone who has listened to the song that may be going through the same things, can get better and I just want them to know that.

With 2019 winding down, what are some of your goals musically for 2020 and what steps are you taking to achieve them?

I plan on going on a worldwide tour not just in the US but seriously travel the world. I want to go wherever I can, where ever my fans and music take me.

I'm releasing a 12 to 13 track album sometime in November 2019. All the songs are recorded, just waiting on a few songs mixing and mastering to be done. This project along with the ones following behind it I believe can help me achieve my goals.

At the moment, I'm sure some of my music goals may seem a little far-fetched. Still I'd rather give everyday my all, reaching for the stars. I know if I don't make it and fall short, at least I'll land somewhere on a cloud and I'm not mad at that. I'm that much closer to my goal, I'll just get up and try again.

What are your thoughts about the hip-hop music scene in Philly right now for emerging artists?

Philadelphia has so many talented artists. We are flooded with singers, songwriters, rappers, producers, engineers, so many different types of artists. Most of us are fighting one another, competing against one another. It's truly unfortunate because we all could win, but we're stuck in a crab in a barrel mentality. Constantly pulling one another down. Because of this it is extremely difficult in my opinion to gain recognition in Philadelphia, if you're an upcoming musician. I believe you have to go elsewhere and make a name somewhere else. Then Philly looks at you and say he's one of us and some will embrace you, others will hate you.

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